If you’re Latino, like my husband, then tamales need no introduction. However, being an East Indian gal myself, I didn’t grow up eating them, though now I can’t imagine celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas without them.
Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa or dough, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. Typically, you peel off the husk before eating, and you can eat it plain or with salsa. Their origins can be traced as far back as the indigenous Indians of the Americas, and it holds a special place in the Latin community today.
With so many places to pick from, we narrow it down to the BEST in Austin…
Tamale Addiction 114 E Parsons Street, Manor TX 78653
Farmers market stalwart Tamale Addiction offers meat, sweet, vegetarian, vegan tamales, which are frozen for pick-up orders. I’ve bought these tamales at the Mueller Farmer’s Market as well as at their store front in Manor. By far, these are my favorite tamales in town! They are fresh, delicious and packed full (alternatively, you can buy a frozen 12-pack to store for later).
Rosies Tamale House 13436 TX-71, Austin, TX 78738
Lick it Up 2421 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Mr. Natural 1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Tamale House East 1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
The tamale tradition lives on with Tamale House East on East 6th where tamale plates are plentiful.
The Vegan Nom 2324 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Guero’s Taco Bar 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Fresa’s 915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
The chicken tinga tamales are the real MVP! Black bean and cheese tamales are also available. The orders come with crema and salsas, with optional meals additions with rice, beans, and queso or guacamole.
Delicious Tamales 931 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741
Nissi Vegan Mexican Cuisine 9012 Research Blvd Unit C-6, Austin, TX 78758
Curra’s Grill 614 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
Not your Mama’s tamale place. Curra’s tamales range from pork to bean to mole to crab, and go well with an order of the avocado margarita (or, so I’m told).
Costco
When all else fails, go to Costco. I know, I know. I thought that was a weird idea at first too. They are tried and true (husband approved!) and cost-effective (a win-win for this momma).
Taco Joint 134 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, 78704
Matt’s El Rancho 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
