Tamales hold a special place in Texas cuisine, beloved for their savory fillings wrapped in soft masa and steamed to perfection. These portable, delicious bundles of joy have become a staple across the Lone Star State, with countless restaurants and family-run establishments offering their unique take on this traditional Mexican dish.
For those seeking the best tamales Texas has to offer, a culinary journey awaits. From Austin to San Antonio, Houston to Dallas, and everywhere in between, the state boasts an array of top-notch tamale spots that promise to satisfy even the most discerning palates. These establishments range from time-honored local favorites to innovative newcomers, each bringing their own flair to this beloved comfort food.
1) Picos – Houston
Picos stands out as a top destination for tamales in Houston. This authentic Mexican restaurant offers a diverse selection of tamale flavors year-round.
Their tamales are handcrafted using traditional methods, resulting in a perfect blend of masa and savory fillings. Picos’ tamales come in popular varieties like chicken, pork, and beef.
During the holiday season, Picos ramps up production to meet increased demand. They offer convenient ordering options, including in-store, online, and phone orders for those seeking tamales by the dozen.
Picos has gained recognition for its tamales, featured in local publications as one of the best places to buy tamales in Houston. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authentic flavors makes it a go-to spot for tamale enthusiasts.
Picos Restaurant
3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (832) 831-9940
Website: www.picos.net
2) Del Sur Tacos – Dallas
Del Sur Tacos brings authentic Mexican flavors to Dallas with their scratch-made offerings. This taqueria stands out for its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
The menu features a variety of tacos, including innovative creations that showcase the chef’s culinary skills. Each taco is carefully crafted to deliver a burst of flavors with every bite.
Beyond tacos, Del Sur offers tamales that have gained popularity among locals. These handmade delicacies are filled with savory meats and wrapped in corn husks, steamed to perfection.
The restaurant’s atmosphere adds to the dining experience, with religious imagery adorning the walls. This decor creates a warm and inviting ambiance for patrons to enjoy their meals.
Del Sur Tacos has become a beloved spot for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in Dallas. Its dedication to quality and flavor keeps customers coming back for more.
Address: 720 East Jefferson Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75203
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am, Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday Closed
3) Tamale House East – Austin
Tamale House East stands as an Austin institution, serving up some of Texas’ finest tamales since 1958. This family-owned eatery has become a local favorite, known for its authentic flavors and traditional recipes.
The tamales at Tamale House East are generously sized, true to Texas style. Patrons can savor these moist, flavorful delights while enjoying the restaurant’s charming atmosphere, complete with Mexican-inspired decor.
Beyond tamales, the menu offers a variety of Tex-Mex classics. The full bar adds to the dining experience, allowing guests to pair their meal with a refreshing margarita or glass of wine.
Visitors can relax in the restaurant’s famous “Magical Secret Tamale House gardens,” providing a unique outdoor dining option. This space captures the essence of old Austin, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.
Tamale House East: 1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702. Open Friday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 9:30 pm, Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Closed Monday through Thursday.
4) Guadalupe’s Mexican Kitchen – Fort Worth
Guadalupe’s Mexican Kitchen is a hidden gem in Fort Worth known for its authentic tamales. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious Mexican cuisine for over two decades.
Their tamales are made fresh daily using traditional recipes passed down through generations. The corn masa is perfectly steamed, and the fillings are flavorful and generous.
Customers rave about the pork tamales, which are tender and well-seasoned. The chicken tamales are equally popular, offering a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
Guadalupe’s also offers vegetarian tamales filled with cheese and jalapeños, catering to diverse dietary preferences. During the holiday season, they prepare special sweet tamales with raisins and cinnamon.
The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and friendly service complement the excellent food. Visitors can enjoy their tamales in the cozy dining room or order them to go.
Guadalupe’s Mexican Kitchen
Address: 4750 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76132
Phone: (817) 738-9885
Website: www.guadalupesmexicankitchen.com
5) Tamale Company – Richardson
Tamale Company in Richardson offers a delightful array of handcrafted tamales. Their menu features both traditional and innovative flavors, catering to diverse palates.
The tamales are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients. Customers can choose from classic pork and chicken varieties, as well as vegetarian options like cheese and jalapeño.
Tamale Company takes pride in their cooking process, which involves steaming the tamales to perfection. This results in a moist, flavorful filling encased in light, fluffy masa.
The restaurant also offers tamales by the dozen, making it convenient for customers to enjoy them at home. Their catering services are popular for events and gatherings.
Tamale Company – Richardson
Address: 1130 E Arapaho Rd, Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 231-8667
Website: www.tamalecompany.com
History of Tamales in Texas
Tamales have deep roots in Texas, tracing back to indigenous cultures and evolving through centuries of cultural exchange. Their popularity grew as Mexican influences spread throughout the state, becoming a cherished part of Texan cuisine.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Tamales arrived in Texas with indigenous peoples and Spanish colonizers. Originally a staple food of Mesoamerican cultures, tamales gained prominence as Mexican immigrants settled in Texas. The dish became integral to Texan culture, especially during holidays and family gatherings.
Tamales symbolize community and tradition. Families often gather for “tamaladas” – tamale-making parties where recipes and techniques are passed down through generations. This communal aspect has cemented tamales as a cultural touchstone in Texas.
Regional Variations
Texas tamales exhibit distinct regional characteristics. In South Texas, pork and beef fillings dominate, often spiced with chili peppers. Central Texas tamales may feature a wider variety of fillings, including chicken, beans, and even sweet options.
West Texas tamales are known for their larger size and spicier flavors, with green chile tamales being particularly popular in El Paso. Gulf Coast regions sometimes incorporate seafood into their tamales, reflecting local culinary influences.
Urban areas like Austin and Houston showcase innovative twists on traditional recipes, with vegetarian and fusion options gaining popularity. Despite these variations, the core elements of masa dough and corn husks remain consistent across the state.
Ingredients and Preparation
Authentic Texas tamales rely on traditional ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. The quality and combination of these elements are crucial for creating the distinctive flavors and textures that make Texas tamales special.
Traditional Ingredients
Masa, a dough made from corn flour, forms the base of every tamale. In Texas, lard is often added to the masa for richness and texture. Fillings vary but commonly include pork, beef, or chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Vegetarian options might feature beans, cheese, or vegetables.
Corn husks are essential for wrapping the tamales before steaming. Some recipes incorporate red or green chili sauces for added flavor. Regional variations might include unique ingredients like green chiles in West Texas tamales.
Cooking Techniques
Tamale preparation is a labor-intensive process that often brings families together. The masa is spread onto softened corn husks, filled, and carefully folded. This technique requires practice to achieve the right thickness and distribution.
Steaming is the primary cooking method for tamales. They’re arranged vertically in a large pot with a steamer basket, allowing the steam to cook them evenly. Cooking time typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size and quantity.
Some cooks add a coin to the steaming water – the sound it makes indicates when more water is needed. This traditional technique ensures the tamales don’t dry out during the lengthy steaming process.