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San Jose's best

Tamales

Made for those who seek out the specific, labor-intensive craft of traditional tamale preparation.

Based on 456 Opinions
+453
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Updated May 2026
01
K&J Sweets and Bakery image 1
K&J Sweets and Bakery image 2
K&J Sweets and Bakery image 3
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Bright space with natural light and Latin pop music sets a cozy vibe. Pork tamales offer rich flavor but cost more than usual. Sweet aromas and custom baked goods make it a popular spot for casual snacks near the university.

Pork tamales stand out for their flavor and quality. They come at a higher price compared to typical tamales.

People are saying

"I loved their spongy, not too sweet marble cake."

"You have to try their homemade tortas and empanadas; they're so fresh."

"I had the best pork tamale that I have ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free for 90 minutes next to the bakery.

2

Prices for baked goods are generally affordable, with slices of cake around $6.50.

3

The bakery offers a variety of classic panaderia bread and Euro pastries.

02
Dulcinea Panaderia Oaxaquena image 1

Bakery offers rich tamales with generous meat and tasty masa wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. Cozy outdoor patio and minimalist Oaxacan design create a warm, family-style atmosphere. Convenient parking adds ease for visitors.

Tamales come with rich flavors and a generous amount of meat wrapped in either corn husks or banana leaves. The masa is very delicious and pairs well with sauces, especially the orange colored one.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan bread here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The bakery staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"These tamales are delicious, especially with the orange sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the side lot and street in front.

2

The bakery is wheelchair accessible with a ramp.

3

Chocolate donuts sell out quickly, so arrive early.

03
Guanatos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with excellent outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. Menu shines with authentic Mexican dishes like huge quesabirria and affordable pork tamales packed with strong flavor. Generous portions make it great for hearty meals in a friendly setting.

Tamales come in pork and cheese/jalapeรฑo varieties, priced at 3 dollars each. They offer a strong flavor and good value.

People are saying

"The handmade tortillas here are giant and delicious."

"I found the tacos to be extremely delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Tamales cost $3 each, making them an affordable option.

2

Veggie tacos are available for those seeking plant-based choices.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

04
La Oaxaquense Food Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck serves authentic Oaxacan decor with handmade tortillas and generous portions. Tamales shine with Oaxaqueรฑos style flavor, pairing well with tlayudas and aguas frescas. Casual vibe near skate park draws fans of fresh, traditional Mexican dishes.

Tamales here come in Oaxaqueรฑos style and offer a delicious taste that stands out. They pair well with other dishes like tlayudas and aguas frescas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and incredibly flavorful."

"The food from the Food Trucks is so authentic and tasty."

"I found the tamales here delicious."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to confirm the taco truck's location as it may change.

2

They accept credit cards, making it easy to pay without cash.

3

The food truck usually opens around 1 PM, not 12 PM as stated online.

05
Panaderia Rosas image 1

Small bakery offers delicious pork tamales at $2.50 each and tasty pan dulce. Bread stock is limited and may include day-old loaves. Location shares space with a smoke shop and items sell out fast.

Pork tamales stand out as delicious and highly praised. Pricing for tamales is clear at $2.50 each, but making a tamale sandwich can cost significantly more, sometimes up to $6.50.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tamales, to be delicious."

"The bread here is fresh, warm, and delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were bloody awesome."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on popular items.

2

Tamales cost $2.50 each, and bolillos are $0.75.

3

Expect limited stock in the evening, especially around 6 or 7 pm.

06
Orange Sunrise image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop serves huge tamales with housemade salsa and crema, plus a Torta de Tamal sandwich. Smoothies and crepes use fresh fruits with no added sugar. Friendly, clean spot offers delicious desserts at good prices.

Huge tamales come with housemade salsa and crema. The Torta de Tamal features a homemade tamale inside fresh sandwich rolls. Tamales have a rustic look and a straightforward flavor.

People are saying

"I loved their smoothies made with fresh fruits."

"I found the cakes here to be delicious and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the Torta de Tamal, it's a tamale sandwich."

Good to know

1

Expect about 20 minutes for food preparation after ordering.

2

They offer a variety of smoothies made with fresh fruits and no added sugar.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but the payment system may be slow.

07
Los Cuates Meat Market image 1

Grocery store shines with best carnitas and lively atmosphere. Tamales offer a super delicious flavor for quick bites. Prices are high but match market trends, making it a solid spot for South American and Mexican foods.

Tamales here have a super delicious flavor and are considered the best by some. They offer a super decent option for a quick tamale fix.

People are saying

"I thought their carnitas and chicharrones were the best."

"I asked for a glove to get the cheese on my tamales."

Good to know

1

The store is open late, making it convenient for evening shopping.

2

A wide selection of South American products is available.

3

Meat is pre-cut for carne asada, saving preparation time.

08
LA CALLEJERA COLOMBIAN FOOD image 1
Colombian restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Colombian culture and lively music sets a warm mood. Menu highlights unique delicacies like lechona and tamales, praised for rich flavors and generous portions. Tamales sometimes sold frozen, so check cooking needs before ordering.

Tamales come highly praised for their flavor and quality, often paired with lechona for a hearty meal. Some tamales are sold frozen and require cooking, which is not always communicated upfront.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and typical of Colombian cuisine."

"The tamales and lechona here are a 10 out of 10."

"It's a great spot for a date with my husband."

Good to know

1

Menu options expand on Sundays with additional Colombian dishes.

2

Tamales must be picked up before 3:30 pm on December 31st.

3

Portions are large, making it a good value for the price.

09
Tamales Lupita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tamales come huge and flavorful, with standout options like Oaxaca tamale filled with chicken mole. Sweet tamales offer unique tastes like Calabaza Con CoCo, a Latin pumpkin spice flavor. Prices vary, with some items seen as expensive but worth trying.

Huge tamales come with chicken mole or pork fillings. Prices range from $4 to $8, with some finding the higher end expensive. The Oaxaca tamale stands out, paired well with flavorful atole.

People are saying

"You have to try the huge, flavorful tamales at this Mexican food spot."

"The calabaza tamales are delicious, like a Latin Pumpkin Spice."

Good to know

1

The tamale costs $8, which some may find expensive.

2

A tamale priced at $4 is considered acceptable by some.

10
The Tamale Factory image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small take-out spot buzzes with laughter and the aroma of fresh tamales. Offers authentic homemade tamales in unique flavors like strawberry corn and jalapeรฑo cheese. Known for traditional family recipes and a cozy, cramped counter space.

Homemade, fresh tamales come in flavors like chicken, strawberry corn, and jalapeรฑo cheese. They steam in giant pots and taste authentic, similar to traditional family recipes.

People are saying

"These tamales are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the Mexican food here was delicious and perfectly sized."

"I found the food here to be simply amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts to-go orders.

2

They accept cash or card.

3

As of December 2023, the pricing is $4 each or $44 per dozen.

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