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Tamales in Houston

A warm, masa-filled meal that feels like home.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
D’ Cuba Soy Restaurant image 1
D’ Cuba Soy Restaurant image 2
D’ Cuba Soy Restaurant image 3
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Cozy spot offers authentic Cuban food with a warm atmosphere and live music. Tamales shine with soft texture and rich, homemade flavor. Perfect for those craving genuine tastes and a peaceful meal.

Soft texture and homemade flavor define the tamales here. They stand out as a delightful dish with a rich, full taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"It's a cozy little spot that feels just like home."

"I found the tamales to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Live music happens on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere, perfect for families and groups.

02
La Cienfueguera image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy space offers authentic Cuban flavor with a calm, welcoming vibe. Cuban tamales feature a rich meat filling that pairs well with Lechón Asado. Cash-only and natural seasonings make it a high-quality, affordable spot for Cuban food lovers.

Cuban tamales stand out with their rich, special meat filling. They pair well with dishes like Lechón Asado and carne asada, offering a delicious, authentic taste.

People are saying

"I found the Cuban food here to be excellent."

"The salads here are wonderfully seasoned and flavorful."

"I found the tamales here to be out of this world."

Good to know

1

The meal costs around $10 per person.

2

They only accept cash.

3

Payment is typically cash only after finishing eating.

03
Uz's Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop shines with fresh donuts and spicy kolaches like jalapeño cheese. Occasional homemade tamales come with zesty green salsa. Family-owned vibe keeps atmosphere warm and inviting.

Homemade tamales appear occasionally alongside the usual donuts. They come with green salsa and have a homemade quality that stands out.

People are saying

"I thought the donuts here were delicious."

"I tried the homemade tamales and they were amazing."

"I found the food here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Uz's Donuts offers a wide variety of fresh donuts and bread.

2

The shop is family-owned, providing a personal touch.

3

Expect unique seasonal flavors alongside classic options.

04
La Patrona de Cuba (Food Truck) image 1

Food truck courtyard offers a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Cuban cuisine. Huge tamales impress with their generous size and unique Cuban twist. Prices stay affordable, making it a charming spot for genuine flavors.

Huge tamales stand out for their delicious flavor and generous size. Cuban-style tamales offer a unique twist that many find especially tasty.

People are saying

"I thought the Cuban food here was the best in Houston."

"I highly recommend these food trucks; they're the best I've visited."

"I thought the Cuban tamales were the best in Houston."

Good to know

1

The prices at La Patrona de Cuba are very affordable for everyone.

2

Portion sizes are generous, ensuring good value for your money.

3

The food truck maintains high hygiene standards and is very clean.

05
Restaurante Azucena image 1

Strip mall spot offers a casual environment with spacious seating and multiple TVs. Corn tamales shine with tender texture and homemade flavor. Warm, family-friendly vibe blends English and Spanish music, creating an authentic atmosphere.

Corn tamales stand out with their tender texture and homemade flavor. Freshly made tamales de elotes y gallina offer a well-seasoned taste that feels authentic.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and hot."

"It feels like you're walking into a friend's home here."

"These tamales are tender, well-seasoned, and taste homemade."

Good to know

1

Pupusas are $2 on Mondays if eaten in, but $3 for takeout.

2

The restaurant is very clean and welcoming.

3

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

06
Picante Mexican and Seafood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot offers authentic flavors and homemade sauces in a clean, friendly space. Pork tamales are easy to eat with great taste, while margaritas stand out as outstanding drinks. Fish tacos and chilaquiles bring fresh, bold flavors to the table.

Tamales have a good flavor and often fall right off the corn husks, especially the pork ones. Chicken tamales can stick to the husk, requiring some scraping to eat.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be so delicious and well presented."

"The salsas here are really good, especially the green one."

"The tamales here fell right off the corn husks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos all day.

3

The restaurant has ample parking available for guests.

07
The Cuban Place image 1
Cuban restaurant

Enjoy authentic Cuban tamales that pair perfectly with Ropa Vieja and congri. The restaurant offers a warm, homely atmosphere with pleasant Cuban music. Comfortable chairs create a family-friendly and peaceful dining experience.

Tamales here are consistently delicious and closely resemble authentic Cuban style. They come with excellent quality and pair well with dishes like Ropa Vieja and congri.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The staff here makes the Date Spots feel like home."

"The tamales here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Mamey shakes are only available on weekends due to the use of real fruit.

2

The restaurant offers a varied menu including tamales and ropa vieja.

3

Parking is limited; the front lot is often used by staff.

08
Amaris Bakery image 1

Small bakery buzzes with authentic tamales made from scratch and fresh, well-priced baked goods. Cramped, noisy space fills with construction workers, adding to the bustling atmosphere. Parking lot crowded with heavy trucks completes the unique vibe.

Tamales stand out for their authenticity and being made from scratch. They taste unlike any other and pair well with tacos and gorditas.

People are saying

"The barbacoa at this bakery is not greasy and incredibly delicious."

"I thought the tamales were top notch and authentic."

"I believed the bread was the best I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash at Amaris Bakery.

2

Ordering well in advance is necessary to receive a hot, baked rosca.

3

The prices at Amaris Bakery are reasonable.

09
The Tamale Joint image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tamales with generous portions and great value. Classical decor and a beautiful mural create a warm, inviting space. Spanish music and multiple TVs add lively energy for casual dining or sports fans.

Tamales stand out for their authentic Mexican flavor and generous portions. Plates come with three tamales, rice, and refried beans at a price lower than many fast food options.

People are saying

"These tamales are fresh and delicious."

"The salsa here is impeccable and complements the tamales perfectly."

"These breakfast tacos are amazing and a respectable size."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers breakfast all day from 7 AM to 7 PM.

2

The price is $7.99 for 6 tamales, which is a filling lunch.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

10
Marta's Tortillas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves super affordable street tacos with thin superb tortillas and pork tamales that pack strong flavor. Takeout only, no seating, and always busy with steady customers.

Pork tamales stand out with their strong flavor. Tamales come thin with little masa and meat, and two equal one decent-sized tamale.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the street tacos and barbacoa tacos delicious."

"I enjoyed the flavor of the pork tamales."

Good to know

1

Marta's Tortillas only offers takeout and has no seating.

2

Prices at Marta's Tortillas are very affordable.

3

They are sometimes very busy, especially during peak hours.

11
Islazul Cuban Market image 1

Small store offers authentic Cuban products and a taste of Cuba. Delicious tamales are a highlight, though orders may vary. Atmosphere feels genuine with Cuban pizzas and unique items like clothing and utensils.

Cuban tamales stand out for their delicious flavor and quality. Orders sometimes include fewer tamales than requested, with three found instead of four.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be delicious."

"The Cuban food here is excellent, the best I've had."

"I loved the Cuban pizzas here; they were my favorite."

Good to know

1

Islazul Cuban Market offers a variety of Cuban food products and clothing.

2

Expect to find many varieties of products, especially Cuban staples.

3

Packaged food is a primary offering at Islazul Cuban Market.

12
Panadería Disco Latino #2 image 1

Bakery shines with freshly baked Salvadoran bread and tamales de lote that offer rich, authentic flavors. Simple, traditional treats like quesadillas keep the taste classic and satisfying. Atmosphere feels warm and genuine, perfect for lovers of authentic baked goods.

Tamales de lote stand out as a delicious treat here. Sweet Salvadoran bread and tamales offer a satisfying, authentic flavor.

People are saying

"I found the bread to be delicious and freshly baked."

"I found the tamales de lote to be delicious."

Good to know

1

None of the stores in the Salvadoran products plaza have bathrooms available.

2

Panadería Disco Latino #2's prices are higher than other local bakeries.

3

Deli Deli is also a popular bakery option in the area.

13
Tortilleria La Real #5 (La Reyna) image 1

Tiny spot serves fresh hot tortillas and fantastic barbacoa with no seating, perfect for takeout. Tamales are large and flavorful with a moist texture, but salsa must be requested. Food stays warm on a steam table, offering authentic Mexican flavors.

Tamales come very large and flavorful with a rich, tender, moist texture. They do not include salsa automatically, so it needs to be requested.

People are saying

"The tortillas here are fresh, warm, and handmade."

"I had the best barbacoa I ever tasted."

"These tamales are huge and really flavorful."

Good to know

1

This place is for pick up only with no dine-in options.

2

Expect a simple menu with only a few dishes available.

3

Prices are decent, averaging around $15 for two people.

14
Fonda Santa Rosa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Mexican decor and an open kitchen sets a warm tone. Sweet tamales shine with fresh, soft texture and unique flavors like blackberry and cherry. Music shifts from relaxing to lively, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that feels genuine and festive.

Sweet tamales stand out for being fresh, soft, and just sweet enough. Blackberry and cherry versions offer a delicious twist, while tamales de dulce maintain a gentle sweetness throughout.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

"The cafe de olla at brunch was flavorful and bright."

"The sweet tamales here are fresh and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on weekends.

2

The Sunday brunch costs about $22 per person.

3

Reservations are recommended for brunch on weekends.

15
Rumba Live image 1
Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Cuban flavors in a cozy, festive space with live music that lifts the mood. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for all ages. Don't miss the roasted pork tamales served in a flavorful casserole.

Tamales come with roasted pork and appear in a casserole dish. They carry authentic Cuban flavors and taste delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and exquisite."

"The DJ was fantastic and super fun."

"You have to try the tamale in a casserole dish; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Live shows occur every Saturday night featuring traditional Cuban performances.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly on weekends.

16
Alamo Tamales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cafeteria-style seating and folklore decor create a warm, lively vibe filled with sweet and savory aromas. Soft, flavorful tamales with well-seasoned filling offer authentic Texas-style comfort food at great prices. A full bar and free salsa bar add to the casual, energetic atmosphere.

Soft, flavorful tamales feature a well-seasoned filling and fresh, tender masa. They offer authentic Texas-style and classic Mexican comfort food with consistent quality and affordable prices.

People are saying

"These tamales are so fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared."

"The food here, especially the tamales, is so tender and delicious."

"You have to try the tamales with the free salsa bar."

Good to know

1

You can only order tamales in packs of 6 or 12.

2

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

The restaurant has plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.

17
Sunrise Taquitos image 1

Small space offers a cozy atmosphere with loud nursery rhymes. Signature tamales feature well-flavored masa but need more meat. Steady takeout demand shows popular choice beyond dine-in.

Signature dish tamales come with well-flavored masa and filling. They cost $14.40 a dozen and could use a bit more meat.

People are saying

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; they're fresh and flavorful."

"The tortillas here are homemade and taste so fresh."

"The tamales here are delicious and well-flavored."

Good to know

1

Breakfast tacos cost around $4 each, with add-ons available.

2

Fresh juices and desserts have been added to the menu.

3

To-go and online orders are available for those who want to skip the wait.

18
Panaderia y Pasteleria Anamoros image 1

Bakery shines with fresh chicken tamales and soft, tasty rolls. Prices are a bit high, and it often feels crowded and busy. Quality varies, but overall offers delicious Central American bread worth trying.

Chicken tamales stand out for their freshness and great taste. Corn tamales vary in quality, sometimes good but inconsistent.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I found the bread to be delicious and of the best quality."

"I love their tamales; they're always so good and fresh."

Good to know

1

They charge $11 for a packed lunch and add $1.50 for each extra item.

2

The final bill can be higher than initially quoted, so check your receipt.

3

The store offers a variety of products beyond just bread.

19
Antojitos Salvadorenos image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran spot serves moist corn tamales and fresh pupusas in a super clean setting. Food quality is standout, though prices vary. Perfect for a filling meal with traditional flavors.

Corn tamales come moist and packed with flavor. Options include tamales de elote and tamales de pollo, often paired with pupusas for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The tamales here are full of flavor and enjoyable."

"I thought their seafood platter was amazing."

Good to know

1

Menu prices may not be accurate; verify before ordering.

2

Tostadas are priced at $2.99 each, not $1.75 as listed.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

20
La Cubanita (Food Truck) image 1
Cuban restaurant

Food truck serves authentic Cuban cuisine with generous portions at low prices. Cuban tamales offer rich flavor and pair well with pork sandwiches. Atmosphere feels pleasant and homey, making it a welcoming spot for traditional dishes.

Cuban tamales stand out for their rich flavor and are consistently available. They pair well with other items like pork sandwiches and are a frequent choice when passing by.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is authentic and delicious."

"These Cuban tamales are delicious and flavorful."

"I loved the pork sandwiches; they were delicious and generous."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous, making it a good value for the price.

2

Prices are affordable, appealing to budget-conscious diners.

3

Takeout orders come in convenient paper cones for easy handling.

21
Luna's Tamale Factory & Mexican Grill image 1

Small, family-owned grill serves homemade tamales with rich masa and unique pureed meat filling. Friendly, chill vibe makes it a great spot for breakfast tacos. Prices stay reasonable, drawing locals despite gas station surroundings.

Tamales come in small but tasty portions with a noticeable use of animal fat in the masa. Some batches have a pureed meat filling, which can affect texture and flavor, leading to mixed reactions.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be great and tasty."

"I thought the food here was really good and affordable."

"I found the best breakfast tacos in town here."

Good to know

1

Vegetarians should ask staff for vegetarian modifications to dishes.

2

The tamales are made with animal fat, which may not suit all diets.

3

This place is a family-owned business, offering a homey atmosphere.

22
ITACATE TAQUERIA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy homemade corn tortillas and fresh tamales with chile con queso or chicken, made with a 2–3 day notice. The place feels like home with an authentic, clean atmosphere and a mini convenience store inside. Traditional dishes shine with genuine flavors and quality ingredients.

Tamales come with chile con queso and chicken options. They require a 2–3 day notice for preparation and pair well with green sauce and rice.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas, is so tender and delicious."

"You have to try the fresh, handmade corn tortillas here."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant makes their own tortillas, enhancing the authenticity of the food.

2

ITACATE TAQUERIA also functions as a mini convenience store with groceries.

3

There are tables to sit at inside the restaurant for dining.

23
El Bolillo Bakery image 1

Spacious bakery offers a traditional Spanish atmosphere with fresh tortilla and tamale stations. Chicken tamales are mildly spiced and not greasy, paired well with champurrado. Outdoor seating provides a pleasant spot to enjoy authentic treats.

Chicken tamales stand out with their mild spice and lack of greasiness. The tamale station offers a wide variety including tamales de elote, paired well with champurrado.

People are saying

"Their Mexican pastries like conchas and empanadas are delicious."

"The bread here is so fresh and tasty."

"The tamales here are always delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Bread is baked daily, ensuring freshness for all products.

2

The bakery offers a wide variety of pastries, tamales, kolaches, and tortillas.

3

Prices for sweet bread range from $1 to $3.50, with bolillos at 50¢ each.

24
Tipicos Ay Caramba Restaurant image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small, intimate spot feels like home with a welcoming vibe. Handmade tortillas and freshly made pupusas offer authentic Salvadoran flavors. Platano leaf chicken tamales shine with oily texture and hearty filling, while pork tamales bring rich flavor.

Platano leaf chicken tamales stand out with their oily texture and filling of potatoes and chicken. Pork tamales also offer a rich flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very authentic."

"I highly recommend the seafood platter; it's amazing."

"The chicken tamales were delicious and oily."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

Credit cards and cash are accepted for payment.

25
El Bolillo image 1

Traditional Mexican bakery buzzes with energy and the smell of freshly baked goods. Corn and chicken tamales shine with excellent flavor and pair well with fresh flour tortillas and sweet bread. Self-serve trays make choosing easy and fun.

Corn tamales stand out with their excellent flavor and fresh flour tortillas complement them well. Chicken tamales offer a rich taste and sweet bread pairs nicely with the tamales.

People are saying

"I found the sweet bread here to be the best I've ever had."

"I found this bakery to be the best Mexican bakery around."

"You have to try their tamales; they're really good."

Good to know

1

Parking at El Bolillo can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect long lines on weekends as El Bolillo gets very busy.

3

There is no seating available for customers at El Bolillo.

26
Parrilla Colombiana image 1
Colombian restaurant

Cozy dining room with traditional Colombian music sets a homey mood. Tolima-style tamales offer authentic flavors but can be cold sometimes. Pair them with corn arepa for a true taste of Colombia.

Tolima-style tamales stand out with authentic flavors that taste like Colombia. They pair well with the corn arepa, though sometimes they come old and cold.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and flavorful."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're the best I've ever had."

"The tamales here taste like Colombia and are spectacular."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts credit cards and cash for payment.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a bandeja paisa, including taxes.

3

The breakfast menu is available only until 11am.

27
Chema Food Products image 1

Butcher shop shines with handmade tortillas and weekend-only soft pork tamales featuring cheese and chile. Limited dine-in and mostly takeout keep it casual and efficient. Watch for freshness issues with tamales, as refunds are partial.

Tamales come with soft pork and a good balance of cheese and chile in the rajas con queso variety. They sell only on weekends from 6 am to noon, but freshness can be inconsistent, with some tamales spoiled and refunds only partial.

People are saying

"These tamales are the best Mexican food I've tried."

"These tamales have delicious masa and soft pork."

"I thought the tamales here were delicious."

Good to know

1

Tamales are only sold on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to noon.

2

The food is reasonably priced.

3

There are two tables for dine-in, but most customers order to go.

28
Classic Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Small shop with a family-owned atmosphere offers a cozy, unhurried vibe. Pork tamales shine among a huge selection of tamales, tacos, and flautas. Limited seating keeps mornings lively and welcoming.

A huge selection of tamales sits alongside tacos and flautas. Pork tamales stand out as amazing and come in regular sizes.

People are saying

"The donuts here are from a friendly, family-owned mom and pop shop."

"It's family owned and they treat you like part of their family."

"The tamales here have a perfectly made dough and amazing glaze."

Good to know

1

They are only open until 2 pm.

2

Expect a strong smell of cooking pork upon entering.

3

There are only a few tables available for dining in.

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