For many Latinos, the holiday season is identified with tamales. Friends and families gather together to make them in assembly line fashion. It is also common to give homemade tamales as holiday gifts. Tamales have a way of bringing people of different cultures together. If you wish to partake in this tradition, I’ve created a list of where to find holiday tamales in LA.
Downtown LA
Angry Egret
Chef Wes Avila was featured by the late Jonathan Gold when he owned and operated the Guerilla Tacos food truck. At Angry Egret, he can feature whatever he feels he wants to offer. Right now, he’s offering Squash and Cheese, Pork, and Chicken Mole tamales. Orders may be placed here.
Angry Egret, 970 N Broadway Suite 114, Los Angeles, 90012; aedinette.com
East LA
La Indiana Tamales
Their website claims that they are the best-kept secret in LA. Don’t believe it because this is one of LA’s most popular tamale shops. I love their pork and chicken tamales, but you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Purchase by the dozen, half-dozen, or a la carte. Prices range from $26.99 – $31.99 per dozen. Order ahead and skip the lines.
La Indiana Tamales, 1142 S Indiana St, Los Angeles, 90023; 323.262.4682; laindianatamales.com
La Mascota
Family-operated since 1952, La Mascota is a popular neighborhood bakery featuring pan dulce. Their red chile pork is my favorite; it is also available with beef. They also feature green chile cheese or chicken and a vegetarian tamale. All are priced at $2.59 each.
La Mascota, 2715 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles; 90023; 323.263.5513; lamascotabakery.com
Tamales Lillianas
While Tamales Liliana’s is famous for its tamales, they are better known for being a family restaurant that serves quality Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The tamales they offer are Red or Green Chile with Pork, Green Chile with Cheese, Chicken with Vegetables, Sweet Pineapple with Raisins, Elote (corn), and Strawberry. Tamales are $2.50 each or $30 for a dozen.
Tamales Lilianas, 4629 E Cesar E Chavez Ave Los Angeles, 90022; or 3448 E 1st Street, Los Angleles 90063; tamaleslilianas.co
West Adams
Gish Bac
If you’d prefer a flavorful Oaxacan experience, go for the Tamal de Mole at Gish Bac. It is stuffed with chicken and wrapped around a banana leaf to ensure its moistness. They pour their rich negro mole sauce on top. You probably won’t gift a dozen because they are $7.50 each.
Gish Bac, 4163 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, 90018; 323.737.5050; gishbacla.com
Westside
Senorita’s Tamales
In addition to traditional chicken and pork tamales, Senoritas Tamales features vegan varieties such as Soyrizo Potato Cheese, Black Bean and Cheese, Spinach, Pinenuts and Cheese, and Tofu Italian Sausage, Mushroom and Cheese. To order, contact Raquel at 626.367.0411 or email senoritastamales@gmail.com
Senorita’s Tamales, Los Angeles 90034;
Maple Block BBQ
Try Maple Block’s tamales made with smoked brisket or chicken if you enjoy Texas BBQ. Red Chile Smoked Brisket Tamales are $51 / dozen, and their Green Chile Smoked Chicken Tamales are $42 / dozen. Pre-order here.
Maple Block BBQ, 3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, 90230; mapleblockmeat.com
Long Beach
Lola’s
Enjoy this delicious holiday staple all season long by the plate, in-house or to-go, or by the 1/2 or full dozen, ready to go or eat later. Choose between Chicken in Salsa Verde, Roasted Pork in Salsa Guajillo, Roasted Poblano Pepper and Cheese, and Sweet Corn. Order here.
Lola’s, 2030 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814; 562.343.5506
Lola’s, 4140 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807; 562.349.0100; lolasmexicancuisine.com
Orange County
Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food
Housemade with 100% stone-ground premium masa, Miguel’s Jr. tamales are hand-crafted following Co-Founder and Chief Recipe Officer Mary Vasquez’s secret family recipe. Choose from the new savory chicken or longtime fan favorite seasoned chile rojo pork. Preorder online by the dozen for your holiday event. Mix and match flavors to try both award-winning recipes throughout the holiday season while supplies last. 20 different locations from Orange to Riverside counties. https://www.miguelsjr.com/