Nothing beats a dinner that also serves as a hand warmer on a gloomy winter day, and no dessert has nailed this paradox as effectively as astamales.
The history of tamales dates back to ancient Mesoamerica and involves pockets of filling wrapped in corn husks and covered in masa (maize dough). Traditionally consumed throughout the winter holidays and colder months, they remain a cultural mainstay in Central and South American cuisine.
Following a few snowy days in mid-February, tamales are the focus of this week’s Oregonian/OregonLive Readers Choice Awards.
Readers choice awards
-
Here are the best places to eat and drink in the Portland area: Readers Choice Awards
-
Here are the 5 best restaurants in the Portland area: Readers Choice Awards
-
Here are the 5 best food carts in the Portland area: Readers Choice Awards
Reporter Chiara Profenna drove down the Tualatin Valley Highway in December to find the best places to get roadside tamales in Oregon. Restaurants serve a range of savory and sweet fillings, from pineapple and coconut to pork and cheese with peppers and elote (Mexican street corn).
In Aloha, Tamal Express is a well-liked location. We sampled pi a de dulce and tamales verde with pollo.Profenna Chiara
Both Tamal Express and Camil’s Mexican Food are food carts that serve tamales stuffed with chicken and either red or green salsa. Hillsboro is also home to a number of restaurants that specialize in tamales, such as the Mexican eatery La Chabelita Taqueria and M&M Marketplace, which hosts the annual Fiesta de Tamales.
The Annual Fiesta de Tamales at M&M Marketplace provided a sampling of tamales from nine different producers.Profenna Chiara
Tamale Boy, a local chain with three locations throughout the Portland region, is another option.
Which restaurant in the Portland area is your favorite for tamales?
In the space provided below, tell us about your favorite and submit a nomination for our Readers Choice Awards.Submissions for the form will be accepted until 11 p.m. February 24, 2025, Monday.The finalists will be announced and the voting will be available on Wednesday, February 26 at atoregonlive.com/readers-choice.
Nominations for best tamales spot
Veronica Nocera writes on culture and life. She can be contacted at 503-221-8111, [email protected].
Subscribe to The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter
Every week, Oregonian/OregonLive subscribers follow restaurant reviewer Michael Russell on his culinary adventures. Not a member? The Best Thing I Ate This Week email is available for free for a few weeks.Register here.
