It’s safe to say that if the tamale has been around since 5,000 BC, it might be pretty good. Today the simple comfort food can be found at traditional Mexican restaurants as well as upscale gourmet concepts like Meso Maya, Komali, Gloria’s, Fearing’s and Stampede 66.
Tamales are always in-demand during the holidays; locals expect to place orders early and to wait in long lines for these sweet and savory bundles, usually wrapped in corn husks and filled with meat, beans and sometimes fruit. Luna’s Tortillas, a Dallas tamale destination for 90 years, and La Popular Tamale House make it easy to order over the phone or online and pick them up in-store. Additionally, all six Cantina Laredo locations in Dallas-Fort Worth will offer house-made tamales to go through Dec. 24. The restaurant's chicken and beef tamales are available ($16.95/dozen) for pick-up every day with at least six hours notice.
Esperanza’s Mexican Cafe & Bakery makes tamales fresh every day, so they’re always ready to take home. Visit Hot Damn Tamales during lunch for an unlimited tamale buffet, where flavors range from classic (pork, chicken, beef) to vegetarian and gourmet. The best part, Hot Damn Tamales ships nationwide, and even offers gift boxes to start your own tamale tradition at home.