Houston’s Tamale Trail: A Holiday Tradition That Never Sleeps

Tamales aren’t just food in Houston—they’re heritage, celebration & comfort wrapped in husks and banana leaves. As the holidays approach, families across the city gather for marathon tamaladas… but for everyone skipping the all-day prep, Houston’s tamale makers have you covered.

From Oaxacan-style bundles to Tex-Orleans Cajun twists, here’s where the city’s most beloved tamales are keeping traditions alive—and where to pick them up before the holiday rush hits.

🌽 A City Wrapped in Tradition

Across Houston, tamales aren’t seasonal—they’re cultural currency. Restaurants, family shops & pitmaster favorites are rolling out their annual offerings, each with their own spin on masa, fillings & regional style. This year brings even more variety with newcomers added to the lineup, from BB’s Tex-Orleans to Ninfa’s holiday boxes.

⭐ Standouts Worth the Drive

Arnaldo Richards’ Picos – Upper Kirby

The return of the iconic Tamale Stand is basically Houston’s unofficial holiday kickoff.

• Norteño tamales (pork, chicken, beef, black bean, peppers & cheese, piña colada, sweet raisin)

• Oaxaqueño tamales wrapped in banana leaves (pork, chicken, mole, mushroom & huitlacoche, chipilín)

• $13–$46 | Chocolate tamales +$1

A must-stop for sauces, moles & table-brightening salsas.

Balderas Tamale Factory – Cypress

Family-run since 1967, and it shows. No frills—just some of the most consistent, flavorful tamales in the city.

• Pork, beef, chicken, bean & cheese

• $10–$18

BB’s Tex-Orleans – Multiple Locations

The fusion you didn’t know you needed: Cajun tamales with fried turkey, giblet gravy, herbs & spices.

• $17 per dozen | Available through Dec. 20

Cochinita & Co. – East End

Chef Victoria Elizondo’s creations are bright, bold & deeply rooted in Mexican flavors.

• Pork in red salsa, chicken in green salsa, poblano with panela, vegan black bean

• $14 per half-dozen

Feges BBQ – Spring Branch & Greenway Plaza

Holiday tamales get a smokehouse twist.

• Smoked brisket tamales | $40 per dozen

• Online preorders begin Dec. 1

Hugo’s – Montrose

Chef Hugo Ortega continues to set the bar.

• Pork with chile puya, chicken mole poblano, mushroom with pipián

• $28 per dozen

Molina’s Cantina – Multiple Locations

A Houston classic that keeps things simple and delicious.

• Chili-braised pork tamales

• $16 per dozen

• Holiday fiesta catering options available

Momma’s Tamales – Bellaire & markets citywide

Always busy, always worth the wait.

• Pork, chicken, brisket, spinach mixes, jalapeño & cheese

• $9–$16

Monkey’s Tail – Lindale Park & Conroe

Bar vibes meet holiday comfort.

• Green chile chicken, red chile pork, pineapple-jalapeño cream cheese

• $9 half-dozen | $16 dozen | Available Dec. 1

The Original Ninfa’s – Navigation & Uptown

The Ninfa’s Hot Tamale Box is a cult favorite.

• Two dozen beef birria or pork en guajillo tamales + salsas

• $50 per box | Frozen dozens $24 | Hot orders require 4-hour notice

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen – Woodway & Memorial

Holiday ordering with a perk.

• Pork or chicken tamales | $22 per dozen

• Bonus: Buy 5 dozen, get 1 free

Tamales Don Pepe – Willow Meadows

Banana-leaf wrapped, abuelita-approved.

• Chicken, pork, mole, jalapeño & cheese, mushroom, black bean

• $5 each

Texas Tamale Company – Multiple Locations

The “survival kits” you’ve probably seen at H-E-B.

• Pork, beef, chicken, black bean, green chile, spinach

• Available online & in stores

Original Alamo Tamales – Northside

A Houston staple since 1960 with endless options.

• Pork, beef, chicken, spinach, jalapeño & cheese

• $17–$19 per dozen

The Tamale Joint – Garden Oaks

A year-round stop for classic & spicy varieties.

• Pork, chicken, sweet corn, beef, jalapeño cheese

• $10 half-dozen | $19 dozen

Urbe – Uptown

Street-food-inspired, holiday-perfect tamales from Chef Hugo Ortega’s modern outpost.

• Brisket, pork with adobo, chicken with green sauce, mushroom

• $28 per dozen

🎉 Houston’s Holiday Flavor

Whether you’re hosting family, stocking your freezer, or grabbing a quick dozen before a party, these tamales represent the heart of Houston—diverse, homegrown & full of tradition. From smoky brisket folds to delicate Oaxacan classics, the city’s best tamales prove one thing:

In Houston, tradition stays hot—even when the weather doesn’t.