By the Dozen

The Best Tamales in Houston for the Holidays and Beyond

Where to find Houston’s most beloved tamales—steamed, smothered, Oaxacan-style, and Tex-Mex classics wrapped in tradition.

11/19/2025 By Geneva Diaz, Sofia Gonzalez, and Daniel Renfrow

Reina de las Tamales

How Momma’s Tamales Handles the Holiday Crunch

Inspired by her mother’s recipes, Ana Soria turned the Bellaire tamale shop into a beloved business that grinds nonstop around Christmas.

11/10/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Feliz Navidad

Where To Order Last-Minute Holiday Tamales In Houston

The Christmas staple can sell out at some of your favorite places if you wait too long. Here are six options to buy them fresh right up until Christmas Eve.

12/20/2021 By Craig Hayes

Holly, Jolly Houston

How to Serve a Houstonian Holiday Feast

Stressed about what to serve this season? Let someone else do the work, and hit up one of these beloved spots for holiday cooking guaranteed to impress any guest.

10/28/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

Restaurant Review

Killen's TMX and Tamales Don Pepe Are Welcome Additions to a Packed Field

Más Tex-Mex, por favor.

06/25/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

A Poblano In A Pear Tree

Picos Presents a Tamale Wonderland

Would you try 13 different types of tamales for, uh, research?

12/20/2018 By Joanna O'Leary

Tamales!!!!

5 Things You Must Do This Weekend, Dec. 1–3

Including holiday lights, the rise of women, and plenty of tamales.

11/30/2017 By Morgan Kinney

Eternal Spring

Our Latest Obsession: El Quetzal Bakery

This bakery's hidden Guatemalan greasy spoon is better than it needs to be.

01/18/2017 By Alice Levitt

Ice House

How to Throw a Fun, Productive Tamale Party for the Holidays

What to prep, where to get it, and who to assign to masa-spreading duties.

11/21/2016 By Gwendolyn Zepeda

On The Table

How to Have the Most Houstonian Thanksgiving Ever

Without these three classic dishes, you can’t very well give thanks this holiday.

10/24/2016 By Alice Levitt

Insider’s Guide

Best of International Houston: Colombia

Colombian ballet, colorful fashion and, of course, cumbia

09/01/2015 By Marianella Orlando

Insider’s Guide

Best of International Houston: Guatemala

Tamales in banana leaves, empanadas and, of course, coffee

09/01/2015 By Nick Esquer

Meatless Monday

Sin Carne: Vegetarian Tamales at Brasil

It's the small things that make Brasil loom large in Montrose.

07/06/2015 By Katharine Shilcutt

Post

On the Tamale Trail in Mississippi

From Mexico to Mississippi, the tamale has become a Southern staple—whether you realize it or not.

03/14/2014 By Katharine Shilcutt

Holiday Food

Divine Tamales: $9 a Dozen

This Catholic church has been selling holiday tamales for over 40 years.

10/10/2013 By Robb Walsh

Grand Tasting Event

¡Free Tamales!

Sneak preview of Handmade Tamales & More: Monday 2 to 6 p.m.

10/03/2013 By Robb Walsh