Gourmet Tamales

Gourmet Tamales is a small family-run business based in Oceanside. They sell their tamales at farmer’s markets around San Diego, and even up into Orange County and LA. Their flavors include sweet corn and scallion (simple, but one of my favorites), spicy black bean (flavorful, but not really spicy), green mole and vegetables, feta and spinach, poblano and cheese, chile relleno (similar to the poblano), Tinga (spicy chicken), beef, and dessert tamales like pumpkin, apple-strawberry, and pineapple. This is not even half of their flavors.

They do not use lard; they make their masa with olive oil. They also use onion broth to make their masa, giving all their tamales a light and delicate flavor with a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors. Their dessert tamales, luckily, are not made with broth, but instead are made with apple juice, again adding flavor and sweetness.

The tamales run $7 for a pack of three, which adds up quickly but is well worth it. I always keep several flavors on hand in my freezer as they make a quick and delicious meal for about $2.50 that puts to shame anything you can get from the frozen department of the grocery store. You simply wrap your tamale in a wet paper towel and microwave up to 5 minutes. I emerges steaming hot and ready to eat. You can also steam your tamales if you are not in rush.

You can buy Gourmet Tamales at these farmer’s markets in San Diego County:

Sunday
Hillcrest
Encinitas
Solana Beach

Tuesday
Escondido

Wednesday
Ocean Beach

Thursday
Chula Vista

Friday
Rancho Bernardo

Saturday
Vista
Del Mar

Gourmet Tamales
760-402-0805