It seems that most people tell me to get tacos at the Tamale Place, which I did, but I felt obligated to try one of the tamales as well. I mean, it is their name right? They have these little “tamale sliders” which are just mini tamales. Seemed like a good compromise. I had a spicy pork and cheese slider ($1.75) and a spicy chicken taco ($2.99). The lady at the register told me it was one of the most popular.
Well, I really liked the taco. So all of you who had been telling me to try them were right. The chicken was marinated and had a smoky chipotle flavor and was very tender. They give you a ton of meat to corn tortilla ratio though, so after a couple of bites, and the fact that I was wearing a white shirt, I moved on to knife and fork. It was topped with fresh cilantro and diced onions, giving it some fresh crunch and extra flavor. I had the mild salsa along with it, which was tasty for seasoning and a little extra moisture. I also used a bit of sour cream and guac with it (you can get 2 oz sides for $.25 and $.80 respectively). I had the spicy guac and it had a fair amount of jalapeno in it. It was fresh and tasty.
The truth is, with tamales, I have never had one that really sticks out in my mind as being really amazing. I just don’t think they are totally my thing. This one was fine as far as they go—it had a lot of pork and cheese mixed in with the masa, but just no real hook for me. A little sour cream was nice with it. Maybe it’s the uniform texture or something, but I would stick to tacos here. And I would definitely go back for some more tacos. I would like to try all the flavors. So tell me, which ones are your favorites?
The Tamale Place
City Market
222 East Market Street
Indy 46204
I think it's a texture thing for me, too. I always take a couple of bites of the husband's, but I also prefer the tacos (or the tortas, which I think are GREAT). That being said, I also think the original Rockville location is better than City Market.
ReplyDeleteI need to get out to the original location....and I will have to try the torta! Love a good torta
DeleteI agree on the texture....I WANT to like them and these are certainly the best I've tried but I still feel like I've got a mouthful of flour. I'm not big on polenta for the same reason
ReplyDeleteMy son loves their steak nachos. Don't forget their newest location on the south-side, 31 at Stop Eleven. It just opened a couple weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be worth mentioning that the selection of Tamales varies throughout the day so if there is a particular type you want you should call ahead. They sell out at times.
Good point, I noticed the ever-updated list at City Market
DeleteI enjoy The Tamale Place and never get tamales! They're just a bunch of mush to me, even if these are supposed to be pretty good ones. I like the mild (verde) chicken taco even though I am OK with spicy food. It just has a nicer flavor. Sometimes I mix it up and get the chorizo/egg taco.
ReplyDeletechorizo and egg sounds delicious. I am totally getting that if they have it next time.
DeleteThe Huz loves the tamales there. I don't dislike tamales in general but theirs are a bit too big; I have never seen the mini ones on the menu. I agree, the tacos are excellent. I haven't had the tortas. You have to try their nachos, though--they top their fantastic chips with the same meat options as the tacos, blacks beans, queso sauce, and shredded lettuce. It's *a lot* to eat but, man, is it good.
ReplyDeleteI have heard lots of good things about the nachos. Next time....
DeleteYou should go on Wednesdays when they are doing the farmer's market. There is a stand called 3 in 1 that sells the best tamales I've ever had, although I'm far from an expert. They are sweet corn tamales and much different than any others I've had. They also sell papusas which are excellent.
ReplyDeleteWill have to give them a try, thanks!
DeleteWhen I went I tried both the mini and the regular tamales and found that, at least in that case, there was a huge textural difference between the two (the regular was much more firm, almost like it wasn't completely cooked; I strongly preferred the slider size).
ReplyDeleteAgreed with Anonymous above. Those sweet corn tamales are pretty great.
Interesting. I definitely preferred the idea of the smaller tamale. Good to know it tastes better too (I am still not sold though)
Delete