‘Tis the season for tamales!
What’s in a tamal? Masa dough with a bean, cheese, meat, or vegetable filling. Although tamales are enjoyed year-round, it’s a tradition to make and enjoy them during the holidays—specifically, Las Posadas. So, are you ready to unwrap the tastiest present of them all? Check out our list of where to get vegan tamales in Los Angeles!
Shane’s Tamales
Pop-Up
If you’re looking for vegan tamales in Los Angeles that are A-1 in taste and presentation, then hit up Shane’s Tamales! The pop-up offers tamales in a variety of flavors like Chick’n Green Chile, Pork Red Chile, and Bean & Cheese with Rajas. We suggest adding Chile de Arbol, Toasted Tomatillo Salsa, or Cashew Crema to your order as well!
Photo by Vegan Playground
Alchemy Organica
Pop-Up
Chef Denise Vallejo draws culinary inspiration for Alchemy Organica from her ancestors of ancient Mexico. This season, you can expect to find organic vegan Yucatecan tamales made from scratch using local, sustainable ingredients. Rotating flavors for the month of November include Classic Pineapple, Sweet Potato with Choriqueso, and Mushroom Mole.
Courtesy of Alchemy Organica
Señoreata
Pop-Up
The wickedly popular vegan Cuban pop-up crafts two delicious tamal flavors for the holidays. First up, Lochon Sofrito Tamales, made with organic corn masa, jackfruit lechón, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The second variety? Pollo en Fricasé Tamales, which contains golden Yukon potatoes, organic soy curls, carrots, and bell peppers in a Bianco DiNapoli tomato sauce with manzanilla olives, capers, onions, and garlic—all in a delicious masa shell.
Courtesy of Señoreata
Hijo de su Madre
West LA
This vegan Yucatecan-fusion restaurant offers two tamal options this fall. First is their Pib, or baked tamal pie, which is available through November. The second option is Yucatecan Jackfruit Pibil Tamales wrapped in banana leaves, which are available in December.
Courtesy of Hijo de su Madre
Toluca Bakery & Cafe
Toluca Lake
Valley vegans, this one’s for you! Toluca Bakery & Cafe offers tamales for pickup in four flavors—Vegan Cheese with Jalapenos, Beans with Green Sauce, Beans with Red Sauce, and Jackfruit with Red Sauce. Orders must be made by the dozen three to four days in advance.
Courtesy of Toluca Bakery Cafe
Veggie Y Qué
Special Order
Veggie Y Qué may have closed their brick-and-mortar, but they’re still offering scratch-made vegan tamales for pickup this season! Flavors include Chili Rojo, Chili Verde, and Nopales con Chili Rojo y Papas. Order by the dozen or half-dozen for your holiday feast.
Courtesy of Veggie Y Qué
Cena Vegan
Pop-Up
Without a doubt, Cena Vegan’s tamales will wow your holiday crew! Choose from red or green tamales, or get a combination of both for $24 per half dozen. To place your pre-order, email info@cenavegan.com with the subject line “TAMALES” and let them know how many tamales you want.
Courtesy of Cena Vegan
Mama’s International Tamales
Westlake
Vegan-Friendly
Mama’s International Tamales has the largest range of vegan Salvadoran tamales in Los Angeles. We’re talking about Mole with Cactus & Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Cheesy Jalapeño, and Jackfruit Verde. As the holidays get closer, Mama’s International Tamales typically adds even more varieties to the menu.
Photo by Allie Mitchell
Artesano Tamaleria
Downtown LA
Vegan-Friendly
This family-owned restaurant offers quite a show-stopping selection of vegan offerings! What are they? Cactus, Mushroom, Jackfruit Red, and Bean Tamales. In addition, we suggest buying Artesano Tamaleria’s vegan beans and rice to complete the meal.
Courtesy of Artesano Tamaleria
