‘Tis the season for tamales!
What’s in a tamale? 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 A1 in taste and presentation, then hit up Shane’s Tamales! The pop-up offers tamales by the dozen in three different flavors. Select Chick’n Green Chile, Pork Red Chile, or Bean & Cheese with Rajas. In addition, we suggest adding Chile de Arbol, Toasted Tomatillo Salsa, or Cashew Crema to your order.
Shane’s Tamales
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 Yucatecan tamales made from local, sustainable ingredients. For example, Alchemy Organica’s Etamali (bean tamal) is made with an organic nixtamal from Kernel of Truth in Boyle Heights.
Alchemy Organica
Gracias Madre
West Hollywood & Newport Beach
Gracias Madre’s take-home tamales are back! The menu features Red Smoked Jackfruit Birria Tamales and Green Roasted Butternut Squash with Chipotle Kale Tamales. Since we’re all about a full spread, we recommend ordering some sides and drinks as well.
Gracias Madre
Señoreata
Pop-Up
We love Señoreata for many reasons! First of all, the pop-up is a local Latina-owned business. Second, their unique Cuban food offers a nice contrast to other vegan fare in Los Angeles. Lastly, they offer tamales! Inside their Lechón Sofrito Tamales, dig into grilled mojo marinated jackfruit lechón with a sofrito of bell peppers, onions, and garlic. They’re frozen and vacuum-sealed, so we suggest stocking up for the winter!
Señoreata
Másaya
Pop-Up
Whether you’re in search of green or red tamales, Másaya has your back. The Chile Verde Tamales include rajas, squash, and mushroom marinated in tomatillo, cilantro, and pepita salsa. The Karne Con Chile Tamales feature vegan carne asada braised in tomato guajillo and fire-roasted tomato salsa. Both are available by the dozen with an optional salsa pack add-on.
Másaya
Pacha Taco
Pop-Up
What time is it? Tamal time! Since Pacha Taco is known for their birria tacos, it’s only natural they serve birria tamales for the holidays. If you’re looking to expand your palate beyond the classic green and red tamales, be sure to order some of these unique, seasonal bites.
Pacha Taco
Veggie Y Qué
Whittier
Veggie Y Qué is pulling out all the stops with their Tamales Pisques. They make the Salvadoran-style tamales with a mixture of seasoned corn masa, fried beans, and chipilin. Then, they wrap them in plantain leaves and steam them to perfection! Order them by the half-dozen this Thanksgiving!
Veggie Y Qué
Cena Vegan
Pop-Up
Without a doubt, Cena Vegan’s tamales will wow your holiday crew! Their Chicken-less Tamales contain gluten-free chicken and homemade green sauce. Their Mexicali Style Chile Colorado Beef-less Tamales come with gluten-free beef, carrots, potatoes, green olives, and red sauce.
Cena Vegan
Mama’s International Tamales
Westlake
Vegan-Friendly
Mama’s International Tamales is our favorite destination for vegan tamales in Los Angeles. Why? Because they have six droolworthy flavors that include Cactus & Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Jackfruit Verde, Jackfruit Rojo, Salvadoran Jackfruit, and Queso Jalapeño. Above all, we suggest ordering the Holiday Dozen which comes with two of each variety.
Mama’s International Tamales 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.
Artesano Tamaleria
