Pop-up concept Mami’s Tamales is Singapore’s first tamaleria, shining a culinary spotlight on Mexico’s traditional corn-based dumplings.
The first time I tried a tamale many years ago, it was purchased from a stall at a weekly farmers’ market at San Francisco’s famous ferry building. I have heard of this dumpling-like dish of Mexican origin made from masa, filled with a variety of fillings and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. I wanted to try it.
But mine was dry, mealy, and tasteless. It was hardly the best representation of one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes. I remember telling myself I’d probably never eat a tamale ever again.
Until now. Because Chef Mauricio Espinoza has never disappointed me once. Not familiar with Chef Mauricio? He’s the man behind Papi’s Tacos. While he’s not the first person to introduce Mexican food to Singapore, he did make us fall in love with tacos in a big way. Now he’s partnered Chef Maribel Colmenares of home-based Tamales Mexicanos for Mami’s Tamales, possibly the first-ever tamale-centric pop-up restaurant in Singapore
Located along Keong Saik Road where cocktail bar Pæl.et used to be, here Chef Maribel lovingly churns out tamales in a cheery space that pays tribute to many aspects of Mexican culture.
Particularly the tamales. You’ll find authentic classics such as the Pork Salsa Verde, a tamale verdes with succulent shredded pork braised in a smoky sauce made from guajillo chiles, or Chicken Tinga, a rojo version of chicken simmered in tomato and chipotle.
Each of Chef Maribel’s parcels were moist, deeply layered, and bursting with flavour. Even the masa – corn that’s been nixtamalised – came creamy and redolent. They were utterly unlike my San Francisco experience.
It doesn’t stop there. As a hat tip to Southeast Asia, Mami’s Tamales offers Asian-inspired tamales such as Ayam Sambal Hijau, Curry Tempeh for the vegetarians, and even Thai-inflected “Moo Ping” Pork.
But Chef Maribel’s authentic versions truly impress.
Aside from tamales Mami’s Tamales offers a variety of Mexican staples to help complete your meal. The Tableside Molcajete of Guacamole & Chips is an absolute must, while the Esquites Vasolote is a street snack of sautéed sweet corn in a cup, a fun Mexican version of our night market favourite tossed with fresh Mexican cheese and jalapeno-infused aioli.
For those with larger appetites (or love their spice), consider having a side of El Diablo Fries – shoestring fries loaded with fiery habanero sauce, jalapeno, and more fresh queso – to supplement their tamales.
Or end the night with some Churros if you have a sweet tooth.
As with most other Mexican concepts, Mami’s Tamales offers a fun range of frozen Margaritas to get a brain freeze with, otherwise there’s a bevy of Mexican-inspired cocktails for those feeling a little more classy. Curiously it pours Brewlander on tap, but the local craft brewery does make some really good cerveza.
I find it deeply ironic to have travelled all the way to the Americas, only to find a better tamale experience right in my own backyard. For now Mami’s Tamales is but a pop-up (and we’re not too sure when it will end), but I wish Singapore will fully embrace this Mexican specialty and make Chef Maribel’s labour of love a permanent fixture in Singapore’s F&B landscape.
[Images courtesy of Mami’s Tamales]
Mami’s Tamales
Address 55 Keong Saik Rd., #01-02, Singapore 089158 (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 12pm to 2.30pm and 5pm to 10pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays; 12pm to 2.30pm and 5pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays; 12pm to 2.30pm on Sundays; closed on Mondays
Tel (65) 9711 1487
Web www.mamis-tamales.com
Facebook mamistamalessg
Instagram @mamistamales
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