Everyone is familiar with tacos and burritos, but tamales? If you haven’t heard of this Mexican staple, perhaps it’s time to make a trip to Keong Saik Road. That’s where you’ll find Mami’s Tamales, Asia’s first tamales pop-up restaurant.
Tamales hold a special place in Mexican cuisine, representing centuries of tradition and culinary artistry. They are made of masa (corn-based dough) filled with savoury ingredients like chicken and pork, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and steamed. It’s an authentic taste of Mexico that’s hard to find here.
A collaboration between chefs Mauricio Espinoza of Papi’s Taco and Maribel Colmenares, diners can expect a festive home-cooked experience right from the start. Well, it’s actually more like a Mexican fiesta. Surrounded by pink walls and decked out with colourful artwork and furniture, the restaurant welcomes guests with a lively atmosphere and equally enthusiastic staff.
Taste of tradition
The menu features a variety of dishes, but since you are at a Mexican restaurant, a good place to start is the Tableside Molcajete of Guacamole and Chips. The guacamole is mixed at your table with the fresh ingredients like tomatoes, jalapenos and coriander, and served with fried corn tortillas.
Other highly recommended starters include Esquites Vasolote, a delectable twist on classic street corn served in a cup inspired by the traditional street food Michoacan Vasoloteis; and Chalupas Poblanas (set of three), a tortilla snack with either chicken or jackfruit, topped with red and green salsa.
But the tamales are the highlight here. According to the chefs, crafting tamales is a labour of love that demands skill and patience, with each recipe taking up to three hours to perfect. Key ingredients, like specific chilies and tomatillos, are sourced from Mexico to maintain authentic flavours.
Wondering what tamales are like? Think of them as a savoury version of kueh tutu, the Singaporean snack made with rice flour and stuffed with ground peanuts or grated coconut. The texture is soft and a little grainy.
The tamales in the menu are divided between Mexican and Asian flavours. On the Mexican side, indulge in Chicken Tinga Tamal featuring shredded chicken simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce with a hint of chipotle, or Pork Salsa Verde Tamal which are filled with pork, slow-cooked in a tangy tomatillo and green chilli sauce.
Asian-influenced tamales are an interesting twist to the traditional dish. Ayam Sambal Hijau Tamal has chicken infused with a fiery green chili sambal, while the vegan Curry Tempe Tamal is filled with tempeh marinated in an aromatic curry sauce (it was strangely reminiscent of a Nonya bak chang or dumpling).
Spirit of Mexico
The bar at Mami’s Tamales offers a cocktail menu that blends traditional Mexican flavours with inventive twists. There is the classic La Pasita Poblana, a raisin-based liqueur inspired by the historic La Pasita bar in Puebla, and of course, a selection of margaritas. Try the Mexican Paleta (popsicle) in a range of unique flavours like Avocado, Coconut and Lime Paleta in a Coconut Margarita. This bold paleta creation, which combines the creaminess of mexican avocado with young coconut, is served submerged in coconut margarita for a refreshing finish.
Mami’s Tamales is located at 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-02, Singapore 089158.
