Take a tour of Houston’s tasty tamale scene with ‘Eat Like a Local’

It’s tamale time! For many, tamales mark the beginning of the winter holiday season.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, chef Chris Shepherd explores the culture and tradition of tamales (tamals in Spanish). Houston’s diverse culture gives him the unique opportunity to experience tamales from around Latin and South America as well as the Caribbean all in one city. But, the heartbeat of tamales is in the home.

Generation after generation, local families have been gathering with friends and family to hand-make tamales by the dozen. Chef Luis Espinoza invited “Eat Like a Local” into his home in Katy to experience his annual tamalada.

For those who don’t have access to homemade tamales, Chris shares his spot to get tamales any time of year, La Guadalupana. Here, chef Roberto Diaz and his team turn out Mexican tamales using his mom’s recipe.

• PREVIOUS EPISODE: DELI-cious! Sandwiches and more are on the menu in this ‘Eat Like a Local’

At El Bolillo Bakery, rajas and spicy pork and habanero tamales are Chris’ pick along with an overflowing tray of Mexican sweets.

After hitting up some of his favorites, Chris heads off to find tamales he’s never tried before. Guatemala Restaurant serves up tamales, you guessed it, the Guatemalan way. Chris is surprised to find tamales made with rice and potato instead of traditional corn masa.

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At Mi Pueblito, the Colombian Tamal Tolimense with big chunks of chicken, hard boiled egg and even pork belly have Chris planning a trip back before his meal is even finished.

Café Piquet offers Cuban tamales which Chris learns varies in its assembly. Instead of corn masa wrapped around the filling, chunks of pork are mixed into the masa and then formed and steamed.

Finally, Chris goes in search of sweet tamales which brings him to Tamales Doña Tere in southwest Houston. Here, the tamales are as creative as they are huge. Chris is speechless when he discovers the Guajolota (a torta stuffed with a tamale) and a tamale with an entire snack cake inside!

“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.

Season 2 of “Eat Like a Local”

• SEASON 2, EPISODE 28: FARM TO TABLE: Where Houston restaurants get the most fresh and flavorful produce
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 29: Houston Texans fans! These are the best bites you’ll find at NRG Stadium
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 30: What to order at some of Houston’s best neighborhood restaurants
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 31: Bring on the cookies! ‘Eat Like a Local’ visits some of the best bakers in town
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 32: This cocktail laboratory has a secret entrance
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 33: THEN AND NOW: How one of Houston’s most popular fried chicken restaurants came to be
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 34: Indian food to celebrate during Diwali and all year round
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 35: Pho and more 🍜 These Houston area restaurants have mastered the art of making noodles
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 36: Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of West African cuisine in Houston
• SEASON 2, EPISODE 37: DELI-cious! Sandwiches and more are on the menu in this ‘Eat Like a Local’
• WATCH THE FIRST SEASON OF “EAT LIKE A LOCAL”