Tamale Boy

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Tamale Boy Seasonally changing menu celebrating flavors from across Mexico. Rooted in tradition, driven by creativity. Visit us in Portland (2 locations) and Happy Valley.
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History

Tamale or tamal derives from the word tamalli, from the Nauhatl language spoken by our ancestors the Aztecs, meaning wrapped food. Tamales date back to as early as 8000 BCE, and were eaten not only by the Aztec, but Maya, and even Inca civilizations as well as the Olmeca and Tolteca before them. They were used as portable food to support their armies, hunters and travelers. Process

Tamales are born with one of the most ancient processes of enhancing the maiz (corn), Nixtamalization, the process of the grain soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, typically in limewater (the mineral, not the fruit), then hulled. This technique not only makes it easier to ground the maiz, but also enhances the nutritional value, flavor and aroma. This first step is crucial to make not just tamales, but tortillas, corn chips, hominy and mucho mas! Tamales are steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper, cornhusks typically used in the north and banana leaf in the southern regions such as Oaxaca, which are famous for their Mole Negro filling. Tamale Boy

Few countries have such an extensive variety of tamales as Mexico, where they are considered one of the most beloved traditional foods, that is eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and usually with Atole or Champurrado, a sweet maize-based beverage that is also of indigenous origin. Almost every region and state in the country has its own kind of tamale, and now we are making our own savory and sweet, as well as traditional and contemporary flavor tamales here in the Pacific Northwest! Perfect for any occasion, Tamale Boy is your source for delicious and authentic tamales!

10/27/2026

11/01/2026 see you in HQ

10/27/2026

Pozole Rojo |
Chicken and dried guajillo chile stock, shredded chicken and hominy. Topped with shredded lettuce, diced onion, cilantro and radish, served with 3 corn tostadas and salsa puya.
Have you tried it yet?

Journey to Mictlan is a mezcal pairing dinner focused on Mesoamérican storytelling through an intimate culinary experien...
10/24/2026

Journey to Mictlan is a mezcal pairing dinner focused on Mesoamérican storytelling through an intimate culinary experience. Join us this Día de los Mu***os as we learn more about the Aztec mythology of life and death. This guided experience is led by certified agave specialist Joe Frade, who will walk us through the 9 level journey to reach Mictlan, while enjoying a 4 course meal paired with artisanal Mezcal from the highlands of Oaxaca.

*Dinner reservation includes gratuity.
*Vegan options available, please request in advance.
*Guests are encouraged to bring a photo of any loved ones they would like to honor in our ofrenda.

Our space is dressed in orange, and fall has officially arrived at Tamale Boy HQ! 🍂🧡🎃 Come get cozy with us this season!...
10/23/2026

Our space is dressed in orange, and fall has officially arrived at Tamale Boy HQ! 🍂🧡🎃 Come get cozy with us this season!

Nuestro espacio se vistió de naranja y el otoño ya llegó a Tamale Boy HQ. 🍂🧡🎃 ¡Ven a disfrutar de esta temporada con nosotros!

10/21/2026
10/19/2026

Good food, great people, and unforgettable moments! 🌮✨ A little look behind the scenes at one of our catering events. Let Tamale Boy bring the flavor to your next celebration! 🎉

Buena comida, grandes momentos y mucho sabor. 🌮✨ Así se vivió uno de nuestros eventos de catering. ¡Deja que Tamale Boy sea parte de tu próxima celebración! 🎉

A little sweetness goes a long way! 🍰✨ End your visit to Colibrí with something sweet and make every bite count. 💛Un toq...
10/18/2026

A little sweetness goes a long way! 🍰✨ End your visit to Colibrí with something sweet and make every bite count. 💛

Un toque dulce siempre hace la diferencia. 🍮✨ Termina tu visita a Colibrí con uno de nuestros postres y disfruta hasta el último bocado. 🩷

💀🌼 Three days of tradition, remembrance, and celebration! Join us at Tamale Boy Dekum for our Día de Mu***os Festival, O...
10/16/2026

💀🌼 Three days of tradition, remembrance, and celebration! Join us at Tamale Boy Dekum for our Día de Mu***os Festival, October 28–30. 🕯️💜

Enjoy contests, altars, traditional food, movie night, and many surprises as we honor and remember those who are no longer with us. ✨

💀 Tres días de tradición, recuerdos y celebración. Acompáñanos en nuestro Festival de Día de Mu***os en Tamale Boy Dekum, del 28 al 30 de octubre. 🌼

Disfruta de concursos, altares, comida tradicional, noche de películas y muchas sorpresas mientras honramos y recordamos a quienes ya no están con nosotros. 🕯️

📍 1764 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211

***os

Address

1764 NE Dekum Street
Portland, OR
97211

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 9pm
Tuesday 11am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 9pm
Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 10pm
Saturday 11am - 10pm

Telephone

+15032068022

Website

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