Tortilla Maker adds tamales

The first thing the Jimenez-Bucur family wants you to know, their shop Tortilla Maker is not a restaurant. It seems that people are showing up expecting a sit down meal.

Their business is however a fine destination for some truly authentic Mexican flavours as their recent recognition from the Mexican embassy attests. And now with a new addition to their menu, I needed to return.

As soon as I’d heard of their opening last summer I was over there on the second day ready to enjoy, what turned out to be, the best corn chips, tortillas and salsas I’ve had in the city.

Everything is made in house and you can enjoy watching the corn tortillas roll off the shop floor machine built for purpose. Now, due to customer demand, they’ve added tamales to their line up. 

Tamales are masa dough with a variety of fillings that are then steamed in corn husks. 

Tortilla Maker has nine variations on offer from meat to vegetarian to sweet and they are simply divine. The seasonings are delicately applied but if you’re sensitive to spice, ask ahead as some can pack a punch.

I’ve tried the range and all are very good with personal favourites like pork and mushroom and the chicken tamales standing out. I can’t leave you without telling you that you really do need to try the sweet tamale. It’s made with a filling of mild cheese and guava paste and came as a lovely surprise. I enjoyed it even more once I added whipped cream. It made for an inventive and tasty New Years eve dessert. 

Tamales are priced at approximately $6 and can be kept for a week in the fridge or up to a month in the freezer. You can reheat them in a microwave but they show best when they’ve been steamed for ten minutes.