Chef Maribel Colmenares has collaborated with Chef Mauricio Espinoza from Papi’s Tacos to launch the 35 seater Mami’s Tamales along Keong Saik Road. Savour flavours of Mexico at the first tamale-led pop-up restaurant in Asia.
Mexican tamales are a beloved traditional dish made from masa (a dough made from nixtamalized corn) and filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, chillies, and vegetables. The masa dough is soft and moist (like a Kueh Tu Tu texture), providing a slightly sweet and earthy flavour that complements the rich and savoury fillings. These fillings are carefully wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and then steamed to perfection. Each Mexico region has unique variations, showcasing a rich tapestry of flavours and culinary heritage.
At the new Mami’s Tamales in Singapore, patrons will get to savour these authentic Mexican tamales, meticulously crafted by chefs Maribel Colmenares and Mauricio Espinoza, who infuse traditional recipes with innovative Asian-inspired twists. This exciting fusion promises to bring a fresh and vibrant culinary experience to the local food scene. Each recipe takes up to three hours to perfect, and the prices start at S$13.
We tried the Pork Salsa Verde (S$18), Chicken Tinga (S$16) and the Asian inspired Curry Tempeh (S$16) Tamales as well as a Sweet Tamal for dessert. A Mami’s Tamales Platter featuring a selection of any 4 tamales, sour cream and salsa is available at S$58.
Mexican Tamales are also available in Cheese & Pepper (S$13), Mushroom Pastor (S$15), Guajillo & Jackfruit (S$15) while the Asian renditions are also available in Ayam Sambal Hijau (S$14), “Moo Ping” Pork (S$15), Salmon Tom Yum (S$20)
The high-energy Chef Maribel hails from Puebla, Mexico, where her passion for tamale-making blossomed early on. She spent numerous hours helping her mother and grandmother in the family kitchen and at their tamale shop. For the past decade, she has called Singapore home, starting as a home cook before venturing into the realm of pop-up restaurants.
We enjoyed the Tableside Molcajete of Guacamole and Chips (S$26) which is pounded right in front of you. Haas avocadoes, tomatoes, coriander, jalapenos, salt, pepper, lime juice and olive oil are pounded and mixed right at the table. Served with a portion of fried corn-torillas and eaten together with the avocado dip.
We also sampled some side dishes, including the Esquites Vasolote (S$11), a shared side of sautéed sweet corn with homemade jalapeno aioli, queso fresco, coriander, and crispy tortilla drizzled with salsa macha. Each bite was a delightful burst of flavors and textures. The Chalupas Pobalans (S$16) come as a set of three tortillas topped with red and green salsa, garnished with onion, and your choice of chicken tinga or jackfruit.
For dinner, there are sharing plates such as the Moo Moo (S$52), a 300g beef cut of the day served with a side of Chilaquiles, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and cherry tomatoes. Another option is El Pollo (S$35), featuring half a grilled chicken served with green pipian and black sesame. For lunch, Tortas or Mexican sandwiches are available. The Torta De Milanesa De Pollo (S$20) features succulent breaded chicken in soft bread, complemented by refried beans, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and a hint of smoky chipotle chili, served with fries or salad. The Torta de Brisket (S$23) offers tender, juicy braised brisket on a soft roll, layered with tangy pickled onions, beans, and mayo, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and finished with zesty chipotle aioli, served with fries or salad.
With Singapore’s hot weather, a refreshing Paleta, a Mexican ice pop paired with frozen margarita is a must at Mami’s Tamales. Available in a variety of flavours and combinations from S$22. Frozen Margaritas on their own are also available by the glass or jug.
If you’re in the mood for happy hour, it happens from 12pm to 7pm. Enjoy frozen margaritas, house spirits and wines at S$10 or beers at S$12.
Mami’s Tamales
Address 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-02, Singapore 089158
Opening Hours Lunch: Tuesdays to Sundays 12 pm to 2.30 pm | Dinner: Tuesdays to Saturdays 5pm to 11pm (weekends till late)
Tel +65 9182 0456
Web www.mamis-tamales.com
Facebook MamisTamalesSG
Instagram MamisTamales
Reservations book here
