Tamales are a holiday tradition throughout many parts of Texas, stemming from a Mesoamerican dish.
In Corpus Christi, there are places all over town to buy the best tamales that suit your style.
One business near downtown off of 14th and Marguerite St, is the family-owned business, Ruiz Tamales and Tortilla Factory. Owner, Daniel Saenz has been in the business for 40 years, and makes about 3,000 dozen of tamales just in the month of December.
Saenz son, Daniel Saenz Jr, says his dad is a “freak of nature, he gets up at 2 in the morning, work by 3:30 to get the weekend business ready to go.”
Ruiz Tamales say the last day to get tamales will be Christmas Eve.
Saenz Jr., says the holiday tradition means a lot to him and his family.
Ruiz Tamales: http://ruizfoodservice.com/
361-888-7672
There is one local man who is trying to start his own holiday tradition. Will Diaz began making tamales when he was a kid, taught by his grandmother. He prides himself in making tamales by hand, without a conveyer belt, and delivers to all his customers.
He says he can make between 20-22 dozen in one day by himself.
Willie D’z also caters, BBQ’s, and provides meal prepping for customers.
Will says he will take deliveries right up until the 23rd of this month.
Willie D’z: https://www.facebook.com/WillieDzTamales/
361-480-2760
A few other Tamale places in town:
Granny’s Tamales: 361-854-1400
Huerta’s Tamales & Tortillas: 361-852-4868
Rosie’s Tamales: 361-857-5959
