Portland’s forecast may be getting slowly sunnier, but there’s still time to indulge in a pocket of warm deliciousness. In fact, National Tamale Day is March 23, so, actually, you still have a few more weeks to get your party plans in order.
But if you haven’t marked your calendars just yet, look no further: Last week, The Oregonian’s Readers Choice Awards asked readers to vote for their favorite local tamales — and the results are in. Here are the five best tamales spots in the Portland area, according to you.
5. Canby Asparagus Farm Casa de Tamales
If you’re looking for variety, this Milwaukie Mexican restaurant is the place to go. The menu is “large and eclectic,” with more than 40 different savory tamal fillings and a dozen sweet options. Need help choosing? According to one reader, “the vegetarian green corn tamales are well-balanced, with great masa flavor and just the right amount of cheese.”
10605 S.E. Main St., Milwaukie, noon-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday; https://www.canbyasparagusfarmcasadetamales.com/
4. Tamal Express
The “food never fails” at Tamal Express, at least according to one of the food cart’s devoted fans. Parked within the Aloha Food Carts pod along Tualatin Valley Highway, the eatery is a local favorite for fresh tamales. Chicken, pork and cheese varieties make up the menu, along with a sweet pineapple tamal filled with coconut and raisins and dyed pink with strawberries…