When it comes to tamales, we Mexicans tend to be extremely picky. Truth of the matter is that it’s rather difficult and almost impossible to find extremely delicious and memorable tamales. We all know that home-made tamales are the way to go, pero en ocasiones not even those make the cut. It takes a lot to make a good tamal: the masa has to be just right, there has to be enough meat and the salsa has to be on point, have a good flavor and a little kick to it without being tremendously hot. There are a gazillion fast food joints and bakeries that sell their take on tamales: from El Gallo Giro and Taco Bell (pffft) to La Indiana and other local joints. However, if you want a tamal to rock your world, head over to “La Mascota Bakery”.
It’s all about location… or maybe not
Officially, “La Mascota Bakery” is located in the city of Los Angeles. You’ll find it as you stroll through Whittier Blvd. However, if you ask any locals where this joint is located, you’re in for a very heated debate.
Some claim “La Mascota Bakery” is part of the East L.A. hood, while others disagree and say that it’s part of the Boyle Heights familia.
It doesn’t matter what neighborhood it’s in, lo que importa es que “La Mascota Bakery” is conveniently located and easily accessed… no hay pierde. When in doubt, just follow your nose.
Too many tamales? Never!
It’s no surprise that the holy grail of tamales is located on Whittier Blvd., after all, in the magical world of East L.A. (or Boyle Heights depending on who you ask), no hay pierde cuando se trata de buena comida Mexicana y Latina en general.
The tamales “La Mascota Bakery” will definitely rock your boat. They are not smothered in heavy masa and they’re not extremely greasy either. They have a generous amount of meat and the salsa is just right.
They have your typical verde y rojo. If you’re looking for spicy, los tamales de verde are the way to go. Los tamales de rojo are not spicy by any means pero tienen buen sabor.
Encontrarás tamales de res, puerco, pollo y queso. Chicken tamales have always been iffy. If you want a full on party in your mouth, go for either res or puerco.
If you’re feeling rad and want to rebel against dieting and eating healthy, have a guajolota.
What’s a guajolota you ask? En Chilangolandia una “guajolota” es nada más y nada menos que una torta de tamal. Why that name? I have no idea. But this is truly a great eat, not healthy at all, but oh so good, especially since the bolillos at this joint are fresh off the oven.
Si te queda un hueco en el estómago or you simply can’t stop eating until you have to unbutton your pants, el pan dulce está como para chuparse los dedos… so if you must, try their guava and cream cheese pastry it’ll literally knock your socks off.
La Mascota Bakery
2715 Whittier Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
323.263.5513
