Ingredient appreciation — what makes Tamales special

What sets Tamales apart is the handling of masa harina. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the complex and layered with chilli result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

pre-Columbian ingredients like corn, beans, and chilli form the foundation. The a family mercado lunch atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had agua fresca as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Tamales is the place to start.