Yolanda’s Tamales
“$1.00
– She stands with her cart on the corner of Broadway and 137th near the entrance to the 1 train at the City College 137th stop
Cons:
– None.”
“If you're up in West Harlem, be sure to stop by Yolanda's Tamales.”
“Her tamales were always a hit at parties too.”
Yolanda’s Tamales
Take-out: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
3 reviews
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Let's talk about Yolanda and her tamales.
The idea:
I know next to nothing about tamales. I understand what they are, but have never tasted them. I saw the reviews for Yolanda's Tamale Stand, and was interested. $1.50 for a tamale sounds great!
The ordering experience:
I ordered a spicy chicken tamale, which Yolanda recommended (She said "Spicy better"). Then she quickly added "Dos?" And I was like "Ehhhh why not?" As she puts the tamales in the tin foil she adds "Tres?" And I laughed at how hard she was up selling. Good for her.
The tamales themselves:
My first impression was disappointment there wasn't more meat. The spice level wasn't that spicy, but I overall enjoyed it. The more I ate, the less I enjoyed the tamale. I should have just ordered one. The chicken seemed more like canned chicken than fresh. Kind of rubbery and a mix of white and dark meat, but the corn and spicy sauce was good!
Overall:
Re-reading my review, I seem harsh, but the product was good. Maybe just recommend either not getting the chicken, or maybe that's just what tamales taste like! Definitely worth checking out.
After reading all of these reviews, I just had to find you and have you vetted by my personal Oaxacan. The outcome: The only thing that would make this any more authentic is fresh ground corn from Mexico.
"Yolanda," you are legit.
She is by 137th, but also by 145th in the afternoons (thanks, JJ). My personal favorites are the puerco, pollo, and Oaxacaqueño (whenever they are around). The flavors and spices are amazing. My office is actually forming a pool so that we can clean her out and leave some in our office freezer for a rainy day.
Holy shit.
I'm sorry for my crassness, but the expletive was only way to convey my true feelings. I honestly didn't even like my previous experiences with things labeled as tamales, but based on these yelp reviews (and the $1.50 price tag – come on!!) I decided to give it a try. Again, holy shit. Soooo delicious! I couldn't eat it fast enough, and again up to this point I had never even liked tamales. I am now a believer!
Treat yourself – try Yolanda. If you live anywhere on the west side it would honestly even be worth a subway ride uptown (or down). It's. That. Good.