The 15 Best Tamales In Los Angeles - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"After operating as a fantastic but short-lived brick-and-mortar restaurant, this family-run Afro-Mexican spot has returned to its roots as a food truck. Tamales Elena’s incredible tamales have been a constant, with fluffy, well-seasoned masa that cuts like soft butter with a plastic fork. You can order them wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and choose from fillings like shredded chicken in salsa verde or pork in a spicier-than-expected salsa roja. There’s no wrong choice, but we like the tamal especial #2, which adds a bath in barbacoa consomme loaded with beef. If you need tamales by the dozen for a potluck, Tamales Elena takes phone orders for pick-up. Cash only." - brant cox, sylvio martins