Nikky B.
Yelp
Came for late lunch looking for fresh tamale since I have been craving it since this summer and still haven't found a decent place in or around PDX. One key factor, in the last year or so most of the conferences and meetings I attended, the Tamale Boy was catering them. So I was hoping fresh tamale would be better.
This Happy Valley location is located inside the Valley Public House in Happy Valley sharing space with Whiskey Barrel Lounge and Ranch Pizza. The Valley Public House turns 3 on October 28th, 2023. I don't know if Tamale Boy joined this shared space from the beginning.
The portion of tamale is very generous, more than enough for two servings or to share with another person. For a non-Hispanic food lover like me, what I love and crave about tamale is the masa; this is the primary make-it-or-break-it for me! Unfortunately, both of the tamales I ordered the masa were bland and too little compared to the meat portion. The green sauce was what saved it for me to finish 1/3 of each tamale. If you prefer meat a lot more than masa in your tamale, then this is your place.
Oaxaquenos Tamale-Cochinita Pibil, steamed in a banana leaf ($6): slow-roasted pork in citrus juices, achiote, and a variety of spices specialty of the state of Yucatan. The pork was too salty for my taste even with the citrus juice.
Norteno Tamale-Tinga de Pollo, steamed in corn hush ($5.25): the chicken in this one had a bit more flavor and was much more enjoyable than the slow-roasted pork in the Cochinita Pibil. Again, as I mentioned above for both tamales, the masa had a very disappointing lack of flavor and portion.
Tostadas De Ceviche GF-Seasonal Specials ($16): this was surprisingly a hit and saved it for me during my first visit here! I would definitely come back for this! Though it listed both tilapia and shrimp ceviche marinated in lime juice, which is what I prefer over a tomato base, there was noticeably more shrimp than tilapia in all three crispy tostadas. I could taste the marinated shrimp but couldn't say the same for the tilapia. Everything that came with this was well-seasoned and balanced in textures. Well Done, Tamale Boy! If you like lime-based ceviche, this is a must-get item!
Platanos Fritos ($6): only 2.5 slides, too little for this price, and was over-fried for sure. The flavor was still good since the plantains were ripe with sweetness. It was not worth the money nor satisfied my dessert craving.
Cafe Luna ($5): it was too sweet and too weak coffee for me, forgettable.
Overall, prompt and friendly service! It is a much-needed addition to Happy Valley's growing eateries. Opens 7 days a week until 9:30 PM, except Sunday until 8:30 PM per Yelp's hours updated 3 months ago.
P.Y. (Post Yelp): My own spin on giving a shout-out to place with Toilet Seat Covers! The shared restroom space is cleaned and well-stocked with toilet seat covers!
