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Mami’s + Papi’s = Tamales
Mami’s Tamales Launches Asia’s First Tamales Pop-Up Restaurant so when the Is Life a Recipe crew got an invite to do a pre-opening dinner (and tequila) we jumped at the chance! Brian was not able to make it so yet again I had to take one for the team!
The dynamic duo behind Mami’s Tamales the newest food joint to hit Keong Saik Road is none other than Chefs Maribel Colmenares and Mauricio Espinoza! If you have seen our Papi’s Tacos review then you’ll know we consider Mauricio aka Papi a good friend of the blog.
This pop up takes over the former bar Milano Italian Bistro (now closed down) and has added some colour to the neighbourhood, pink being that colour! With such vibrancy it’s certainly going to be an incredible night ahead!
First up – Drinks (Booze)
There is an extensive menu for drinks, from the top of menu the Mexican Ice Cream Bar offering a Paleta which is a Mexican Frozen Popsicle that’s homemade from fresh natural fruits, check out this range: Mango Verde, Avocado, Coconut & Lime, Hibiscus, Guava & Mint or Pinole & Dry Roasted Corn!
What Drinks did I order?
Avocado, Coconut & Lime Paleta which was paired With Frozen Coconut Margarita then I had a Frozen Sangria Rojo Margarita to close off the meal plus we were supplied with shot after shot of Blanco 30-30 Tequila!
Mami’s Tamales – Starter
The team served up Tableside Molcajete of Guacamole & Chips (vg) $26 which I did not bother to take a picture of because you not what that looks like but this brightly coloured dish below called ESQUITES VASOLOTE which consists of Sauté Sweet Corn, Homemade Jalapeno Aioli, Queso Fresco, Coriander & Crispy Tortilla Drizzled With Salsa Macha!
Next Dish – Chalupas Poblanas
CHALUPAS POBLANAS ( 3 pcs) $16
Tortillas, Topped With Red And Green Salsa, Garnished With Onion & with Chicken Tinga
These Chalupas Poblanas present a delightful combination of flavours and textures. Each tortilla is generously topped with a mix of red and green salsa, creating a visually appealing and flavourful base. The tortillas are then garnished with fresh, thinly sliced onions and a bed of arugula for a touch of bitterness and crispness.
The star of the dish is the Chicken Tinga, a traditional Mexican preparation where shredded chicken is cooked in a rich, tangy tomato and chipotle sauce. The combination of the salsas, onions, and Chicken Tinga offers a perfect balance of spiciness, sweetness, and savoury notes, making these chalupas a delicious but messy dish.
What we came for – Mami’s Tamales!
PORK SALSA VERDE – $18
Succulent Pork Simmered In A Vibrant Green Sauce Made From Tomatillos, Jalapeños, Garlic, & Fresh Cilantro
This tamale offers a traditional Mexican flavour profile with an unexpected twist. The filling features succulent pork simmered in a vibrant green sauce, composed of tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and fresh cilantro. However, contrary to expectations, the flavours were surprisingly subtle and nuanced.
The mildness of the dish is quite surprising, given the typically bold components of salsa verde. The tomatillos’ tartness, the jalapeños’ heat, and the garlic’s pungency were all notably restrained, allowing the pork’s natural flavours to shine through. This subtlety in flavouring is an interesting departure from the often robust taste associated with salsa verde.
Asian Tomales?
AYAM SAMBAL HIJAU – $14
Tender Chicken Cooked In A Spicy Green Chili Sambal Sauce
This dish represents a fusion of Mexican and Indonesian cuisines. Traditional tamale preparation meets the bold flavours of Ayam Sambal Hijau, a popular Indonesian chicken dish. The corn masa dough encases tender chicken cooked in a spicy green chili sambal sauce, offering a unique twist on both cultures’ comfort foods.
The green sambal, typically made with green chilies, shallots, and garlic, provides a vibrant, spicy kick that contrasts with the banana skin flavour of the tamale wrapper. This fusion approach may appeal to adventurous eaters seeking new flavour combinations, this is a good way to attract the local palate to experience Mexican food with an Asian Fusion!
It actually reminded me of Otak-Otak aka Otah!
Now for something Sweet – Yes a Sweet Tamal
SWEET TAMAL – $13
Serve With Whipping Cream And Tequila Caramel
A traditional Mexican dessert tamale with a sweet filling, steamed in corn husks. Served with whipped cream and a tequila caramel sauce, the tequila caramel did not overpower the subtle flavours of the tamal.
The price point is moderate for a dessert, reflecting the labour-intensive preparation process. A unique offering that combines classic technique with contemporary flavours, though it may not appeal to purists seeking a more authentic experience.
Mami’s Tamales Review Conclusion
Mami’s Tamales is a vibrant and delightful addition to the food scene along Keong Saik Road, offering a unique fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with an Asian twist. Chefs Maribel Colmenares and Mauricio Espinoza have created an exciting menu that is sure to please adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike.
The atmosphere is lively, and the drink menu is extensive and refreshing. Given the popularity and the uniqueness of this pop-up restaurant, we highly recommend booking in advance as spots are filling up quickly. Don’t miss out on this exciting Mexican food experience!
Big thanks to Maribel Colmenares & Mauricio Espinoza and the team for putting on such a great evening, wishing you all the very best in this new space!
Buena suerte, mi amigos!!
Mami’s Tamales Address & Contact Details
Address: 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-02
Reservations: hola@mamis-tamales.com or click Here
Opening Hours:
Lunch: Tuesday- Sunday 12pm- 2.30pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-11pm (weekends till late)
Dinner Service Starts: 6pm
Last Order for Dinner: 10pm
Last Order Bar Service: 10pm weekdays, 10.30pm Friday & Saturday
Website: https://www.mamis-tamales.com
