Teresita's Tamales — Restaurant in Madison

I think, after trying this truck 3 times, I've realized these tamales just aren't for me. I wanted to like them so terribly because they look delicious, the folks running the business seem lovely, and EVERYONE raves about them. But I can't write it off as a bad batch or anything after trying so many times.

The first time was a couple years ago right after the truck got its start. It visited a neighborhood in the OXR area and I made the drive over to try because I wanted to see what everyone was raving about. It was so popular and, as a result of being new, fairly slow -- and I wound up waiting in line for over an hour. I didn't like the tamales I got very much, but I wrote it off as it being the tail end of service and them being run ragged from the insane lines.

The second time, my order was beyond messed up and I didn't realize until I'd gotten home and it was too late to get it fixed. The only thing that was right was my corn in a cup...much of which spilled in the plastic bag because the lid wasn't attached properly. Argh.

Finally had some luck at a truly solid go of it at the Piper and Leaf Maker's Market a week or so ago. My parents and I wanted to share a light lunch and so we got a tamale combo to share. And, once again, it didn't do much for me. All three times, I've found the tamales fairly dry and, while not flavorless, not exactly bursting with flavor, either.

Here are some observations:

These are the more traditional style of tamale (as opposed to Delta hot tamales, which my mom loves), and like I said, I found them pretty dry on all my attempts. This is improved some by the addition of salsa or queso, but these are all added costs (fairly high ones for the meager amount you get - think fast food ketchup sized cup), and it's also easy to forget to order them. It would be nice if a combo came with your choice of at least one. The salsas, both red and green, have vibrant flavors and some kick.

The rice and beans are standard but unobjectionable.

They do usually have some vegetarian options, which is nice. I've tried the pork, chicken, and rajas (veggie) tamales. The best of the three, to me, is the pork -- it is faintly spicy and more moist, imo. But FWIW my parents like the chicken more, so who can really say?

What I HAVE enjoyed has been the esquite (corn in a cup). It's been refreshing, with a pleasant texture and combination of flavors. I'd order it again. I've also enjoyed the pleasant service I've received each visit.

In more recent times, they've expanded to doing dishes other than tamales: tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, etc. They also sometimes offer dessert/sweet tamales, like pineapple or pumpkin. All of this sounds intriguing and I'd be willing to try it in the future.

If more traditional tamales are your jam, then by all means give this nice local business a try. I truly think the problem is more a me problem than a them problem, but that's just...

Just moved to Huntsville from northern Utah, and my wife and I have been trying to find good, authentic tamales. Well, our search ended on 10/28/22, as I stopped by the Madison, AL, location (beside a Chevron gas station) for Teresita's Tamales. I bought two pork, 1 chicken and 1 that has jalapeno w/other ingredients (can't remember all the fillings, as we haven't tried it yet, or, the chicken one, yet). We did try the pork tamales and they were delicious; plenty of seasoned pork (w/a little "bite" (heat) but not close to being overpowering; great balance. The masa was a perfect amount and tasted wonderful. Their tamales are good size, and for anyone who has never made homemade tamales (we have), it's A LOT of work (a labor of love!), but worth it. I've read reviews from some folks who claim the price of the tamales is too high; they're too small, and some say not enough filling. Folks are entitled to their opinion, although I disagree w/those types of comments/reviews. Teresita's Tamales are very special and the pork tamales we tried, are right up there with the best we've ever eaten. Gracias, we'll be back! Larry...

I love tamales and have been wanting to stop here for a while. I got a tamale combo with the pork tamales as well as a cup of the street corn. The tamales were really good, moist, flavorful and not too spicy ( I would love spicy but my stomach can’t take it anymore). The beans and rice were good, but the tamales are obviously the stars of the show. The cup of street corn was also good, and a great option that is not as messy as eating off of the cob. It is a lot of food, so next time I would probably just get the tamales and the corn. The staff are extremely friendly and I was happy to have...