The Morales Mexican Deli — Restaurant in Union City

The earliest I can remember eating tamales was back home, not in México, but in Harlem. My parents, arriving from Puebla, Mexico in 1973, we enjoyed tamales in every festive occasion. Since the influx of more Mexicans to the U.S., there's been an introduction of various types of tamales to the New York-New Jersey communities. However, the original home taste has been illusive since many establishments use low cost ingredients to manufacture the original tamale taste that I fondly remember. This deli comes relatively close to what my mom and relatives creatively reconstructed in their home kitchens. The only downside of this establishment is the coarse demeanor of the young lady at the register. Her attitude is more like, look at the small menu and order it, I'm not here to chit-chat. The place is very small, one counter top for customers to enjoy a quick meal. The back showcases the ladies working in the kitchens mass producing the tamales, tortas (that's what a sandwich is named in the Mexican cuisine), and fresh coffee. Overall, it's a quick stop to my childhood both in...

I came here hearing good things about the tamales, however when I went and ordered them the tamales were in the fridge and simply reheated in the Microwave. Even then, the tamale was still warm and did not taste fresh. The arroz con leche was also pretty warm and did not taste. I would rather buy refrigerated tamales and heat them up in my home. At the price they sell them, it is definitely not worth it. Do not come here if you can avoid it.

——-

Mi familia y yo fuimos a este negocio a comer tamales tradicionales Mexicanos FRESCOS. Cual fue mu sorpresa? Puras porquerias a un precio PREMIUM. La atendiente simplemento saco un tamal frio del refrigerador y lo puso en el microondas. Para tamales recalentados los compro yo en el supermeracado mas baratos y los caliento...

The tamales are great variety of flavors. Parking there is difficult but if you are a local then the locale is great! Just behind Bergenline on New York Ave. The tamales are fresh and the orders come out quickly. We love the mole and comino flavor best but all...