Christmas Tamales In Hayward, Castro Valley

HAYWARD, CA — Tamales are a delicious Christmas tradition for many Hayward and Castro Valley residents, but if you're not ready to tackle corn husks, masa, and the filling and wrapping — the next best option is finding a great local source for homemade tamales.

EaterSF came up with a list of the 10 best places to buy tamales in the East Bay.

On the list are three Hayward restaurants — Alicia's Tamales Los Mayas, Mis Tamales, and Taqueria Senaida's.

EaterSF praises Alicia's Tamales Los Mayas for "familiar fillings with a twist — like chicken with carrot, zucchini, and potato. Try the vegetable tamales with nopales and garbanzo in masa that’s vegan and gluten-free, too. For Nochebuena, the 12 tamales dinner includes salsa; order online at least two days in advance. Pick up your order at her facility in Hayward."

Find Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas' at 23682 Clawiter Road, Hayward, CA 94545. Phone in your order to 510-244-7738.

Mis Tamales is "the centerpiece of a small shopping strip festooned with photos of menu items including Nicaraguan nacatamales and Guatemalan tamales. You can’t go wrong with the Mexican tamales whether you opt for pork, chicken or chile cheese. The masa is fluffy and flavorful with a satisfactory masa to filling ratio. For Nochebuena, order your dozen by December 22."

Find Mis Tamales at 2613 Oliver Dr., Hayward, CA 94545. Phone in orders to 510-785-9130.

Taqueria Senaida's is a beloved tradition. "A line of cars regularly snakes onto the stretch of Tennyson Road in Hayward that curves by Taqueria Senaida’s drive-through. The menu is affixed to the front of an old van in the parking lot and in its window, a hand-written sign announces pork and chicken tamales. Hefty in size, the masa is flavorful with ample well-seasoned meat inside."

Sadly, you'll have to keep Taqueria Senaida's in mind for next Christmas. Nochebuena orders needed to be placed by December 19.

Taqueria Senaida's is at 150 Tennyson Road, Hayward, CA 94544.

See the full list on EaterSF.