- This funky old mercado is a landmark on Flagler Street. Don't be put off by outside appearances! The people are warm and friendly and you'll be glad you stopped.
Jorge Castillo: Walk into any small store or restaurant in Miami and you're going to find a real treat: tamales.
Glenn Lindgren: Let's face it, you can hardly go anywhere in Miami without seeing tamales on the menu. They are a great appetizer or side dish and three make a very filling meal all by themselves.
Raúl Musibay: Cuban tamales are quite different from their Mexican cousins.
Jorge Castillo: For one thing, they are not spicy!
Glenn Lindgren: Like most Cuban food, Cuban tamales are highly spiced but NOT SPICY HOT.
Jorge Castillo: A great Cuban tamal is made with freshly ground corn and the meat (pieces of ham or pork) is mixed into the dough.
Glenn Lindgren: Tamales can be purchased very cheaply. Most families in Miami don't make their own because it's so much easier to buy them.
Jorge Castillo: We've eaten thousands of tamales from all over Miami.
Raúl Musibay: But there is one place in Miami that makes the best tamales: the Latin American Market. We've been buying tamales here for years.
Latin American Market
The Best Cuban Tamales in Miami!
Glenn Lindgren: People come to this small grocery from all over Miami.
Jorge Castillo: The prices are very cheap.
Glenn Lindgren: And the tamales are outstanding, with just the right combination of spices to produce a tamal that is rich and full of fresh corn flavor.
Raúl Musibay: To get a better tamal in Miami, you'd have to visit the Three Guys From Miami!
Jorge Castillo: They have a small stand-up counter for those who want to eat their tamales now. As good as these are, we can't blame anyone for being in a hurry!
Jorge Castillo: Here's a tip: If you are visiting Miami, pick up a box of tamales to bring home. You can freeze them and they'll keep for months.
Raúl Musibay: Thaw a few in the microwave or you can steam a larger quantity.
Glenn Lindgren: Just don't boil them. You'll leach all the flavor and essential oils out!
The Details
Reader Response:
"None of my friends would believe me when I said that Latin American Market had the best tamales and guarapó in town (after my abuela, of course). Now I have your website to prove I was not crazy..."
The tamales are great, with just the right combination of spices to produce a tamal that is rich and full of fresh corn flavor. There is a small stand-up counter in the front where you order your tamales or you can eat a couple in the store. Buy any amount you want, but they do come pre-wrapped in a family size pack of 15.
7365 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33144
305-261-4401
