Los Angeles is a city that boasts a rich tapestry of culinary delights, with Mexican cuisine taking the spotlight for many food enthusiasts. Among these, tamales stand out as a quintessential Mexican staple. Wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, these steam-cooked parcels deliver an array of flavors and fillings that are a treat to the palate. For those navigating the city via the Metro, here are the 12 best tamale spots easily accessible for a taste of traditional Latin American comfort food.

1. La Doña Tamalería – Just a short walk from the Pico Station, this eatery is known for their savory pork and red sauce tamales, which have been a crowd-pleaser for years.

2. Tamalitoz by Sugarox – Hop off at Union Station and find this kiosk within the historic market space, offering inventive sweet and spicy tamales that are perfect for dessert aficionados.

3. Mama’s International Tamales – Near the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station, this spot serves up a variety of Central American tamales, including vegetarian and chicken options.

4. Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales – Exit at North Hollywood Station and make your way to this establishment celebrated for their gourmet spinach and cheese tamales among others.

5. The Tamale Cafe – A quick jaunt from the Mariachi Plaza Station in Boyle Heights will take you to this cafe where handmade chicken poblano and cheese corn tamales await.

6. Los Tamaleros – This pop-up near Hollywood/Vine boasts an array of traditional tamales including rich beef in red sauce that locals rave about.

7. Tamales Elena y Antojitos – Close to the Blue Line’s Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station, this place is famous for its Afro-Mexican Guerrero-style tamales topped with a spicy mojo sauce.

8. Tamales Alberto – Find your way here from the Vermont/Sunset Station and indulge in their delectable pork belly and salsa verde tamales.

9. Tamales House – A stone’s throw away from Northridge Metro stop, visitors can enjoy their range of classic shredded chicken or sweeter pineapple-infused offerings.

10. Tamaleria Rincon Sinaloense – A riding distance to Bellflower Blvd & Flower St stop; here you can sample masa-hugged delights filled with chicken enveloped in spicy green sauce.

11. Tamara’s Tamales – Marina Del Rey is where you get off for this one; famed for organic options such as the vegan black bean tamale which is both healthful and delicious.

12. Yummy Tamales – Just around the corner from Azusa Downtown Station, they provide classic tastes with a home-cooked warmth, especially known for their red pork and sweet corn varieties.

These 12 tamale hotspots not only bring authentic flavors from Mexico but also provide easy accessibility via Los Angeles’s Metro system. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, traditional or innovative, there’s a tamale in L.A. just waiting to be discovered on your next Metro adventure!