Inside Idaho’s Wildly Unique Tamale Restaurant: A Surprise for Every Bite

I could eat Mexican food every day of the year. While I consider myself a foodie, very few things bring me more joy than a flavorful, well-prepared Mexican dish. That’s one of the reasons I was excited to hear about a new restaurant in Idaho Falls — one that is a bit unique. Tamales Inc. is a place where you can unleash your imagination *and* your taste buds. Let’s just say I was impressed, and it took my love of Mexican food to the next level.

I love tamales. However, when I typically have this Mexican dish, it’s pretty basic. My plate will usually feature just one or two tamales and, sometimes, rice and beans. Tamales Inc. is where you have more control over what your plate looks like. This restaurant features a build-your-own tamales bar to create a meal packed with flavors you love — flavors you can’t wait to try together.

As soon as I walked inside, I realized this wasn't your typical Mexican restaurant. Tamales Inc.'s interior is fun and lively and features a Dia de los Muertos theme, with murals on the wall and cool designs on the table. I visited shortly after the restaurant opened for the day to avoid the lunch rush, and I’m glad I did. By the time I had finished my meal, the line was long and tables filled up indoors and outdoors.

The highlight, of course, is the tamales, which are available in chicken, beef, or pork. I chose two tamales: one pork and one chicken. Pork tamales are typically my favorite, but I loved my chicken tamale. I also took a bite of my husband's beef tamale, and it was divine. Each tamale was perfectly prepared and packed with meat. They are made daily in the restaurant and take more than six hours to cook.

After choosing the tamales, the hard part is adding the toppings to create the perfect dish. There are a variety of topping options, such as lettuce, tomatoes, pico, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, etc. There are even items like Takis to add a little extra crunch (and spice) on top. Of course, you can't forget the sauces and the restaurant’s famous cheese dip, which I strongly recommend.

The tamales also sit on a bed of rice and beans. I chose Spanish rice and pinto beans, and was very pleased with my choices. Here, the options are extensive, and creating something new each time you visit is easy.

If you want to try something even more unique, order the Walking Tamales. Similar to a taco salad, the tamales are placed in your choice of a bag of chips. The bag is filled with rice, beans, toppings, and sauces. I ordered the Walking Tamale for my five-year-old daughter, who was excited to create her own bag of chips and devoured her meal.

Tamales Inc. also serves many beverages, like a frosty horchata. During a visit, you'll want to try sides and desserts like crazy corn, chips and salsa, flan, and rice pudding. There truly is something for everyone here.

Whether you want big flavors, something unique, or simply a meal that you can customize, Tamales Inc. is the place I recommend. I have found a new favorite place to eat in Idaho Falls. My taste buds left happy and are already excited to return. If you know of any new restaurants in Idaho I should visit, let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to hear from you.