Delta hot tamales are a regional dish I had to try while in Birmingham and there is no better place than the namesake, Delta Blues Hot Tamales to give them a go. The location feels like a secret, down a narrow brick alleyway.
On a Saturday night the atmosphere was lowkey, though all the tables would fill up through the course of the meal. Delta tamales are different from normal tamales because they are smaller, with more spice, and boiled instead of steamed so that they are juicier. The restaurant offers spicy pork or black bean varieties with various toppings options. I ordered the Mississippi melt style black bean tamales which had crossroads queso and charred corn relish. The tamales were flavorful and gave a heat that creeps up on you.
The tangy sauce was generously slathered on top, and the corn added great texture to the mix. Jeff got the chipotle lime pork tamales and agreed these tamales are something special.
As far as sides go, baked beans were some of the best out there, they have pork in them. Blueberry cobbler for dessert was a fabulous way to cap the meal!
Good to know:
+Many vegan options are available
+Can accommodate most food allergies