Tamales · Dubai
Tamales in Dubai, hand-folded daily.
Fresh masa, folded by hand around chicken or beans, then steamed in the husk. Querida in Al Barsha is the only kitchen in Dubai cooking tamales the Mexican way — corn husks and all.
- Hand-folded · Chicken or beans
- Gluten-free · Corn masa
- AED 51 · Steamed in the husk
- Walk-ins welcome · 26 seats
What is a tamale, really?
A tamale is corn masa wrapped in a corn husk, with a savoury filling, steamed slowly until the masa is soft and aromatic. It's one of the oldest dishes in Mexico — predates the Aztec empire — and it's the dish most Mexican grandmothers are quietly judged on.
At Querida, the masa is mixed by hand. The filling is chicken or beans, set in the center of each tamale. The corn husk does the wrapping. The steam does the rest.
The result: a tamale that's soft but not wet, savoury but not heavy, familiar but distinctly Mexican. Most guests order two on the first visit, and three on the second.
Frequently asked.
- Where can I eat tamales in Dubai?
- Querida Mexican & Friends in Al Barsha 1 — tamales with chicken or beans, hand-folded in the kitchen. Talal 14 Building, Shop 9, walk-in friendly, 26 seats.
- How are tamales made at Querida?
- The masa is prepared fresh — corn dough, mixed by hand. The filling, chicken or beans, goes in the center. Each tamale is folded into a corn husk by hand and steamed. The wrapper protects the masa as it cooks.
- How much do tamales cost?
- Tamales at Querida are AED 51, chicken or beans. Add a topping for AED 15. Delivery via Talabat or Deliveroo across Dubai.
- Are tamales gluten-free?
- Yes. Tamales are made from corn masa, not wheat — naturally gluten-free. Notify the kitchen of any allergies; cross-contact is minimised in the prep line.
- Can I order tamales for a party?
- Yes. Querida takes pre-orders for groups of 10+ tamales — message +971 56 312 3030 with the date and quantity. Two days notice preferred.