Eating Vegan in Fresno – Casa de Tamales [updated 2/17/12]

I’ve been thinking for a while about discussing all of Fresno’s great vegan options for a while now.

It seems like the obvious first choice for a vegan eating out post would be Revive Cafe, Loving Hut, or even Charlotte’s Bakery (which, sadly, does not have a website). But, I decided to go with something unexpected – vegan tamales.

I ran in to Casa de Tamales today, and got a gourmet trio combination – three tamales with rice and beans.  There were only three vegan tamale options available – soy chorizo con papas (served with fresh guac), portobello and asparagus (with chiles, in a red chile masa, also served with fresh guac), and sweet corn. So, I had to get one of each.

I don’t know how I feel about the soy chorizo one, honestly. I’m going to have to try it again. It was almost too “meaty”. It was definitely hearty, and had just enough spice to satisfy.

The portobello and asparagus is my favourite (so far!). It’s a little spicier than the chorizo tamale, and the guacamole served with it cooled it down perfectly.

The rice and beans are totally vegan, and completely delicious.

I was full by the time I got halfway through the second tamale, so I haven’t yet tried my sweet corn tamale. I’ll update this post tomorrow after I eat it.

The staff said they were working on veganizing some of their non-vegan tamales (jalapeno and Daiya cheese is one they’re tossing around!). They said they’ll be posting all menu updates on their Facebook page. Check it out and show some love!

Overall, it was a great experience.  The restaurant is fairly small, and doesn’t look like it could handle a huge group. Prices are low (for a ton of food!). Dine-in, take out, or, they deliver ANYWHERE in the contiguous US (except Ore, sorry, Oregon).

For orders of a half dozen or dozen (of the same type of tamale), call ahead – it’s an automatic 30 minute wait for them – they’re all handmade fresh. 559.275.9300

Find them at 3747 W Shaw Ave; Fresno, CA 93711 (in front of Old Navy, next to a National Guard recruitment center)

 

Update!

I ate the sweet corn tamales for breakfast the day after – it was the perfect breakfast. They were pretty sweet – they’re definitely a dessert (or breakfast) tamale. I’ll definitely eat them again.