Tamales are big business, especially in Texas. Austin is now able to get a taste of what San Antonio enjoyed for six decades.
Alexandra Hagen Karam knows so much about tamales, you can say masa runs in her veins. Her grandparents Ralph and Josephine spearheaded the business.
“My grandmother, she started selling tamales door-to-door back in 1932,” Alexandra said.
Karam’s Tamale Company grew from a small tamale counter to a full-service restaurant. (Fun fact: parts of the movie “Selena” were filmed at Karam’s in San Antonio.) After flourishing in San Antonio for 60 years, the Karam’s decided to close up shop in 2008. It’s now back in business at the Thicket Food Park, located at 7800 South 1st Street.
Alexandra sells chicken and beef tamales using grandma’s long-standing recipe. Large orders are packaged in butcher paper and string just like her grandfather used to wrap them.
Alexandra said she’s proud to continue her family’s legacy. “I think they are watching down, her and my grandfather.”
Karam’s offers breakfast and lunch seven days a week. TAP OR CLICK HERE for more information.