Hidden Gem: Tio’s Tamales

Editor’s Note: We published this post in December 2016, just a couple of months after Tio’s Tamales opened on an unlikely stretch of Nu‘uanu Avenue. It’s worth a revisit, and so is the tamale shop.

From Thai and Korean takeout spots to Irish pubs at the makai end, you wouldn’t blink at the diversity of eateries that line Nu‘uanu Avenue. That was the case for me—until a new tamale shop caught my eye. Tucked between a mandoo shop and a buy-me-drinky bar, Tio’s Tamales offers a taste of New Mexico.

I’ve never been to New Mexico, but I have a couple of friends from Albuquerque who swear by New Mexico green chile salsa. Nearly everything on the menu at Tio’s can be smothered with the stuff, and I’m all about it. Just so you know, New Mexico chiles are a bit pungent, not unlike onions, and can rank pretty high on the heat scale. Tio’s version is mild.

The two tamale plate is smothered in green chile sauce and includes rice, beans, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Photo: Thomas Obungen

On the mainland, tamales are traditionally eaten during celebrations, making them popular at holiday potlucks and family gatherings. At Tio’s, they can be had year-round, Tuesday through Saturday. There are three fillings: a New Mexico red with pork and mild New Mexico chile; a Santa Fe green with chicken, roasted chile and Monterey Colby cheese; and calabasitas or vegetarian with zucchini, corn, roasted jalapeño and onion. You can get them on a rice and bean plate smothered in red or green sauce or packed to go by the dozen.

Although the shop is named Tio’s Tamales, it’s the carne asada fries you want. (“Tio’s Carne Asada Fries” just doesn’t have the same ring.) This is the small, BTW. Photo: Thomas Obungen

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While the tamales are well and good, it’s the carne asada fries that’ll keep you coming back. Crispy fries smothered with green sauce are topped with Monterey Colby cheese before bite-size cubes of carne asada steak are sprinkled on. Pro tip: Leave the lid closed for a minute to melt the cheese, and you’ll be in ooey gooey queso heaven.

 

Adventurous eaters should have a go at the Mexican hamburger. It’s exactly what you think it is: a burger patty, halved, and rolled into a burrito with chile verde, refried beans and cheese. Photo: Thomas Obungen

 

If you’re willing to try something different, get the Mexican hamburger. We expected a ground beef and bean burrito but were surprised to find that it’s actually a burger patty cut in half and rolled into a bean and cheese burrito. The patty was on the smaller size, but the flavoring was good.

 

Photo: Thomas Obungen

 

You’ll find Tio’s Tamales in the same building as Sala Thai and Nu‘uanu Okazuya. Metered street parking out front is your best bet, so bring quarters.

 

Open Tuesday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1329 Nu‘uanu Ave., (808) 531-8467, @tiostamales5318467