We came upon the grand opening of Tamal Express in Hillsboro on accident! We looked for a food truck for lunch. Suddenly, we saw their sandwich board and balloons while driving down Tualatin Valley Highway in Hillsboro last Saturday.
It was so exciting to find this food truck because my son loves tamales!
Every time we go to a taco truck, there are not many options he wants. Now, we can all enjoy tamales from Tamal express along with tacos and burritos if we wish.
They have only been open for less than a week, and we already want to return for more of their tasty tamales.
As we walked up to the truck, we were greeted by the friendly owner. He told us it was their very first day in business. They were excited to offer Mexico City-style tamales and specialties.
Tamal Express states their food is Hidalgo style, meaning that they serve a lot of food from the traditions of the state of Hidalgo and Mexico City.
I lived in Mexico for a year and traveled to Mexico City only a handful of times. However, the food I had there was always memorable and delicious. This truck reminded me of a beautiful, huge city!
He told us that soon they would serve some tamale sandwiches! He said it is something that people buy in Mexico City on their way to work early in the morning. I am excited to try those.
We decided to get a dozen tamales, an horchata (rice milk and cinnamon drink), and pineapple water.
Their menu is in Spanish, so here is the translation for you:
Tamales: red sauce, green sauce, jalapeno with cheese, pork, or chicken. These are $2 each or 12 for $20.
Tacos: steak or chicken. These are $2 each.
Burritos: steak or chicken for $8 each.
Fruit Waters: Horchata or Pineapple Water (may change daily) $2 each.
Canned Sodas: $1 each
Jarritos Bottled Mexican Sodas: $2 each
Mexican Coke: $2 each
Champurrado (Mexican sweetened hot corn drink): $1.75 or $3.75 (depending on the size).
Everyone there speaks English, so if you have questions about the menu, they can help you.
They also have a lovely tent and outdoor seating area if you want to enjoy your food outdoors near the food truck.
I appreciate this food truck opens early and stays late. I imagine that it will be fun to come for some breakfast tamales one day.
The owner also mentioned that soon they will serve sweet tamales. I have fond memories of these living in Mexico.
We used to go out once a week to a lady selling tamales on a street corner. We would buy the pink ones with raisins in them. Those were sweet and great for a late-night snack or for breakfast the following morning. If you add a hot cup of coffee or a cool glass of milk, it is a heavenly meal.
We opted to get a dozen tamales to take home, and they smelled amazing in the car!
They give you the tamales in a bag if you get a large amount, and they are still hot and fresh when you get them home.
We tried the red sauce, green sauce, and jalapeno-cheese tamales.
The red sauce and green sauce tamales both contained shredded pork. The jalapeno-cheese ones do not contain meat.
My son loved the green sauce tamales as they were very mild and flavorful. My favorites were the jalapeno cheese ones. I also loved the red sauce tamales.
Also, their pineapple water is to die for! It is so flavorful, just as if you squeezed a fresh pineapple into a glass!
I invite you to try this delicious food truck soon. You will be delighted by their amazing tamales!
Tamal Express Location:
20001 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97006
They are in a parking lot directly behind the Walgreens Pharmacy.
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 6 am to 8 pm
#hiddengems