Red Chile Tamales
Choose savoury fillings such as pork, beef or chicken with a rich red chile sauce.
Deep & savouryIndividual or dozen
East Los Angeles tamale tradition
Smooth corn masa, deeply seasoned fillings and the comforting aromas of a family kitchen—served from our Whittier Boulevard counter since 1957.
Welcome to Sandra's
Sandra's Tamales is a walk-up Mexican food counter rooted in the traditions of East Los Angeles. Our tamales bring together tender corn masa, generous fillings and sauces with the depth of a recipe made again and again.
Choose red pork, beef or chicken; try green chile pork or green chile and cheese; or keep it sweet with corn and dulce tamales. We also serve Mexican comfort-food favourites, with availability changing through the week and season.
A local favourite
Mild green chile sauce and melting cheese meet smooth corn masa in one of the counter's most memorable combinations.
The Sandra's tradition
First-generation owners Mr. and Mrs. Zamayoa established the restaurant in 1957. Across the decades, Sandra's became part of the food rhythm of East Los Angeles—a place where early mornings, holiday orders and everyday cravings all lead to the same walk-up counter.
Tamales naturally belong at the centre of a table. Customers come for a single warm tamale, a quick breakfast, or several dozen to share with family and friends. Special orders may require advance notice, so calling ahead is recommended when planning a larger gathering.
The kitchen has also been known for menudo, carnitas, enchiladas, chile rellenos, champurrado and buñuelos. Selection can vary, especially later in the day, when popular tamales may sell out.
From masa to table
Corn masa is worked to create the smooth, tender texture that defines every tamale.
Seasoned meat, chile, cheese or sweet fillings are enclosed and wrapped by hand.
The tamales are steamed until fragrant, comforting and ready for the counter.
Visit Sandra's Tamales
Find the walk-up counter on Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles. Popular items can sell out, and the restaurant is traditionally cash-only, so contact the team before making a special trip or placing a large order.
Call Sandra's Tamales for current availability and advance-order information.