Found this gem on our way to the airport and boy did it scratch that itch! Living in Asia we are always looking for a good Mexican spot and just Wow!!! Thank you for sharing your art with my family. The tamales and tacos set us up just perfectly for a long flight. The beans and rice supported the main course just perfectly !
Overview
Tio's Tamales, located at 1329 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817, is a hidden gem for anyone craving authentic and delicious tamales in Honolulu. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful dishes, this spot offers much more than just the classic tamale experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, stepping into Tio's Tamales is like taking a bite out of Mexican tradition, combined with the warm spirit of aloha.
From the moment you enter, the cozy, welcoming vibe of Tio’s Tamales grabs your attention. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family. The menu is a celebration of classic Mexican comfort food, with the tamales being the clear stars of the show. But that’s not all they offer. Their variety of salsas, enchiladas, and tortas provide plenty of options for those who might want to explore more than just tamales. However, it’s hard to resist the tamales once you’ve had a taste.
The tamales at Tio’s are crafted with care, with fillings that range from traditional options like chicken, pork, and beef to more creative variations that feature local ingredients. One popular option is their pork tamales, which are slow-cooked and seasoned perfectly, wrapped in soft masa and steamed to perfection. These tamales are a perfect balance of spice and savory flavors, and every bite leaves you wanting more. The chicken tamales, with their juicy, tender filling and slight kick, are another favorite that locals rave about.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, Tio’s offers a delicious vegetable tamale that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s packed with sautéed vegetables, herbs, and a touch of cheese, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. And for the adventurous eaters, the tamale de rajas (tamale with chili and cheese) is a must-try. The combination of tangy cheese and smoky chili will surely give your taste buds a unique experience.
Beyond the tamales, Tio's Tamales also offers a variety of sides that complement the main dishes perfectly. The rice and beans, with their savory and mildly spicy flavors, are a great accompaniment to the tamales. You can also enjoy their house-made tortilla chips served with a variety of salsas ranging from mild to fiery hot, depending on your heat tolerance. These sides are fresh, flavorful, and elevate the overall meal experience.
What makes Tio's Tamales stand out from the rest is the care and authenticity that goes into every dish. The family behind Tio’s Tamales has roots in Mexican cooking traditions, and it’s evident in the flavors they bring to the table. They’re not just making food; they’re telling a story with each tamale, each salsa, each dish. The tamales are made fresh daily, ensuring that customers get the best quality every time they visit.
Not only does the food shine, but the service at Tio’s Tamales is also top-notch. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to offer suggestions based on your preferences. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’ll always feel like part of the family. The casual, upbeat atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal, whether you're sitting down to a quick bite or savoring a leisurely lunch with friends.
For those looking for a quick take-out option, Tio’s Tamales also has you covered. The food is just as flavorful to-go as it is when served at the restaurant. Whether you're taking tamales home for dinner or picking up a quick snack on the way to the beach, Tio’s ensures that your meal is always fresh and satisfying.
While Tio’s Tamales is a fantastic place for tamale lovers, it’s also a great spot for anyone interested in experiencing authentic Mexican food with a unique local twist. Located in the heart of Honolulu, it's the perfect place to grab a bite after a day of exploring the city or before heading out for an evening of fun.
With its delicious menu, fantastic service, and warm atmosphere, Tio’s Tamales has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a must-try destination for anyone craving delicious, homemade tamales and authentic Mexican food in Honolulu. Whether you're new to tamales or a seasoned pro, a trip to Tio’s will surely leave you satisfied and coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast servicePopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ LocalsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Ordered a breakfast burrito #3. Was super good and had great flavor. The owner was super nice and inviting. Moved here for school and haven’t been able to find a good mexican food place. However, coming to this place I found it. If you’re looking for mexican food in Hawaii I would definitely come here. The tamales are also so good. Come here.
Ordered takeout today and was very pleased! I would have given a 5 star rating but need to try other menu items. We ordered the pork tamales with red & green sauce. Lived in CA & TX and this is Sonoran desert style Mexican food in our books. Very delicious! So far we had challenges finding good Mexican food in HNL since moving back. We will definitely order again and try a different menu item. The tamale was moist and sauce spicy enough to make you sniffle, just how we like it. I'm so glad I read the write up in Frolic Hawaii Magazine, it's spot on! This is a hidden gem for sure. Overall, very satisfied and highly recommend. PS a friend who saw my FB post said we gotta try the breakfast burrito.
Worth the walk from downtown! Got the vegetarian tamale plate - wonderful! Was warm inside, so if you need to be cool, take it with. I’ll be back! UPDATE - the chile relleno plate is heavenly!
Went to check out this place after I saw the khon review. Had the green Chile cheeseburger. Good size burger, smoked flavor and lots of green Chile. Delicious, good fries. This guy is from Northern New Mexico. Family run really cool owner. Offered tips for getting green chilies from Whole foods. If you have a craving for New Mexico food this is the only place in the state. Known for their tamales, tacos and burritos. Go check them out.
My go to place whenever I crave for Mexican food. Been a fan since its first opening. Their food is unique and not your typical Mexican food in Hawaii. The breakfast burrito will get you full for hours and ready to start your day. Must try the Mexican Hamburger it's SO ONO!!!! The owner is friendly and cool. Support local!!
So ono. Best burrito I’ve ever had in town. The spice level was perfect for me and seemed to get better than more I ate. Mahalo 10/10
Small space with big burritos Owner is super nice and the tamales were good too. It’s more of a Mexican-American place (like Beto’s in Utah iykyk)-the rice and beans were definitely on the American side. I really want to try the carne asada fries or nachos next time