Find tamales like mom’s at Ybarra’s Cake Shop & Bakery in Weslaco

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WESLACO — It’s a rare chilly Saturday morning, in the low 50s, in Weslaco. You would think people want to stay inside in the warmth, but what would make it better is some steaming tamales and warm pastries

Whether it’s the special circumstance, or like this every Saturday morning, Ybarra’s Cake Shop & Bakery is bustling with people in the parking lot and even inside with a line from the door to the counter, all wanting to get their famed tamales, barbacoa, pastries or a cake.

For this week’s South Texas Flavor, I woke up bright and early to check out the cake shop, which I found out is also known for their tamales.

The holidays are right around the corner and I wanted to eat something that we’re all familiar with around this time: TAMALES.

I wanted to try something new and different from Delia’s Tamales, especially considering the company that owns the restaurant is currently in a wage theft lawsuit in federal court.

I am NEVER up this early on the weekends, but I do this for the loyal South Texas Flavor readers.

A handful of people on Instagram recommended the tamales from a story I posted, asking what were some spots around Hidalgo County. I had to give them a try after the high praise.

Also, to my wise guy brother that answered “my mom’s house.” Yeah, they’re the best — everyone thinks their mom’s tamales are the best — but that’s our secret tamale spot.

Instantly when walking into the cake shop, you’re engulfed in the warm, delicious smell of the masa mixed with the sweet aromas from the cakes and pastries.

The line stretches all the way to the front door but is quick, as if on an assembly line. That’s thanks to the capitana behind the counter.

Not sure if she’s the manager or owner, but based on how she juggled and controlled multiple things at once, I can tell she runs the kitchen like the Army. All while giving customers a smile and great service.

I ordered a dozen of chicken and cheese tamales, which are about $12.50. Other options are chicken, pork, beans, and beans with cheese.

Craving something a little sweet while walking out, I came back around to get a donut, a sugar cookie and a pastry filled with pineapple sauce.

La capitana jokingly tells me, “¿Se te olvidó el pan?,” which was just only about $2.50.

I’m about 25 minutes away from home. I want to eat the tamales as hot as they can be, so I decided to eat one in my car.

I open the plastic wrap around the tamales, which are still steaming hot and instantly fill my car with that warm masa aroma.

I eat the little leftover masa outside the corn husk and I could already tell the tamale is going to be amazing.

At first bite, the masa mixes well with the chicken and cheese. Nothing overwhelms the taste of all the ingredients, but I have to highlight just how good the masa is. Not too light or dark. The masa was made to perfection.

I couldn’t resist and ate in another in my car shamelessly, while everyone walked by.

I also took a bite out of all my pastries and I would highly recommend buying a few pieces along with your tamales. I’m just a chill guy that appreciates a little sweet treat after a meal.

These tamales taste great and strongly remind me of my mom’s, and other amazing homemade tamales over the years from my Tías or random señoras.

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The tamales give me a homey kind of feeling and taste, which is somewhat lost with places like Delia’s, which have expanded greatly in the past three or four years. Family and friends have said it isn’t the same anymore, which I agree.

I know lots of families and people aren’t as fortunate to have someone that makes tamales, don’t know how to make them, or have the necessary equipment or resources.

But, those craving tamales that might remind them of home, a special time or person should give Ybarra’s Cake Shop & Bakery a try.

It is located 600 West Railroad St in Weslaco. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

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