Tamales are most known from Mexico where they vary by region. Most people know them as steamed corn-husk-wrapped masa or corn dough filled with flavored meats, chilis, vegetables and/or cheese. Tamales by Mayan and Aztec communities have been made with various fillings, wrappings, and cooking methods since 250 CE! (C Salazar et al 2012) During Spanish colonization of the Philippines, tamales were brought to the country and became “Filipinized”. Filipinos began making them with readily available ingredients like banana leaves, rice, chicken, pork, and more! https://filipinofood.art/portfolio/filipino-tamales/












