La Palapa Tamales
La Palapa Tamales
Handmade Mexican Tamales in New York City
Traditional Mexican Tamales from La Palapa
Looking for handmade Mexican tamales in New York City? La Palapa Tamales brings the flavors and traditions of Mexican cooking to New Yorkers through handmade tamales, burritos, seasonal pop-ups, holiday markets, and special events.
La Palapa was founded by chef and owner Barbara Sibley, who was born and raised in Mexico City. Her cooking is deeply connected to the food of her childhood and to the traditional, regional cuisines of Mexico. For many years, Barbara has collected traditional, rare, and historic Mexican recipes and ingredients, drawing inspiration from cooks throughout Mexico.
Tamales are an especially meaningful part of that tradition: handmade food with deep roots in Mexican culture, prepared to be shared with family, friends, and community.
What Are La Palapa Tamales?
La Palapa tamales are made with fresh masa and flavorful traditional Mexican fillings. Our tamales reflect Barbara Sibley's approach to Mexican cooking, combining authentic ingredients and techniques with the distinctive flavors of La Palapa.
Our tamale varieties include:
Pollo Mole Oaxaqueño
Chicken with rich Oaxacan-style mole, prepared in a banana leaf.
Pollo Rojos de Guajillo
Chicken prepared with a flavorful red guajillo chile sauce.
Al Pastor con Piña
Al pastor-style pork with pineapple and chile.
Frijol con Serrano Torreado
Beans with roasted serrano chile. Vegan.
Rajas con Queso
Roasted poblano peppers with cheese. Vegetarian.
Selections and availability may vary by pop-up and event.
Where Can I Get La Palapa Tamales in NYC?
La Palapa Tamales appears at seasonal pop-ups, holiday markets, farmers markets, and special events throughout New York City.
Because our market schedule changes throughout the year, we recommend checking this website for the latest locations, dates, and hours.
Upcoming Pop-Ups & Markets
Check back for our current schedule.
When La Palapa Tamales is appearing at a market or special event, we'll post the location, date, hours, and menu information here.
Holiday Markets & Seasonal Events
La Palapa Tamales has become a familiar presence at New York City's seasonal and holiday markets.
Our holiday-market appearances have included destinations such as:
- Bryant Park
- Union Square
- Columbus Circle
Holiday market schedules change each year. Current dates and locations will be posted here as they are confirmed.
Check our Events page for the latest schedule.
Tamales for Catering & Special Events
Want La Palapa tamales at your next celebration?
La Palapa offers catering for private parties, corporate events, holiday gatherings, business receptions, dinners, and other special occasions.
Our catering program can be customized for your event, from a festive Mexican taco bar and antojitos to special menus and private dining experiences.
If you're planning an event, tell us your:
- Event date
- Number of guests
- Location
- Type of event
- Catering needs
Request Catering →
Our catering team will work with you to create a memorable Mexican food experience for your guests.
How to Order La Palapa Tamales
The best way to find La Palapa Tamales is to check our website for the latest pop-up and market schedule.
For large orders, private events, catering, or special requests, contact La Palapa directly to discuss availability.
La Palapa Tamales
Handmade Mexican tamales in New York City.
The Story Behind La Palapa
Chef Barbara Sibley founded La Palapa Cocina Mexicana in New York City in 2000. Born and raised in Mexico City, Barbara created La Palapa around the flavors of the Mexican meals she remembers from her childhood.
Her cooking incorporates homemade queso fresco, housemade chorizos, hand-ground nixtamal corn tortillas, complex moles, and traditional Mexican recipes gathered throughout her career.
Barbara's extensive research into Mexican cuisine includes traditional, rare, and historic recipes, including recipes dating to Mexico's convent kitchens. Her work reflects the extraordinary regional diversity of Mexican food and the cooks who have influenced her throughout her travels in Mexico.
La Palapa's tamales are part of that continuing culinary tradition.
La Palapa Tamales on The View
La Palapa's tamales have also been enjoyed on national television.
The tamales were featured during Ana Navarro's birthday celebration on ABC's The View in the segment:
“Celebrating Ana Navarro's Birthday: Tamales, Marc Anthony, & ‘Buena Vista Social Club.’”
The appearance brought La Palapa's tamales to a national television audience as part of a celebration highlighting Ana Navarro, Marc Anthony, and the music and cultural traditions associated with Buena Vista Social Club.
Watch the The View segment →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get La Palapa tamales in New York City?
La Palapa Tamales participates in seasonal pop-ups, holiday markets, farmers markets, and special events throughout New York City. Check this website for the current schedule.
What kinds of tamales does La Palapa make?
Our tamale varieties include Pollo Mole Oaxaqueño, Pollo Rojos de Guajillo, Al Pastor con Piña, Frijol con Serrano Torreado, and Rajas con Queso. Availability may vary by event.
Does La Palapa have vegan tamales?
Yes. Frijol con Serrano Torreado is vegan.
Does La Palapa have vegetarian tamales?
Yes. Rajas con Queso is vegetarian.
Does La Palapa sell tamales at holiday markets?
Yes. La Palapa participates in seasonal and holiday markets throughout New York City. Past appearances have included Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle. Current dates and locations are announced on this website as they are confirmed.
Can I order La Palapa tamales for a party?
Yes. Contact La Palapa about catering, large orders, private events, and special occasions.
Who is Barbara Sibley?
Barbara Sibley is the chef and owner of La Palapa. She was born and raised in Mexico City and founded La Palapa Cocina Mexicana in New York City in 2000.
What makes La Palapa tamales special?
La Palapa's tamales are rooted in Barbara Sibley's connection to Mexican cooking and the traditional flavors and ingredients that have shaped her cuisine. They bring the warmth and tradition of Mexican tamales to New York City.
Find La Palapa Tamales
La Palapa Tamales
Handmade Mexican tamales in New York City.
Our pop-up and market schedule changes throughout the year.
Check this page for upcoming locations, dates, hours, and special events.
For catering, large orders, and private events, contact La Palapa directly.
Come find La Palapa Tamales at our next New York City pop-up and enjoy the flavors and traditions of Mexico.