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Hot Tamale Catering

"It’s Where The Masa Matters"

About Us

Hot Tamale Catering, founded in 2022 in Des Moines, IA, serves the greater surrounding area with a flavorful blend of Hispanic and classic comfort foods. Our offerings include a full-service deli, breakfast, lunch, dinner, homemade desserts, waffles, burritos, enchiladas, chicken, homemade mac and cheese, and more. Enjoy our delicious food with carryout, dine-in, or catering services—perfect for any occasion. Experience fresh, homemade meals and outstanding service at Hot Tamale Catering!

Our Story

Hot Tamale Catering lives by one simple belief: It’s Where The Masa Matters. Founded in 2022 in Des Moines, IA, this vibrant and growing business is backed by over 30 years of hands-on cooking experience, passion, and dedication to authentic, from-scratch meals. What started decades ago as a love for cooking has evolved into a trusted name for both everyday dining and large-scale catering, serving the greater surrounding area with bold flavors and genuine hospitality.

At Hot Tamale Catering, every dish is crafted in-house from scratch, ensuring quality, freshness, and flavor in every bite. Specializing in a unique blend of Hispanic cuisine and classic comfort food favorites, the menu offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy staples like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chorizo & eggs, and huevos rancheros, alongside comforting classics like crispy chicken, homemade mac and cheese, livers and gizzards, and golden waffles. For those with a sweet tooth, the homemade desserts and dessert tacos provide the perfect finishing touch to any meal.

The business proudly operates as a full-service deli and café, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for dine-in or carryout convenience. Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast, enjoying a relaxed lunch, or sitting down for a hearty dinner, Hot Tamale Catering delivers a welcoming atmosphere paired with exceptional food. Gluten-free options are also available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious and inclusive dining experience.

Catering is where Hot Tamale Catering truly shines. With the ability to serve up to 600 people with ease, the business specializes in bulk cooking and large events, making it a top choice for weddings, corporate events, military catering, parties, and community gatherings. Their elegant buffet-style catering, featuring front-rolled service, brings both professionalism and visual appeal to any event. Serving within a 60–90 mile radius, they are committed to bringing high-quality food and seamless service directly to their clients.

In addition to their expansive menu and catering services, Hot Tamale Catering is known for its weekly specials, including the popular “10 for $10” fried chicken legs every Friday—a local favorite that keeps customers coming back for more. This combination of value, flavor, and consistency sets them apart in a competitive market.

Hot Tamale Catering is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where tradition, flavor, and community come together. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite, enjoying a family meal, or planning a large-scale event, you can expect food made with care, served with pride, and rooted in decades of culinary experience.

Areas Served

Des Moines, IA | Polk County, IA | West Des Moines, IA | Ankeny, IA | Altoona, IA

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Our Services include:

Our Products include:

Testimonials

On 6/16/2026 Alana had this to say:
Food is amazing! Enchiladas are second to none! Testimonial written by Alana on this site.

On 6/12/2026 Brenda Burley had this to say:
I Love their food. I have been ordering 1-3 dozen a month of their homemade tamales 🫔 for a couple yrs. now and they have the BEST TAMALES I've ever had and I have sent them many new customers that agree 💯. Wonderful family owned and run business and always greets you with a Smile. Highly recommend it!!

On 6/4/2026 Pri had this to say:
Great tamales! Excellent customer service. I slathered the tamale in salsa. So good!

On 6/4/2026 Tomas Mullins had this to say:
Love this place. Everything is awesome, and the best tamales. They have good daily specials too.

On 5/11/2026 James Walstrom had this to say:
Ordered a large takeout order for work. Tamales and enchiladas were great! Very reasonably priced and owner was awesome to work with. I will be back

Contact Us

Hot Tamale Catering
4121 Fleur Dr Des Moines, IA 50321
Phone: (515) 402-7167
Email: hottamalecateringia@gmail.com

Where To Find Us

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Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Android Pay, Apple Pay, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Our Hours

Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Info

Catering
Deli Menu

FAQ

Do you offer catering for large events?
Yes! We specialize in bulk cooking and can easily cater events for up to 600 people. From weddings and corporate events to military functions and private parties, we provide professional, elegant buffet-style service within a 60–90 mile radius.
Is all of your food made from scratch?
Absolutely. Every item on our menu is made fresh in-house using quality ingredients. From our main dishes to our homemade desserts, we take pride in delivering authentic, flavorful meals every time.
Do you have dine-in and carryout options?
Yes, we offer both dine-in and carryout services. Whether you want to enjoy a meal in our welcoming restaurant or grab something on the go, we make it convenient for you.
Do you offer gluten-free options?
We do offer gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs. If you have specific requests or concerns, feel free to ask our team and we’ll be happy to assist you
What types of food do you serve?
Our menu features a blend of Hispanic cuisine and classic comfort foods, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chorizo & eggs, waffles, chicken, mac and cheese, and more—plus a variety of homemade desserts.
Do you have any weekly specials?
Yes! One of our most popular specials is our Friday deal—10 fried chicken legs for $10. Be sure to stop by and take advantage of this customer favorite.
How far in advance should I book catering services?
We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your date, especially for larger events. However, we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible.

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