The tamale lady may need to up her game; she’s got some competition.  

San Francisco’s first tamale cart launches today with an opening reception in Justin Herman Plaza (One Market St) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas joins the food truck scene serving up organic maize dough tamales and other traditional dishes inspired by the Sinaloa region of Mexico (think Mazatlan area, across the Gulf of California from Cabo). 

Alicia Villanueva is the mastermind behind the tamale cart. A little over one year ago, she joined forces with La Cocina, San Francisco’s food business incubator that provides affordable commercial kitchen space, technical assistance, and resources to low-income entrepreneurs. A cart donated by Metal Gourmet gave Alicia the wheels to drive her vision to reality. 

“I am living my dream to have my food cart, a place where customers can find me,” said Villanueva. “I am committed to supporting women like me to give them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams like I am doing now.” 

Of course, her truck would not be the same without grandma’s signature recipe. As her slogan says, “My tamales are stuffed with love and the best people are stuffed with my tamales.” So go stuff yourself weekdays (Mon – Fri) at Justin Herman Plaza 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Fridays 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Off the Grid at Fort Mason. 

For up to the minute info, follow Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas on Twitter and Facebook.