Where are Fresno’s best tamales? In Selma for the original version, according to your votes

The best tamales in the Fresno area comes from a restaurant that’s been operating for 80 years.

Sal’s Mexican Restaurant, whose original location is in Selma, received the most votes in a Fresno Bee poll that asked who makes the best tamales in the Fresno area.

Sal’s received more than half of the votes submitted at 54% from the week-long poll. Golden Tamale came in second with 20% of the votes (poll is not scientific).

Sal’s has three locations in all, including in Fresno and Madera.

The family-owned restaurant has been operating since 1942.

Tamales are made and eaten year round but often become more popular during the holidays, particularly to devour during Christmastime.

And people can be quite particular with how their tamales taste and are made.

Too much masa?

Not enough meat?

Need a bit more salt?

In fact, during the nomination process to determine the 10 most popular places to get tamales in the Fresno area, many confidently talked about how the best they ever had were made by themselves or at a relative’s home.

It certainly is tough to beat Abuela’s tamales.

Nonetheless, when it comes to where to get the best tasting tamale around town and not necessarily be related to the cook, the voters have spoken.

And they said Sal’s.

This story was originally published December 24, 2022 at 5:30 AM.