The $1 Tamale Queen of New York | Street Food Icons

Evelia Coyotzi has been selling dollar tamales in Corona, Queens since 2001. Her team starts every day around 9 PM, cooking through the night, so that by 4 AM, they're outside the Junction Boulevard subway stop selling her tamales.

Originally from Tlaxcala, Mexico, Evelia makes a large variety of tamales, like tamales con rajas, mole, pollo verde, Oaxacan tamales and more, which she sells for $1-2 apiece out of a pushcart.

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[xSpectorxfylx]

15 arrests for her hustle and still never gave up, that’s a tough lady. ✊🏽

[sela]

I am proud of my strong Latina women/mothers. She said she lost her job so she made a job ! She got her hustle and made it happen.

[crystalortega]

Why isn’t anyone talking about how resourceful she is, she made her own industrial mixer

[eln]

“I lost my job, so I started making tamales” now her son is studying engineering. So proud of her.

[BopWalk]

Hardworking people like this should deserve more in life.

[versaillesth]

I remember this lady...she featured on Anthony Bourdain's Queens episode (Parts Unknown). Glad she's getting the much deserved recognition!

Miss you Tony! I've never been to America but have seen it through your episodes...you're touching peoples lives even after you gone!

[HookLine]

This may seem small but this lady’s business is doing society such a great service
A cheap warm meal on your way to work can change your entire day for the better

[milliondollargoldrose]

I cried when she said the inspection sticker she paid $8, 000 for was fake. I hate scammers they will pay for the people they hurt.

[Jenniferurbansociety]

To a women who has been selling tamales in the streets for years to giving her son an education to go to college! Respect. I definitely want to come here and grub!

[eliseerickson]

SHE is what makes america great. period.

[KettiexD]

I really hope she opens a shop, this woman is incredible

[solasluna]

Evelia's business and determination has grown so much over the years since this documentary. She owns her own restaurant now! Of course still selling those delicious tamales in the menu. Very hardworking and admirable woman. 👍👍

[mscarolynnigro]

They can't stop the drug dealers but they mess with the tamale lady

[ashg.]

This lady straight up made her own industrial food mixer! This woman is a fine example of a hard working MexiCAN. A door closed on her & she straight up made another. Mad respect

[davisrosa]

I grew up there, definitely the best tamales ever. Tough lady right there.

[angeiiortega]

Making tamales is so tiring, shes making a ton. The hustle is real. I have so much respect for this woman.

[theotherkardashian]

Them: can’t wait to see the Statue of Liberty.

Me: i can’t wait to see the tamale lady 😍😍

[gothrlv]

She represents how us Mexicans Even tho we live in America we still can find a way to work and receive money as we work hard.

[jamesdiaz]

For some reason even though I speak Spanish I always read the subtitles to see how well it was translated lol and always catch myself.

[rileysamuel]

I used to buy from this lady outside the 90th street station. I was shocked it was only $1 and it was my first time having it. Perfect on the go breakfast for dumb cheap