Tortilleria Nixtamal on 47th Avenue in Corona, Queens has been doing something almost nobody else in New York City does — making tortillas the traditional way, from nixtamalized corn masa ground in house, rather than from commercial masa flour. It appeared in Season 12, Episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Latin Street Food,” which aired October 10, 2011. Guy Fieri found the most authentic tortilla operation in the five boroughs, and the tacos built on those tortillas are a direct consequence of that authenticity — better corn flavor, better texture, and the kind of taco that makes everything built on commercial masa feel like an approximation. The tortilleria also sells its fresh tortillas wholesale to restaurants across the city.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Tortilleria Nixtamal
City: Corona, New York
Cuisine: Authentic Mexican / Tacos
DDD Season: 12
DDD Episode: 8
Episode Title: Latin Street Food
Original Air Date: October 10, 2011
Address: 10405 47th Ave., Corona, NY 11368
Phone: 718-699-2434
Website: https://tortillerianixtamal.com
Status: Open
What to Eat
The Tacos on House-Made Nixtamal Tortillas are the reason to come — the tortillas made from masa ground in house from nixtamalized corn produce a flavor and texture that commercial masa simply cannot replicate. The Barbacoa Taco with slow-braised beef cheek on a warm nixtamal tortilla is the item most regulars order first and never stop ordering. The Al Pastor with achiote-marinated pork from the vertical spit is the other taco that benefits most obviously from the quality of the tortilla beneath it. The Tamales, made from the same fresh masa, are the tortilleria’s other showcase product. The Fresh Tortillas by the Dozen are available to take home — buying them to cook with is the move most food-serious visitors make before leaving. Find a Queens or New York City hotel on Trivago.
Plan Your Visit
Check the website for current hours.
Address: 10405 47th Ave., Corona, NY 11368
Phone: 718-699-2434
Website: https://tortillerianixtamal.com
Status: Open
Triple D Essentials
Stream the Latin Street Food episode on Amazon.
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Tortilleria Nixtamal appeared in Season 12, Episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Latin Street Food,” originally aired October 10, 2011.