There are several stories about the origins of tamales in the Mississippi Delta, a leaf-shaped alluvial plain in Western Mississippi defined by the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. Some say tamales were introduced during the U.S.-Mexican War, while others contend Mexican migrant workers brought tamales with them when they came to work the cotton fields. Still others contend the tamale was always in the area, with Native Americans making the snack. No matter its origins, the tamale is a staple of snack foods here.

Enthusiasts can tour the Southern Foodways Alliances Tamale Trail. A tamale here is smaller than Latin-style ones. Traditionally made with boiled or browned pork (but beef and turkey are also used) and masa or cornmeal and wrapped inside a corn husk, the bundles are simmered and have a grittier texture than those made south of the border. Some even fry their hot tamales here.

Abes BBQ serves bundles of hot tamales along with its famous barbecued pork, beef, and ribs at the fabled crossroads of highways 49 and 61 (where blues pioneer Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil in return for prowess on the guitar.