Our Story

Owner/chef Alondra Galvez was born and spent her childhood in Reynosa, Mexico. When she wasn’t climbing trees, jumping from one roof top to another, or daydreaming in a hammock she was in her grandmother’s kitchen. It was hard to ignore the delightfully intoxicating smell of handmade corn tortillas being warmed on a comal, and the lingering scent of fresh-cut chili, lime, and cilantro. Alondra vividly remembers her six-year old self being mesmerized as she watched her grandmother magically turn egg whites into white fluffy clouds used for chile rellenos. But perhaps what she remembers most is the misty fog suspended above a pot of simmering pinto beans. The beans would be made into frijoles rancheros, a staple in her grandmother's kitchen. This dish was always ready for anyone who walked through the door unexpectedly. Its availability extended beyond family and friends, as Alondra’s grandmother happily fed all those who came to her door looking for food. Alondra intends to continue this tradition. Should anyone find themselves hungry and without food, there is a bowl of frijoles rancheros and fresh, spicy salsa waiting for them at El Cactus Taco Shop.

It was here, in her grandmother's humble kitchen, that Alondra’s love for food and her interest in cooking grew. El Cactus Taco Shop is Alondra’s love letter to her grandmother. Through her experience as a classically trained chef, Alondra expresses her culture through food, using the ingredients of her childhood and recipes that have been passed down for generations. With love and intention, Alondra brings a unique and playful street food experience to Stratford.