My Journey from Refugee to El Xalal Tacos

My love for cooking and sharing food runs deep—it’s a part of my heritage, my culture, and my family. Three years ago, I launched El Xalal Tacos in San Diego with a simple mission: to share the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine rooted in recipes that have been in my family for nearly 500 years. These recipes are the fusion of Mexican, Indigenous, and Halal traditions, representing the meeting place of culture and history.

From the beginning, El Xalal Tacos has been more than just a business. It’s been a labor of love and a way to bring people together through food. We’ve served countless happy customers at pop-ups, night markets, community events, and catering gigs. Wherever we set up—whether it was in front of Barakah Beauty or at an Eid festival—we were met with overwhelming support, selling out almost every time.

Our journey for our company started in Kumeyaay lands (San Diego), near the Southern border of Turtle Island, and brought us to Seattle, near the Salish Sea. Along the way, we’ve had incredible opportunities to connect with people, share meals, and build a loyal following. Now, it’s time for El Xalal Tacos to take the next step: transitioning from street vending to opening our own Taco & Coffee shop in Seattle.

Amor’s Journey from Mexico 🇲🇽

El Xalal Tacos is built on my family’s recipes, but it’s also deeply rooted in my personal journey. As a refugee, I know what it means to rebuild, to dream, and to persevere in the face of challenges. Leaving everything behind and starting over gave me a unique appreciation for the power of community and the importance of food in bringing people together.

This journey shaped who I am and how I approach El Xalal Tacos. For me, food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about resilience, history, love, and politics. Every taco we serve tells a story of survival, culture, and heritage. It’s a celebration of where I come from and a testament to the beauty of blending Mexican, Indigenous, and Halal traditions into something that connects people from all walks of life.

A Family Built on Love (and Tacos!)

For me, tacos are more than just food—they’re a love language. My husband and I first met over tacos six years ago, and tacos have been part of every milestone in our lives ever since. Our first date? Tacos. After our wedding? Burritos. Even the birth of our first child was inspired by tacos—she convinced me to have one more taco before she decided to make her grand entrance into the world!

Now, our little one is part of the family taco tradition. Watching him grow up with a love for the flavors I hold dear inspires me every day to keep sharing our food with others. El Xalal Tacos is truly a family effort with our young girls working with us every step of the way, and every taco we serve is a reflection of the love and dedication we put into our craft.

How We Give Back to the Movements We Are a Part Of

El Xalal Tacos was founded raising money for our movements and our organizations. It was founded driving food across the border to Muslim refugees stuck between the two border walls who had nothing to eat and the shelters didn't know what to feed this. This has always been about more than just food. Giving back to the community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re committed to donating 5% of all profits to refugee-led, Muslim-led, and social movement organizations.

This work isn’t new to us. We’ve been actively involved in supporting migrants and vulnerable communities, from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Pacific Northwest. By supporting our campaign, you’re not just helping us grow—you’re investing in a business that’s rooted in community care and justice.

At El Xalal Tacos, our goal is to turn no one away. Whether it’s through food, mutual aid, or community support, we’re here to serve. As Allah says so clearly in the Qur'an - “And they give food, in spite of their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'”
— Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9)

What Makes Us Unique as One of the Only Mexican Muslim Founded Halal Mexican Restaurants in the United States

Despite the growing popularity of Halal Mexican food across the U.S., very few of these businesses are owned by people who are both Mexican and Muslim. Most are either Mexican businesses offering Halal options or Muslim businesses jumping on the trend. To our knowledge, there’s only one other Halal Mexican restaurant in the U.S. owned by a Mexican Muslim. Being both Muslim and Mexican gives us a very unique perspective on the halal food industry in the U.S. which like most of the food industry in this country is built on the back of talented, humble, and beautiful Mexican people. We believe that our food must not only be Halal but Tayab as well from the best sources, in terms of healthy ingredients, hand slaughtered halal sources, and employees who are respected and paid fairly. 

Why We Need Your Support to Open Our Restaurant 

Opening a restaurant is no small task, and that’s why we’re turning to you—our friends, family, and community—to help make this dream a reality. Your support will allow us to:

1. Secure a space in Northgate, Seattle for our Taco & Coffee shop.
2. Create an inviting space that reflects our unique cultural fusion.
3. Invest in the equipment and resources we need to continue delivering high-quality, authentic food.
4. Build a foundation for a business model that we hope will inspire future Halal Mexican food ventures.

How You Can Help

Supporting El Xalal Tacos isn’t just about donations—it’s about joining our journey and sharing in the love of good food. Choose the option that fits you best:

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