OUR STORY BEGINS WITH A TORTILLA
How one tortilla machine, a Mexican childhood, and a dream turned into Auckland’s most authentic tacos.
The Story of La Mexicana
La Mexicana began long before we opened our first shop.
It started in Mexico - at family tables, street taco stands, late-night taquerias, and with the unforgettable smell of fresh masa on a hot comal.
When I moved to New Zealand, I couldn’t find tacos that tasted like home. Not just “Mexican-inspired” - but real Mexican tacos, made from nixtamalized corn tortillas, slow-cooked meats, fresh salsas, and the simplicity that makes Mexican food so special. So instead of waiting for someone else to do it, I decided to bring true Mexican tacos to Auckland.
La Mexicana was born from that mission:
authentic flavour, real ingredients, and food made with corazón.
What Makes La Mexicana Different?
-
Fresh Nixtamal Every Day
We make all tortillas from real corn masa, prepared the traditional Mexican way.
-
Real Mexican Recipes
Slow-cooked meats, handmade salsas, and simple toppings—nothing complicated, nothing fake.
-
True Mexican Flavour
If you’ve visited Mexico, you’ll recognise the flavour. If you haven’t, this is the closest you’ll get without a plane ticket.
-
Local & Independent
A Kiwi-Mexican family business, run with pride and passion.
Why Tortillas Matter So Much
Mexican food is simple, and the tortilla is everything. Most tortillas in NZ are made from flour mixes and preservatives-soft but flavourless. We do it the original way: real corn, soaked, cooked, stone-ground, and pressed fresh every day.
It’s how tortillas have been made for over 2,000 years. And it’s the reason our tacos taste completely different.