Helensburgh, Sydney

classes: Mexican Cooking • Cooking

Women-owned

My Story: The Heart Behind La Chivaloca

Hola! I’m Maria-Elena, the founder of La Chivaloca, and I’m on a mission to bring the rich, authentic flavours of Mexico to your table. My love for Mexican cuisine started in my childhood, growing up in a home where food was more than just a meal—it was a connection to family, culture, and tradition.

How It All Started

I spent long hours in the kitchen enjoying my mum’s cooking, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I truly learned how to make these dishes myself. Cooking has always been in my blood, but being away from home made me realize just how much I missed the flavours of my childhood. Determined to recreate those familiar tastes, I started experimenting with handmade tortillas, slow-cooked salsas, and dishes packed with love and tradition. As I shared my cooking with friends, I saw how much they appreciated the real flavours of Mexico—not just the Tex-Mex versions often found abroad. That’s when La Chivaloca was born—a place where people could experience authentic Mexican cuisine through handcrafted sauces, traditional ingredients, and immersive cooking classes.

Why I Love Teaching

For me, food is about storytelling. Every dish has history, and every recipe carries a piece of my heritage. Teaching others how to make authentic Mexican food is my way of keeping these traditions alive. Whether it's showing someone how to make tamales for the first time or introducing them to the smoky depth of a good salsa tatemada, I love seeing the joy that comes from learning something new and delicious.

A Little Bragging (Because You Asked!)

La Chivaloca has grown into something truly special. I’ve had the honour of teaching dozens of students, running cooking workshops for food lovers and even seeing our products become pantry staples for those who appreciate real, handcrafted flavours. Our hot sauces, salsas, and Mexican pantry items are made in small batches with quality ingredients, bringing a taste of home to those who crave authenticity.

Join Me on This Journey

La Chivaloca isn’t just a business—it’s my passion, my heritage, and my way of bringing people together through food. Whether you're here to spice up your meals with our handcrafted sauces or to learn the art of traditional Mexican cooking, I can't wait to share this flavourful adventure with you.

¡Nos vemos en la cocina! (See you in the kitchen!)

Classes