​EL Pajarito was born in our family's kitchen, in San Jose, California - where the smell of roasted chiles, fresh tomatoes, and fresh garlic filled the air long before we knew how to put it into words.

​

I learned about Mexican cuisine through mi Abuela Enriqueta Munoz - through her food she taught me to take pride in being Mexican. She put me on to salsas, moles, gorditas, and guisas.  She gave me the nickname Pajarito - her little bird.

​

As a second-generation Mexican-American growing up in San Jose, food became my way of holding on and learning about my culture and my tradition. Mi Abuelos stories of making tamales from iguanas. The lessons on how to make our families mole from mi Abuela and Bisabuelita. This kept me close to my roots and gave me something to build on. El Pajarito is that - a tribute to where I come from, and a way forward.

​

It's also for my brothers Adrian and Mateo De La Cruz who without, this dream would be nothing but a thought. They are the backbone and support of this project.

​

Our name not only honors where we come from but also el pajarito - the hummingbird - sacred in Mexica tradition, carried through the spirit of Huitzilopotchli, the god of the sun and war. Our salsas rise above and shine bright with some bringing a smokiness and fire that'll keep you coming back for more, connecting past to present with every bite.

​​

   Inspired by family recipes, tradition, and the spirit of our family's kitchen, our salsas are bold, soulful, and made to be shared. From smoky chipotles to fiery chiles de árbol, every flavor tells a story — and every bite brings you a little closer to our home. 

​

At El Pajarito, we make small-batch, handmade salsas rooted in tradition and crafted with care. Each jar made daily using fresh, all natural ingrdients. No preservatives. No fillers. No shortcuts. Just bold flavors and a whole lot of corazon.

​

A Salsa That Sings - El Pajarito