A man who swapped orthotics for tacos has said he is delighted to making a home for himself and his thriving business in Ipswich.

Many residents of Chantry may by now have stumbled across Tacos El Catrin, a mobile restaurant specialising in Mexican delicacies, which can be found parked in Sprites Lane, near the back of the Co-op store.

Aleem Najak is one of Chantry’s newest residents. Surprisingly, he said that it was his move to Ipswich which made his dream of setting up his own street food business possible.

Mr Najak lived in the Bay Area of northern California some 10 years ago, where he developed a love of Mexican cuisine.

Ipswich Star: The tacos for sale from Tacos El Catrin have become a favourite of customers in the local area, and others who come from as far as Felixstowe. Image: Charlotte BondThe tacos for sale from Tacos El Catrin have become a favourite of customers in the local area, and others who come from as far as Felixstowe. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: Aleem Najak said that he grew to love Mexican cuisine during his time in America. Image: Charlotte BondAleem Najak said that he grew to love Mexican cuisine during his time in America. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: One of Mr Najak's favourite Mexican dishes is birria. Image: Charlotte BondOne of Mr Najak's favourite Mexican dishes is birria. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: Aleem Najak has been running his taco van in Chantry for the past few months. Image: Charlotte BondAleem Najak has been running his taco van in Chantry for the past few months. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“It was something I was never able to try in England,” he explained. “It’s so popular in the US, not just in areas where there are lots of Mexicans living, but also in areas where there are very few, in the same way that we have Indian takeaways in every village in England.”

A particular favourite of his was birria, a flavourful slow cooked strew traditionally made with beef or goat.

Back home in London, a neighbour of his from Michoacán, Cecelia, taught him some recipes. Together they made adaptations, working with the ingredients which are available in England.

So, when Mr Najak felt it was time to leave the world of podiatry, he decided to try his hand running his own street food business, sharing his favourite cuisine with others.

Ipswich Star: Tacos El Catrin now employees four people, including Maddy Smith. Image: Charlotte BondTacos El Catrin now employees four people, including Maddy Smith. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In London, this was challenging, as there were many constraints to work within.

However, when he moved to Ipswich to be closer to family, he found the opposite was true. The council was supportive and helpful, and in summer of last year, Tacos El Catrin opened to the public.

At first, Mr Najak served only birria. Now, business is thriving, and offers other delicacies such as goat stew, fish and pork carnitas.

He added that the people of Chantry have been very welcoming.

“I chose this area because I got a good vibe from it,” he said. “It’s so friendly. The amount of positivity has been amazing.”

Tacos El Catrin can be found in Sprites Lane using the what3words code: upgrading.bets.await