At dawn, I tasted my first Tuna, Nopalli fruit. My abuelito’s outstretched hand gave me the bright pink gift which stained my white dress. Everything about it - the color, the taste, the spiny plant from which this tender being was picked - sent awe through my entire being. A window was opened and a path revealed to go deeper into ancestral foods and the connections and lessons that could be found there.
I now know Nopalli as one of the sacred rebel foods of my peoples. They are so deeply nourishing to body and spirit, so abundantly prolific, and so curativo to diseases like diabetes and hypertension which came with the colonizers. Food is a form of my resistance, given fuerza by the strength and resistance of the plantitas themselves. Through Nopalli, I seek to challenge injustice and support healing through deeply nourishing my communities, connecting to land in all of its complexities, and understanding again what responsibility and privilege come with being a human on this planet.
Nopalli Rebelde offers curated selection of seasonal, locally sourced, indigenous foods, crafted in small batches to preserve their nutritional value and authentic flavor. Our menu celebrates the bounty of the land while honoring ancestral traditions.
By choosing our food, you are supporting sustainable agriculture, indigenous communities, and a healthier planet.
Join us in this journey of culinary exploration, healing, and resistance.
Explore our offerings of catering, cooking workshops, and apprenticeship opportunities.
photo by emilie chen
Hola! I'm Céleste (they/she), a first-generation Indigenous Mexican-American, deeply rooted in my queer identity and empowered by my ancestors' resilience. Growing up, community care was central to my life, expressed through food and open doors. After years of cooking for family gatherings and working in my dad's restaurant, I became the keeper of our family recipes, which are a vital link to my heritage.
My journey into traditional medicine began with a passion for science and nutrition, but it was my involvement in a college garden club that transformed my perspective. I recognized the interconnectedness of food insecurity, health, and community well-being. This realization led me to embrace a holistic approach to healing, focusing on food connection, land connection, and community care. I aim to challenge diet culture and promote inclusivity in my practices, understanding that food is not just fuel, but a potential cellular healer and a means to address generational trauma.
Currently, I am studying and practicing Curanderismo, the traditional Mexican folk medicine, as a means to invoke emotional healing, especially in these times of collective grief and societal separation. I give thanks for having learned many traditions from family members, Maestros of Danza, Maestra Rita, Dr. Sharma in India, Sia, Ridhi, Flynne, and so many more. This practice resonates deeply with me, as it embodies the wisdom of my ancestors and the importance of community in the healing process. Curanderismo emphasizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, allowing me to integrate my knowledge of herbal remedies, tonics, and infused oils into my culinary creations.
In addition to food, I aim to work with emotions through art, song, and movement in shared spaces that we create collectively. We have established a community garden that offers herbalism circles and skill shares, where we gather to nurture both the land and our spirits. I am also organizing an outdoor BIPOC retreat for organizers and healers, providing a space to disengage and heal together. Through meal shares, we cook and eat together, followed by healing activities that foster connection and support. Additionally, I support a weekly food pantry, engaging with over 600 community members through cooking demonstrations and meaningful interactions.
In a world where many are grieving and suffering from separation, my work in Curanderismo, food, and the arts is a way to foster connection, healing, and resilience. By sharing these traditions and stories, we can create a sense of belonging and support one another in our journeys toward emotional and physical well-being.
photo by emilie chen
Nopalli is a plant with a sturdy central stalk and numerous offshoots. These offshoots are typically harvested and consumed to nourish us at a cellular level. Similarly, Nopalli Rebelde is more than just a food or catering business. Our core values focus on creating nourishing systems among people. We invite everyone to connect with their traditional ancestral foods, regardless of background or upbringing. Our offerings, including catering, community meals, and workshops, are extensions of this central mission. We aim to create a welcoming environment where people can connect with food, share knowledge, and support one another.
With each endeavor, we consider our impact on the broader food system and society. We prioritize sustainability in packaging, sourcing, and waste management. Equally important is our commitment to self-care and collaboration to ensure that our work remains nourishing for everyone involved.