Local chef’s new Mexican food van inspired by street food from around the world

RAJ O’Brien was just nine years old when he travelled to Mexico with his family, but memories of taqueria taco stands have stayed with him ever since.

Now, the 31-year-old chef has brought those influences home, opening his own Mexican food van, La Cantina, in Byron Bay’s arts and industry estate.

“I have always loved spicy, punchy, colourful food,” he said. “I have been to more than 30 countries and I love trying street food everywhere I go.”

Born and raised in Byron Bay, O’Brien said he had dreamed of becoming a chef since the age of three.

“When I was younger I used to put every spread possible on a piece of toast and try the flavours,” he said.

O’Brien left Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School, at 17 to begin an apprenticeship at Harvest in Newrybar and later worked at Guy Grossi’s fine dining restaurant Florentina in Melbourne and Ember and Casa Luna in Byron Bay.

He said opening his own venue had long been a goal, prompting him to seize the opportunity to open the trailer in the the courtyard outside Mexican Plaza in Centennial Drive.

“Cooking is my love language,” he said. “It’s my passion to share my food with the world.”

Decorated with cactus plants, the space features wine barrel tables topped with bright Skeleton Motive tiles from Fossil Vintage.

The breakfast burrito has quickly become the biggest seller, alongside dishes including ceviche tostada, rice bowls, pulled pork tacos, steak tacos and a crispy green paw paw taco.

“It’s my take on a baha fish taco,” O’Brien said. “The paw paw is blanched, marinated, battered and fried.”

La Cantina is open weekdays for breakfast and lunch.