An American woman known for slinging tacos from a converted horsebox in a west Suffolk town has spoken about her journey from North Carolina to the East of England. 

Amanda Marks launched Taquería La Gringa in Haverhill in January with her English husband, Ed, 39, and 18-year-old son Cristian.

They can be seen pitched up around Haverhill most weekends serving their signature Birria Da Res and Carnita tacos. 

Some of the food being served up by Taquería La GringaSome of the food being served up by Taquería La Gringa (Image:  Taquería La Gringa) Mrs Marks, from Charlotte, North Carolina, came up with the idea for the business when she noticed that she really missed the abundance of Mexican food after moving to Suffolk. 

Discussing her journey, the 39-year-old American said: "I hail from Charlotte, North Carolina where I lived most of my adult life, and I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am a Southern girl through and through!

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Amanda Marks at her farm in North Carolina where she raised chickensAmanda Marks at her farm in North Carolina where she raised chickens (Image:  Taquería La Gringa) "I moved to Haverhill in June of 2023 to be with my husband, Ed.

"We met online and had been travelling back and forth, maintaining a relationship across 4,000 miles. We had to decide between here and the US and we decided that the UK was a better place for our family at this time.

"In the 15 months since the big move, I fell in love with my surroundings and have an immense fondness of the Suffolk countryside and the beauty of East Anglia.

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Taquería La Gringa also serve the famous Birria De Res tacosTaquería La Gringa also serve the famous Birria De Res tacos (Image:  Taquería La Gringa) "I miss certain people and things from the US, but England is definitely home for me now. The architecture and history are something I will probably never be tired of."

She added: "I was missing the abundance of authentic Mexican food after a while as I really I enjoyed that in my previous home community. So it seemed natural to bring the taco scene myself.

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The converted horsebox of Taquería La GringaThe converted horsebox of Taquería La Gringa (Image:  Taquería La Gringa) "Mexican cuisine is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is my honour and privilege to make a living sharing a piece of a place and culture that I love as dearly as Mexico.

"We have also recently doubled down on ensuring we are leaning on local food whenever we can. Sixty per cent of our menu items now feature local meat or produce and we are looking to be at 80% by the new year, and 100% by next summer.

Some of the fresh produce used at Taquería La GringaSome of the fresh produce used at Taquería La Gringa (Image: Taquería La Gringa) READ MORE: Long-awaited recycling centre officially opens in town

"Excitingly, in the second half of October, we have also added two new locally sourced taco fillings to our menu that we have been really excited to share with the community."