We’re Janeen and Rodrigo Cruz, the husband-and-wife team behind Kuali. Our story is rooted in love—for each other, for our culture, and for the flavors that remind us of home. Janeen, the daughter of Mexican immigrants from El Ejido Hermosillo, Baja California, and Rodrigo, who grew up in the bustling heart of Mexico City, met over a shared passion for food and tradition.

For Rodrigo, the kitchen is a sacred space where he reconnects with his mamá, Mely, and relives memories of México with every dish. It’s where he recreates the vibrant salsas he grew up with—the same flavors that captured Janeen’s heart. As a first-generation Mexican-American, she hadn’t tasted anything like it: a salsa that truly tasted like México.

In 2020, with the world at a standstill, we felt inspired to bring the soulful, authentic taste of Mexico to the U.S. We couldn’t find anything that captured the bold, unapologetic flavors we cherish, so we started Kuali right here in our kitchen in Oakland, CA. Now, we’re thrilled to share that taste with you, a taste that makes you say, “esto es México.”

For us, salsa is life. It’s more than just a condiment; it’s the heart of our table, our heritage, and our everyday meals. When you open a jar of Kuali salsa, you're tasting the magic that brings us together—our culture, our story, and the passion we pour into every batch.

Mil Gracias,

Janeen Mendoza Cruz + Rodrigo Cruz Ayala, Owners