Following years operating as a farmers market vendor, Mama G's Kitchen is bringing authentic Peruvian cuisine to San Diego's Mission Valley.
A native of Lima, Peru, Gloria Tietjen has been making aji spicy sauce using her family recipe for over 15 years. After being encouraged by friends, she eventually launched Mama G's Special Sauce company to sell her authentic Peruvian hot sauce at area farmers markets and shipping it nationwide. She eventually expanded the business to offer Peruvian street food.
Mama G's is now evolving from a farmers market vendor to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, taking over the space that last housed Circle Cafe & Market in Mission Valley. Dubbed Mama G's Kitchen, the eatery will serve such traditional Peruvian dishes like fresh white fish ceviche in leche de tigre sauce, beef empanadas, Lomo Saltado stir-fried beef, and Aji de Gallina creamy chicken. The restaurant will also serve a selection of beer and wine.
"It truly is my dream come true," commented Gloria Tietjen on the launch of her first eatery. "I’ve always dreamed of opening a restaurant since I came to the states from Peru in 1999. The recipes are all from what my mother taught me about cooking when I was young and this is all a tribute to her."
