A taste of Peru: Mama G’s brings authentic flavors to the table

“It all started with my four sauces,” Mama G — Gloria Tietjen — said. 

“I started a small side business making Peruvian sauces and mailed them all over the USA. This progressed to me selling the sauces at farmer’s markets throughout San Diego, and eventually to me adding foods that paired with the sauces.” 

However, this newfound success was becoming a burden between cooking, schlepping supplies and food, and sauces to markets, six or seven days a week, plus a full-time job.

“Everyone said I should open a restaurant. I thought that I just couldn’t continue at the pace of the farmer’s markets, so I started looking for a physical restaurant,” Mama G said.

In August 2024, she found a recently closed sports bar tucked at the end of Camino del Rio South, put in a bid, and won. Now, eight months later, she has slowly remodeled and opened her kitchen for business.

“My recipes originated from my mother, the original Mama G — Gloria Calixto, from Lima, Peru. She loved to cook, and when the neighbors heard that Mama G was cooking, they would drop everything and come over to enjoy her food. We both have a passion for deliciousness in our hearts,” Gloria said, laughing.

The entrees are both creative and traditional.

Tallarines Verdes is green spaghetti in a creamy basil and spinach sauce, topped with queso fresco. Tallarine Saltado is a twist of stir-fried green spaghetti tossed with your choice of beef, chicken, or Portobello mushrooms and infused with one of her famous sauces. Traditional dishes include Lomo Saltado, stir-fried beef, chicken or Portobello mushrooms on a bed of rice served with French fries.

If you are in the mood for a sandwich, Mama G offers many options, including a Peruvian Cheeseburger with a juicy beef patty, topped with melted cheese, a fried egg, and fried plantain, served with tangy salsa. Another traditional sandwich is the Pan con Chicharron: crispy pork belly topped with sweet potato slices and a tangy salsa criolla.

For dessert, try the Lucuma Cheesecake. Lucuma is a native fruit from South America, which is sweet and slightly caramel flavored. Sounds delicious.

“All of my food reflects my passion for deliciousness from my heart. I hope I’m making my Mama G proud,” Gloria said.

For fun, check her out on the show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” She appears on the episode called From Chicken to Cheesesteak.

Mama G’s can also cater events. They are open Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 am to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 am to 5:30 p.m. Located at 407 Camino Del Rio South. Phone (858) 315-1295. 

Their menu, special events, and other information — including how to order sauces — can be found here.