About Mamakoo

I'm Irene, and Mamakoo started with a near-death experience.

It left me with a simple epiphany: life's short. So I traveled the world, solo, for a year. What I realized was that finding truly great, authentic food was surprisingly hard. Guidebooks were outdated, concierges pushed tourist traps, and social media wasn't much better. I lost count of how many viral spots left me wondering what the fuss was about.

To me, good food starts with honest ingredients and thoughtful execution. Great cooking can be humble or elaborate, traditional or experimental—but a dish doesn't earn a pass just because it's inventive or photogenic.

But what I really care about, especially when I'm traveling, is what a dish says about a place. Why is pho so tied to Vietnam's modern history? What is the big deal with kimchi in Korean food? I've watched documentaries hype up cuy as Peru's national dish, only to find it barely exists in Lima or Cuzco. I don't need every recommendation to be a lesson, but I do want it to be true, and to tell me something real about where I am—not just lure me in like a tourist.

So I started keeping my own notes. 50 countries later, that list became Mamakoo. We seek out chefs, sommeliers, and other trusted local food insiders, ask them where—and what—they actually eat, and curate their recommendations into guides that are updated year-round. From mom-and-pop counters to the finest tables in town, if it's here, there's a reason.

Happy eating and exploring!

Irene
Founder & Chief Eating Officer