Meet Momo’s | Latino food Pop-up

We had the good fortune of connecting with Momo’s and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Momo’s, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Momo’s started as a love letter to our grandparents and our country Guatemala. As latinas we were always taught the importance of hospitality and the food to connect with people. We wanted to share with Los Angeles our culture and traditions through food while also incorporating the importance of a balanced meal and sharing the gastronomical relevance of latino cuisine.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We’re a sister-led business born in 2024 with a clear mission: to build a vibrant community centered around Latino cuisine and the empowerment of women. What sets us apart is our deep belief that food is more than just fuel—it’s culture, connection, and a powerful tool for change.

Our journey began with a shared passion for our roots and a desire to reshape the narrative around Latino food. Too often, our cuisine is misunderstood or overlooked when it comes to health and wellness. We wanted to change that by showing that Latino food, when celebrated in its authentic and nourishing form, can be both delicious and deeply beneficial to our health.

We’re also deeply committed to nutritional education—especially within our own community. We believe women are the heart of the household and often the primary decision-makers when it comes to food and wellness. By empowering Latina women with the tools and knowledge to make informed nutritional choices, we aim to create ripple effects that lead to healthier families and, ultimately, a healthier community.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, we’ve faced financial hurdles, moments of doubt, and the challenge of carving out space in an already competitive industry. But we’ve overcome those obstacles by staying true to our mission, supporting one another as sisters, and listening closely to the voices of the people we serve.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that community is everything. When you build something with heart and purpose, people will stand with you. We’ve also learned that education and culture don’t have to be separate—they can (and should) go hand in hand.

What do we want the world to know about us? That we’re here not just to share recipes, but to spark change. We’re creating a movement—one that uplifts Latino culture, empowers women, and redefines what wellness looks like for our community. And we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1
We’d start the week with coffee and pastries at La Chula Café in Pasadena. It’s cozy, vibrant, and has the kind of vibe that says “welcome to L.A.” After that, we’d explore Oeste, a beautiful shop with handmade candles and Central American-crafted home goods. It’s the perfect intro to the creativity and cultural depth of the area. For lunch, we’d hit Arroz & Fun for bold fusion flavors and a cool local crowd. In the evening, we’d wind down with mocktails from Barnuda, their drinks are fun, fresh, and great for a relaxed first night.

Day 2
We’d spend the day in Downtown L.A. checking out The Broad Museum, street art in the Arts District, and pop into local galleries. Lunch at Smorgasburg LA (if it’s a Sunday) for an open-air food market adventure. Dinner would be at Bestia for some of the best Italian in the city.

Day 3
Morning yoga or a stroll along Venice Beach, coffee at Menotti’s, and some people-watching. We’d bike the path up to Santa Monica, ride the Ferris wheel on the pier, and grab lunch at The Misfit. Sunset from the cliffs at Palisades Park, then dinner and drinks back in Venice at Gjelina.

Day 4
A day to hike Eaton Canyon or Mt. Lowe Trail, take in the fresh air and incredible views. We’d pack a picnic or grab sandwiches from Roma Market in Pasadena. That night, maybe a movie at Street Food Cinema or the Rose Bowl Flea Market if the timing’s right.

Day 5
We’d explore Highland Park or Echo Park—grab breakfast at Kitchen Mouse, check out vintage shops and indie bookstores like Skylight Books. Hit The Last Bookstore downtown too. Dinner at Sage Vegan Bistro, then catch live music at The Echo or a poetry night at a local café.

Day 6
A full day of eating! We’d do a food crawl through Koreatown (think: BCD Tofu House, Sun Nong Dan, and Oakobing for dessert), then explore Little Tokyo and finish with a late-night visit to Canter’s Deli.

Day 7
We’d take it easy, maybe a slow morning at Descanso Gardens or the Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens. Brunch at Lincoln Pasadena or Millie’s Café, then prep for a golden hour hike to Griffith Observatory to take in the sunset and skyline views. We’d finish the trip with one last unforgettable dinner at Republique if we’re lucky enough to get a reservation.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We want to dedicate this publication to our Parents and siblings who have always pushed us to be better and follow our dreams and to our spouses Rodolfo Velasquez and Gabriel Gutierrez who have been there side to side with us building and growing Momo’s to the best it can be.

Website: https://www.diningatmomos.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diningatmomos/