What’s more comforting than Mama’s home cooking? That’s exactly what Edwin Zoe thought when he hired his own mother as executive chef and named his new restaurant Zoe Ma Ma in her honor. The tiny spot, just off Boulder’s Pearl Street, specializes in old-style Chinese cooking and street food. These are the simple, flavorful eats Zoe remembers eating every day in his native China.

Using top-secret family recipes, handmade noodles and wonton skins, local produce, all-natural meats, and no MSG, Zoe Ma Ma offers an array of authentic Chinese dishes. From fluffy steamed buns packed with marinated pork to original sesame-ginger scented pot stickers made with hand-rolled wonton skins, each dish features delicate textures and balanced flavor.

A la carte specials are featured daily, but wait for Friday and Saturday when Ma Ma’s roasted duck and wonton soup will redefine your notion of comfort.

Tip: The liquor license doesn’t kick in until mid-summer, so slip into Sushi Tora next door for a quick glass of sake and an order of sushi before heading to Zoe’s.

2010 10th St., Boulder