Our Story

Mama Habesha is more than just Tesmi

We share a centuries-old tradition of Eritrean and Ethiopian hospitality. Our authentic Tesmi not only enriches everyday dishes, but also builds bridges between people and cultures. As the guardian of a rich culinary heritage, Mama Habesha welcomes everyone to our dining table. Whether you are familiar with Tesmi or discovering it for the first time.

Our mission extends beyond the kitchen. We believe that food connects people and strengthens communities. That’s why we actively work to create positive change that contributes to the well-being of our environment.

Origin of Mama Habesha

In 2020, during a vacation to Italy, Mateos Grmazion stopped by family in Switzerland. When he got home, his mother asked why he hadn’t indicated that he was going to family, so that she could have given him Tesmi. This made Mateos realize that Tesmi wasn’t available online in 2020, which surprised him. He also wondered why he always had to take Tesmi with him, when his family never sent it to him. The Netherlands is known as a dairy country, which means that you can make Tesmi with the best quality butter.

This experience led to the creation of Mama Habesha, a fusion of Dutch butter with Eritrean/Ethiopian herbs. In this way we bring the best of both worlds together in one jar.

In Eritrean and Ethiopian culture, it is customary for mothers to make Tesmi, an essential product in the kitchen. Mateos' mother taught him how to make Tesmi himself.

Social purpose

Mama Habesha is a social enterprise with a community focus. Founder Mateos, whose parents came to the Netherlands in the 1990s, understands the challenges faced by newcomers. Therefore, Mama Habesha offers newcomers supported work placements, with the ambition to eventually employ them and offer them prospects in the Netherlands.

Our passionate team, with diverse backgrounds, embodies our values and traditions. By choosing Mama Habesha, you're choosing not only quality and tradition, but also strengthening the community and creating opportunities for the future.

Butter with a story

  • Where does our butter come from?

    At Mama Habesha, we believe in pure, honest, and sustainable products. That's why we consciously choose organic unsalted butter from Weerribben Dairy . A Dutch family business that has been working with respect for animals, people, and nature for generations. Located on the edge of Weerribben-Wieden National Park in Overijssel, Weerribben Dairy's cows graze in vast green pastures teeming with life. No artificial fertilizers, chemical pesticides, or intensive farming are used here, but instead, there's peace, space, and biodiversity. You can taste this in the quality of their butter; rich, creamy, and pure.

  • Why do we choose Weerribben Dairy?

    - 100% organic: No use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides or antibiotics.

    - Animal-friendly: Cows that are allowed to pasture for at least 180 days a year, for at least 8 hours a day, and can simply be cows.

    - Conservation: By farming organically, they help the soil, insects, birds, and the climate.

    - Full of flavour & nutritious.

  • Home-grown quality

    When you choose our Tesmi, you're choosing quality and a better world. That's the power of working with local, organic farmers who care about both people and the environment.

    Our tip: Visit the Weerribben! On the Weerribben Dairy website, you'll find not only more information about their sustainable practices but also great tips for hiking and cycling routes in this beautiful nature reserve. A wonderful way to taste and experience where our butter comes from.