The bright sunshine, spotless beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage of Mexico draw tourists from all over the world. Oaxaca is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Once a part of the glorious Aztec civilization, the city was later taken over by the Spanish. To date, the city preserves its rich history of ancient civilizations and colonial elements and presents several sightseeing opportunities. Described as the third-best city in Central and South America by Travel and Leisure magazine, Oaxaca is now an eclectic mix of majestic mountains, lush greeneries, archaeological wonders, intricate Baroque-style architecture, vibrant traditions, and admirable culture. The city is also a hub of gastronomy. To make your vacation more eventful, check out the top cooking classes in Oaxaca, Mexico, and explore the deep flavors of mouthwatering Mexican food.
1. Explore the art of making traditional Oaxacan food (from USD 130.0)
Learn to make memelitas and Oaxacan mole in five hours with this cooking class that teaches pre-Columbian culinary styles. Under the teacher’s guidance, you will source the ingredients yourself from the local market before you reach the class. Then, you will receive instructions from a professional cook about the correct method for preparing tortillas and red or black mole. The class size is limited to 10 students, guaranteeing undivided attention and better interaction with your classmates.
Authentic Oaxacan Food Cooking Class with Market Shopping Trip
Duration: 5 hours
2. Select your own menu and learn to cook hands-on (from USD 76.0)
Learn how to mix the traditional ingredients from sixteen Oaxacan ethnicities and to identify the smell of authentic dishes with chef Oscar Carrizosa. Enjoy complimentary coffee or hot chocolate before heading out into the local market. The class allows you to select the dish you want to learn to cook and build up a surprisingly huge repertoire of Oaxacan food. Grasp the building blocks of three types of tortillas, three types of salsas, a flavorsome soup, a tasty appetizer, mole negros, a delicious dessert, and a drink. Active participation in peeling and chopping vegetables, deseeding, sauteing, and seasoning, all the while singing adds to the fun of learning. Vegetarian options are offered and the class caters to special dietary restrictions.
Oaxaca City Small-Group Cooking Class and Market Tour
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
3. Delve into the heritage of vegetarian fare in Oaxaca (from USD 73.0)
Experience local food-related customs and Oaxacan neighborhoods with this class on pre-Hispanic cuisine. The class has been designed after thorough research and aims not just to teach recipes, but also to disseminate the heritage of Oaxacan cuisine. First, you will get a guided tour of the local market where you will learn about herbs, vegetables, and fruits. You will then acquire the freshly harvested organic ingredients required for the class and enjoy some snacks as well. In class, you will prepare every item from scratch, starting from a fresh salad to a traditional and celebratory mole. You will also get to try a lip-smacking dessert. At the end of the class, you can eat the food you have prepared. Refreshments like alcoholic beverages and bottled water will be provided.
Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class
Duration: 4 hours
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4. Master the cooking style of professional Oaxacan chefs (from USD 116.0)
Learn how to prepare Oaxacan fare like a professional chef. The menu is decided on the spot by the participants and the ingredients are then acquired fresh from local markets. You can also sample some local dishes. In this 3.5-hour-long class, you will learn to prepare a 4-course meal. The menu may comprise classic Oaxacan dishes like salsa, tacos, Oaxacan black mole, and caldo de piedra. You will learn how to roll empanadas and grind guacamole regional-style with mortar and pestle. Rose petal ice cream, a regional delicacy, is also included. The class is totally hands-on and every step is explained by a sous-chef.
Oaxaca Cooking Class
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
5. Learn to cook Oaxaca's flavorful street food (from USD 110.0)
Under the expert guidance of a local cook, understand the techniques of preparing southern Mexican street food at home in this 3.5-hour cooking class. A typical menu includes fresh salsas and empanadas as starters, tacos and handmade tortillas as the main course, followed by hibiscus margaritas. The best part of the class is eating the food you prepared. Take home a recipe book as a souvenir that will help you cook up Oaxacan delicacies effortlessly. Whether you are traveling solo or with friends, this activity will pep up your holiday for sure.
Street Food Cooking Class
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
6. Explore Mexican gastronomy (from USD 90.0)
In this interactive learning session, you will get hands-on training on making traditional salsas, tortillas, as well as fancy memelas, tetelas, and tlacoyos. Whether you are an expert in cooking or just starting your culinary journey, you will have a fabulous time experiencing food preparation like a local. Learn about new ingredients local to the region, prepare the corn through nixtamalization, make salsas and fillings, and refresh yourself with aguas frescas, the traditional drink. The menu can be modified to suit dietary restrictions and preferences. You will surely have a fulfilling day getting acquainted with Mexican gastronomy and Oaxacan culture.
Oaxaca Cuisine and Market Tour: Small-Group Cooking Class
Duration: 5 hours
7. Learn all about mole, Oaxaca's signature dish (from USD 110.0)
Learn the history of Mexican food and culinary traditions, with a focus on pork and rum, and the intricate process of making the exquisite black mole in this cooking class. You will learn the recipes of the delectable cochinita pibil, which involves roasting pork slowly in achiote, and prepare a rum cocktail. Additionally, you will also prepare the delicious yellow mole sauce with locally sourced ingredients. To accompany the delightful sauces that you will be having for your meal, you will be making your own tortillas. Chicken and rice and a flavorsome dessert, along with a refreshing mezcal margarita, will be served at the end of the class.
Mama's Kitchen
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
8. Taste the flavors of local seafood (from USD 110.0)
In this seafood cooking class, you will learn interesting fishing techniques in the area as well as the types of seafood in Oaxaca. The recipes are created and taught in such a manner that you can easily recreate them back at home. Starting with delicious seafood fritters with chipotle and shrimp tostadas, you will go on to prepare baked fish, along with a jicama and citrus salad. The instructions are enlivened by the friendly nature and warm hospitality of the teacher. Even a beginner will be able to master the techniques of attaining Oaxacan seafood flavors with ingredients available at your home. Savor the delicacies you prepare at the end of the class while you enjoy a breathtaking view of the local forest and river.
Seafood Cooking Class in Huatulco
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
9. Prepare simple Oaxacan moles and corn tortillas (from USD 92.0)
In this informative class, you will learn not only recipes but also details about culinary traditions and ingredients used in Oaxacan cuisine. You will have lots of fun in the process too! Prepare traditional corn dough and make fresh tortillas from it. You will also learn the preparation techniques and understand the complex flavors of the simplest Oaxacan mole sauces, the mole verde and the mole amarillo. After your hard work, enjoy a taste of all the food you have prepared. The whole experience will build a solid foundation for your appreciation of the flavorsome food of Oaxaca.
Maiz Cooking Workshop
Duration: 4 hours
Decode the elaborate flavors of Oaxacan delights
Whether you enjoy meat and seafood or are a vegetarian, Oaxacan cuisine is sure to entice your tastebuds. The molcajete salsas and mole sauces, the freshly made tortillas, and the desserts and drinks in Oaxaca are absolute gastronomic delights. Learn how to whip up these bursts of flavor in your own home with the cooking classes in Oaxaca, Mexico.
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