Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Food Cooking Class

Oaxaca, the vibrant cultural heart of Mexico, beckons foodies and cultural enthusiasts alike to enjoy its rich culinary heritage. A traditional Oaxacan cooking class promises an authentic taste of the region, where participants learn to prepare local specialties under the guidance of a Mixe cook. From market visits to hands-on instruction, this experience offers a unique opportunity to discover the legends and stories behind Oaxaca’s gastronomic treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious explorer, this class promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more of Oaxaca’s extraordinary flavors.

Key Points

• A 5-hour traditional Oaxacan food experience that includes preparation of regional dishes like memelitas, empanadas, mole, and more under the instruction of a traditional Mixe cook.
• Participants will learn about Oaxacan culinary heritage through shared legends, tales, and stories, as well as a visit to the Etla traditional market to select fresh ingredients.
• The menu covers a wide range of traditional Oaxacan dishes, including memelitas with chapulines (toasted grasshoppers) and huitlacoche (corn fungus), empanadas, mole sauce, chocolate de agua, and mezcal drinks.
• The class is priced at $112.51 per person and includes the full hands-on cooking experience, instruction, and necessary gratuities.
• The cooking class takes place at the agency’s private kitchen space, while the visit to the Etla traditional market provides an immersive experience in the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca.

Activity Details

Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Food Cooking Class

The cooking class is a 5-hour traditional Oaxacan food experience that includes the preparation of various regional dishes.

Participants will learn to make classic Oaxacan specialties like memelitas de chapulines, memelitas de huitlacoche, and egg memelitas with hierba santa. They’ll also craft empanadas, mole, chocolate de agua, and mezcal.

Throughout the class, the instructor, a traditional cook of Mixe origin named Tita, will share legends, tales, and stories that bring the Oaxacan culinary heritage to life.

The class takes place at the agency, but first, you will visit the Etla traditional market to select fresh ingredients for their dishes.

Dishes Prepared

During the 5-hour Oaxacan cooking class, participants prepare a variety of traditional regional dishes, including memelitas de chapulines, memelitas de huitlacoche, and egg memelitas with hierba santa. Memelitas are a type of thick, handmade tortilla that’s grilled and topped with various fillings.

The chapulines version features toasted grasshoppers, while the huitlacoche version uses the delicate, earthy corn fungus. The egg memelitas incorporate the fragrant herb hierba santa.

Plus, students learn to make empanadas, a classic Oaxacan mole sauce, and traditional chocolate de agua and mezcal drinks. The cooking class also includes fresh flavored water and yolk bread, providing a well-rounded exploration of Oaxacan cuisine and culinary traditions.

Pricing and Booking

The Oaxacan food cooking class is priced at $112.51 per person, and participants can reserve their spot with a pay-later option.

This allows guests to secure their place in the class without having to pay upfront.

The class covers a wide range of traditional Oaxacan dishes, including memelitas, empanadas, mole, and more.

Participants will learn from a traditional cook of Mixe origin, Tita, who’ll share legends, tales, and stories as they enjoy the prepared dishes.

The price includes the cooking class itself as well as all necessary gratuities.

To book the class, guests can reserve their spot and pay later, making it a convenient and accessible culinary experience.

Inclusions

The Oaxacan food cooking class includes the full hands-on cooking experience and all necessary gratuities.

During the 5-hour class, you will learn to prepare a variety of traditional Oaxacan dishes, from memelitas with chapulines or huitlacoche to mole and chocolate de agua.

As they cook, they’ll listen to legends, tales, and stories shared by Tita, a traditional cook of Mixe origin.

The class also provides the opportunity to visit the Etla traditional market to source the fresh ingredients needed for the dishes.

With all the essentials covered, participants can fully enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca.

Location

Participants meet at the agency’s location to begin the Oaxacan food cooking class, after which they’ll visit the Etla traditional market to source the fresh ingredients needed for the dishes. This market is a hub of local culture, where vendors sell an array of produce, meats, and traditional wares.

Cooking Class Location	Etla Market Location
Agency headquarters	Downtown Etla
Private kitchen space	Bustling outdoor market
Easy to find address	Historic, vibrant setting

The class culminates back at the agency, where participants dive into preparing the authentic Oaxacan dishes under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor. This hands-on experience immerses them in the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Traditional Market Visit

Participants’ journey through the vibrant Etla traditional market takes them on a sensory exploration of Oaxacan culinary culture. They’ll wander amidst the bustling stalls, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of freshly-ground spices, the vibrant colors of local produce, and the animated chatter of vendors.

The instructor guides them through the market, introducing them to the key ingredients used in Oaxacan cooking, from fragrant herbs to vibrant chilies. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, learning about the origins and traditional preparation methods of the ingredients.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class, where you will bring the flavors of the market to life in their own Oaxacan dishes.

Legends and Stories

As they gather around the table to savor the Oaxacan dishes they’ve prepared, Tita, the traditional cook of Mixe origin, captivates the class with legends, tales, and stories that bring the rich cultural heritage of the region to life.

She weaves tales of ancient culinary traditions, passed down through generations, that have shaped the unique flavors found in Oaxacan cuisine.

The students listen intently, their palates awakened by the vibrant colors and aromas of the food before them.

Tita’s words transport them to a world of indigenous rituals, mystical beliefs, and the enduring resilience of a people whose culinary identity is deeply rooted in the land and its traditions.

Mezcal Tasting

The class concludes with an enlightening mezcal tasting, where students savor the complex, smoky flavors of this iconic Oaxacan spirit.

An expert guide walks them through the nuances of the different mezcal varieties, sharing insights into the traditional production methods and the history that imbues each sip with cultural significance. Participants learn to appreciate the artisanal craftsmanship and the deep connections between mezcal and Oaxaca’s heritage.

From the earthy aromas to the smooth, lingering finish, the tasting experience transports them to the heart of the region, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for this revered Mexican libation.

As the class winds down, attendees depart with not only a full belly but also a deeper understanding of Oaxacan culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?

The food cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. Participants with dietary restrictions should notify the organizers in advance to ensure accommodations are available. Special requests can be accommodated if communicated prior to the class.

What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for the Class?

The class has no minimum group size, but the maximum is 10 participants. This intimate setting allows the instructor to provide personalized attention and ensure each guest has a hands-on, immersive cooking experience.

Is There an Option to Take the Class in a Different Language?

The cooking class offers an option to take the class in a different language. Participants can request to have the class conducted in Spanish, English, or other languages, depending on the availability of the instructor.

Can Participants Take Home the Recipes They Learn in the Class?

Participants can typically take home the recipes they learn during the cooking class. The instructor usually provides copies of the recipes so people can recreate the traditional Oaxacan dishes at home after the experience.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Requirements for the Class?

There’s no formal dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing they don’t mind getting messy. The class involves hands-on cooking, so they’ll want to dress accordingly. No other special requirements are mentioned.

Recap

This immersive Oaxacan cooking class offers an unparalleled culinary experience.

Participants will dive into the region’s rich food heritage, learning to prepare iconic dishes under the guidance of a traditional Mixe cook.

With a visit to the vibrant Etla market and storytelling about Oaxacan culinary traditions, this hands-on class provides an authentic taste of the area’s vibrant food culture for $112.51 per person.