Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal

Introducing the Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal

If you’re looking for a way to genuinely connect with Mexico’s culinary traditions, this Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal offers an engaging, hands-on experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. Unlike solo exploring or generic tours, this session brings you into a lively, intimate setting where you’ll learn the art of making authentic Mexican tamales alongside a seasoned chef.

We love that it combines culinary education with social interaction — you’re not just watching; you’re actively participating. The rooftop feast at the end is a perfect reward, offering stunning views and a delicious, self-made meal. It’s the kind of experience that makes your trip memorable, especially if you enjoy food, culture, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

One thing to keep in mind is the small group size and personalized guidance. This means it’s quite intimate, but it also depends on the host’s punctuality, which has been a mixed point for some travelers. This experience is best suited for those who love hands-on activities, want to learn cooking skills, and enjoy tasting authentic local dishes in a convivial setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking: Learn how to make different styles of tamales, including Oaxacan and Mexico City versions.
• Expert Guidance: Enjoy instruction from a professional chef in a welcoming apartment setting.
• Local Flavors & Drinks: Sip Mexican wine or craft beer while preparing your tamales.
• Scenic Dining: End with a rooftop meal overlooking Mexico City, creating a memorable backdrop.
• Small Group: Limited to 7 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a convivial atmosphere.
• Flexible Scheduling: Can accommodate different times and dates upon request.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

The experience takes place in the chef’s apartment, which adds a cozy, authentic vibe. You’re not in a sterile cooking school but rather a home environment that feels like a lively dinner gathering with friends. The small group size — capped at 7 — means you get plenty of individual attention, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

What You’ll Learn

The core of this experience is making tamales, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. The chef guides you through different techniques and regional styles, including the traditional Oaxacan method, which is renowned for its unique corn husk wrapping and flavor profiles. You’ll get a chance to understand the history behind the dish, making it more meaningful than just following a recipe.

The Cooking Process

Expect to spend a good portion of the 3.5-hour session actively involved in preparing your tamales. You’ll learn about dough preparation, filling options, and the art of wrapping or folding the tamales. The chef’s expertise is one of the highlights — as one reviewer noted, Arturo was “lovely, awesome, and knowledgeable.” His guidance helps ensure everyone leaves with confidence to replicate the techniques at home.

Tasting and Socializing

While you’re working, you can sip on Mexican wine or craft beer, adding a festive touch to the process. Once your tamales are ready, it’s time to settle down on the rooftop — a highlight of the tour. The rooftop setting offers stunning views of Mexico City, making the entire experience feel special.

The Food and Drink

The culmination is a communal meal — your own tamales, enjoyed in good company. The reviews praise the delicious tamales and the fantastic rooftop ambiance, which elevates this experience from a simple cooking lesson to a true local encounter.

Practical Details

The tour starts at Liverpool 61 in Juárez, CDMX, at 1:00 p.m. It’s accessible near public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car. The activity lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, perfect for an afternoon activity. You’ll want to confirm your booking in advance — cancellations are free if done 24 hours prior.

Authenticity and Value

The tour’s price of $75.21 per person offers good value for a hands-on cooking class combined with scenic dining. For food lovers eager to learn authentic recipes in a personal setting, this price is quite reasonable, especially considering the included drinks and the rooftop experience.

While reviews are mostly positive, it’s worth mentioning the one disappointing note about Arturo not showing up on time, which underscores the importance of punctuality. However, the majority of guests had a memorable, enjoyable time, praising the host’s knowledge, the quality of food, and the stunning views.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn authentic Mexican cooking techniques. It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy social, interactive experiences and want a more personal taste of local life. Families with children who can sit still and get excited about cooking also found it enjoyable.

If you’re after a formal, professional cooking class or a large-group tour, this might not be your best fit. But if you value small-group intimacy, local cuisine, and scenic dining, this experience offers a lot of character and flavor.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking a genuine taste of Mexico’s culinary soul, the Tamales Making Fiesta and rooftop meal delivers. It’s a chance to learn hands-on skills, enjoy local wines or craft beers, and relax with a view of Mexico City’s skyline. The personal guidance from a knowledgeable chef combined with the convivial atmosphere makes this more than just a cooking class — it’s a cultural encounter.

While there’s a slight risk of scheduling issues, most travelers find the experience worth the price, especially given the authentic food and authentic setting. Whether you’re a food lover, a curious traveler, or someone looking to deepen your connection with Mexican traditions, this tour offers a delightful slice of local life.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Yes. The host is knowledgeable and friendly, and the hands-on nature means you can follow along even if your Spanish isn’t perfect. Clear instructions and demonstrations will help you succeed.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the cooking class, guidance from a professional chef, and your choice of Mexican wine or craft beer. The final rooftop meal is part of what you pay for.

Can I book a different time or date?
Absolutely. The tour can be flexible; just let the organizer know your preferred schedule, and they’ll do their best to accommodate.

How many people will be on the tour?
A maximum of 7 travelers ensures a personal experience. This small group size makes it more engaging and allows for individual attention.

What if Arturo doesn’t arrive on time?
One review indicates a disappointment when Arturo was late without notice. It’s advisable to confirm the schedule and communicate any concerns beforehand.

Is this a family-friendly activity?
Yes. One guest noted that children around 8 and 12 enjoyed the cooking, especially if they’re interested in food and can sit still for a while.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothes suitable for cooking. Expect to get a little flour or masa on your hands, so casual, easily washable attire is best.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity, making it flexible to adapt to your trip plans.

If you’re after a meaningful, flavorful experience that combines hands-on learning, authentic cuisine, and beautiful views, this Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal should be on your list. It’s a wonderful way to take home not just memories, but real skills to recreate Mexico’s beloved tamales wherever you go.