The workshops of Oaxaca City offer hands-on cultural experiences that are intimate and authentic. The best programs combine expert instruction with small groups, making them perfect for travelers who want to learn traditional skills.
I love the Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class for its comprehensive market tour and kitchen experience. The Oaxaca Before the Spanish class is fascinating – you’ll discover ancient recipes that pre-date colonial times. For art enthusiasts, the Alebrijes workshop stands out, teaching both carving and painting techniques of these fantastical creatures.
Check out our favorite workshops below to start your Oaxacan cultural journey.
Key Points
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Oaxaca offers a variety of hands-on cooking classes, including the highly-rated Flavors of Oaxaca Cooking Class, Cooking Classes From the Isthmus With a Tehuana, and Traditional Cooking Class With Minerva Lopez.
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Specialized workshops in Oaxaca focus on cultural traditions, such as cacao production, tortilla-making, pre-Hispanic recipes, and Oaxacan-Mexican folk art of alebrijes.
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Cooking classes and workshops emphasize the use of local ingredients, sustainable practices, and provide opportunities for immersive cultural engagement and learning.
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Workshops generally have small group sizes, ranging from 4 to 18 participants, ensuring personalized attention and an engaging atmosphere.
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Across the classes and workshops, reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable instructors and the overall positive feedback, with several holding high recommendation rates and accolades.
Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class With No Set Menu and Local Market Tour
A popular cooking class in Oaxaca City, “Flavors of Oaxaca” offers an immersive experience for foodies.
With 90% traveler recommendation and 295 reviews, this hands-on class allows participants to select traditional Oaxacan dishes and learn about their origins and cooking techniques.
The class begins with a visit to a local market to gather ingredients, including those for the iconic mole negro.
Special dietary needs are accommodated, and complimentary drinks are provided during the session.
Held in small groups of 15 or fewer, the class ensures personalized attention from the instructor.
While most participants praise the market tour and food quality, some felt the cooking experience was a bit rushed.
The friendly atmosphere and engaged instructor make this a well-received option for those eager to explore Oaxacan cuisine.
Those seeking a more in-depth cooking experience may want to consider alternative, longer classes.
Read our full review: Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class With No Set Menu and Local Market Tour Review
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Cooking Classes From the Isthmus With a Tehuana
Though cooking classes abound in Oaxaca City, the “Cooking Classes From the Isthmus With a Tehuana” offers a truly unique experience for foodies.
This 100%-recommended class includes a visit to the local market, traditional cooking instruction, and cultural insights from a Tehuana – a native Zapotec woman. With no prior cooking skills required, the focus is on learning and enjoyment.
Guests can look forward to artisanal mezcal cocktails and a meal featuring starters like molotes de plátano, mains like garnachas, and a dessert of lechecilla. The class accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers and includes transportation, snacks, drinks, and lunch.
While the experience isn’t suitable for dietary restrictions, those with allergies can provide advance notice. Reviewers rave about the personalized attention and immersive cultural education.
To secure a spot, early reservations are recommended, as the class fills up quickly.
Read our full review: Cooking Classes From the Isthmus With a Tehuana Review
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Traditional Cooking Class With Minerva Lopez
For travelers seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Oaxaca City, the Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors and traditions of the region.
Hosted at Minerva’s home, which features an outdoor kitchen and lush garden, the class invites participants to shop for ingredients at the local market and learn traditional cooking techniques firsthand.
The hands-on experience includes making tortillas, mole, and a variety of other Oaxacan specialties. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the class provides an intimate and engaging environment where participants can interact with Minerva and learn about the cultural significance of the dishes.
The menu features a diverse selection, from Oaxacan mole to corn-based delicacies and seasonal desserts, all accompanied by local beverages and snacks.
With a 93% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this cooking class is a must-do for foodies and cultural explorers seeking to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca.
Read our full review: Traditional Cooking Class With Minerva Lopez Review
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Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class
Interested in exploring Oaxaca’s vibrant vegetarian cuisine? Consider the Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class. Hosted in Oaxaca City, this 95% recommended experience invites you to learn about the vibrant flavors of the region.
Priced at $58.82 per person, the class features a hands-on cooking session where you’ll prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes like festive mole and quesadillas.
The class structure includes a fresh salad starter, a main course, and a sweet surprise for dessert. Beyond the delicious food, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local market, learn chopping and grinding techniques, and discover the importance of “love” as a key ingredient.
Facilitated by the engaging Chef Victor, the private class promises an authentic and educational cultural experience.
With 171 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this class is a must-try for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Oaxacan vegetarian cuisine.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes booking a breeze.
Read our full review: Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class Review
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Vegetarian Traditional Mexican Cooking Class
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican vegetarian cuisine with the Vegetarian Traditional Mexican Cooking Class in Oaxaca City.
This highly-rated, private group class offers a hands-on cooking experience that delves into the heart of Oaxacan ingredients, especially corn. Led by a master chef, you’ll learn the art of preparing classic vegetarian dishes, with the option to adapt them to vegan or meat-based preferences.
The class begins at the Mercado de La Merced, where you’ll follow a chef carrying a basket to the meeting point. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the local market and select the freshest produce.
Back in the kitchen, the chef will provide personalized guidance as you craft a delectable menu, including a non-boring salad, a seasonal soup, and a traditional vegetarian main course.
Sip on soft drinks, snacks, coffee, and tea as you hone your cooking skills. With a maximum of 5 travelers and stellar reviews, this class promises an unforgettable taste of Oaxacan culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Vegetarian Traditional Mexican Cooking Class Review
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The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class
The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class in Oaxaca City offers an immersive hands-on experience for travelers seeking to explore the heart of Oaxacan culinary traditions.
This highly-rated 4.8-star cooking class welcomes a maximum of 10 participants to learn from a local chef over 6-8 hours. Guests will discover traditional Oaxacan dishes and techniques, including the art of making tortillas with nixtamalized corn.
The class covers a 4-course meal, with starters like empanadas and quesadillas, a choice of soup and mole for the main course, and tempting desserts such as lechesilla and arroz con leche.
Roundtrip transportation from accommodations is available, though the class location is centrally located. Participant feedback praises the chef’s engaging teaching style and the collaborative, hands-on nature of the experience.
With its generous meal portions, this cooking class is an excellent way to take in the vibrant culinary heritage of Oaxaca.
Read our full review: The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class Review
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Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class With Transportation
Those seeking an authentic Oaxacan cooking experience can join the Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class With Transportation.
This highly-rated activity (4.8/5 from 33 reviews) provides a hands-on introduction to the region’s vibrant cuisine. The class starts with a traditional Oaxacan breakfast before participants choose their main dish, which may include mole or stew.
Under the guidance of Mimi and her son Charlie, guests will learn to prepare fresh salsa, tortillas, mole negro, and tamales. The cooking class is an interactive and welcoming experience, with many guests describing it as feeling like family.
Private transportation is included, along with soda and alcoholic beverages. While not wheelchair accessible, the class is conveniently located near public transit.
At $99.16 per person, this 10-person class is a must-do activity for those eager to enjoy Oaxacan culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class With Transportation Review
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Make Your Own Chocolate With Oaxacan Tradition Private Class
For those seeking a unique cultural experience in Oaxaca, the Make Your Own Chocolate with Oaxacan Tradition Private Class offers a delightful hands-on opportunity to learn the art of chocolate-making.
Held in the vibrant city of Oaxaca, this 5-star rated class immerses participants in the rich history and traditional methods of cacao production. Over the course of the experience, travelers will roast, grind, and create their own chocolate, while also learning about the importance of cacao in Oaxacan culture.
With a maximum of 4 participants, the class provides personalized attention from knowledgeable instructors like Fernanda, Diego, and Lupita. Travelers rave about the educational value, hands-on learning, and, of course, the delicious chocolate they get to take home as a souvenir.
Wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, this class is suitable for families and chocolate enthusiasts alike, offering a truly unique and memorable activity in Oaxaca.
Read our full review: Make Your Own Chocolate With Oaxacan Tradition Private Class Review
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Tortillas, Nixtamal, and Salsas Workshop
Offered in the vibrant city of Oaxaca, the Tortillas, Nixtamal and Salsas Workshop immerses participants in the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Rated 100% recommended by travelers and boasting a Badge of Excellence, this small-group experience allows up to 5 guests to learn from an experienced chef, Luis.
During the 3-hour workshop, attendees will visit a local market, prepare a customizable menu, and enjoy a hearty lunch.
The focus is on nixtamal, a cornerstone of Oaxacan cuisine, as well as the art of making fresh tortillas from scratch.
Participants will also learn to craft various salsas and sample other dishes like memelas, tetelas, and tlacoyos.
With an emphasis on local ingredients and traditional techniques, the workshop provides educational insights into Oaxacan culture, food history, and sustainable practices.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable instruction, authentic experience, and enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere.
Read our full review: Tortillas, Nixtamal, and Salsas Workshop Review
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Oaxaca Before the Spanish a Special Class Devoted to Prehispanic Oaxacan Recipes
Travelers seeking a deeper dive into Oaxaca’s rich culinary heritage can enjoy the Oaxaca Before the Spanish class, which offers an exclusive exploration of the region’s pre-Hispanic recipes. Priced from $50 per person, this workshop takes place in Oaxaca City and accommodates up to 12 participants.
The hands-on class features a sample menu brimming with authentic Oaxacan flavors. Guests can expect to prepare dishes like mushroom mixiote in guajillo chile salsa, caldo de piedra (shrimp and fish soup cooked with hot river stones), and mole verde with chicken.
For dessert, they’ll enjoy a warm atole made with tortilla dough and seasonal fruit.
The class begins at 5:30 PM at Casa Crespo, located in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic center. The experience is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating across 7 reviews, this class promises an unforgettable journey through Oaxaca’s pre-Hispanic culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Oaxaca Before the Spanish a Special Class Devoted to Prehispanic Oaxacan Recipes Review
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Half-Day Alebrijes Carving and Painting Workshop in San Martin From Oaxaca
This half-day Alebrijes Carving and Painting Workshop in San Martin, Oaxaca, provides a unique opportunity for participants to enjoy the vibrant Oaxacan-Mexican folk art tradition.
Attendees will learn about alebrijes, the intricately carved and painted figurines, and have the chance to create their own. Led by local artisans, the workshop includes round-trip transportation, all necessary materials, and complimentary refreshments.
The hands-on experience allows participants to carve and paint their own wooden alebrije, guided by the expertise of the instructors.
With a maximum group size of 18, the workshop ensures personalized attention. Wheelchair accessibility and a minimum of 2 participants per booking make the workshop inclusive.
While some reviewers suggest longer painting time and more alebrije options, the overall feedback is positive, highlighting the fun, educational, and welcoming atmosphere.
This immersive cultural experience is a must-try for art enthusiasts and those eager to connect with Oaxaca’s rich artistic heritage.
Read our full review: Half-Day Alebrijes Carving and Painting Workshop in San Martin From Oaxaca Review
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The Sum Up
Oaxaca City offers a diverse array of hands-on workshops and classes for visitors. From traditional Oaxacan cooking to chocolate-making and alebrijes carving, these experiences provide an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a foodie, artist, or simply curious, there’s something to suit all interests and skill levels. Dive into Oaxaca’s vibrant traditions and create lasting memories through these engaging and educational activities.