Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class With Market Visit

Enjoy the vibrant culinary traditions of Oaxaca with this 5.5-hour experience. Start by exploring a local market, where you’ll hand-select fresh ingredients under the guidance of a bilingual instructor. Then, dive into the art of Oaxacan cooking, learning to craft handmade tortillas and prepare authentic regional dishes and beverages. From the classic Tejate to the signature Mezcal Margaritas, this hands-on class promises a deeper understanding of Oaxacan culture through its time-honored culinary practices. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious adventurer, this is an opportunity to savor the flavors and uncover the stories that make Oaxacan cuisine so captivating.

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Key Points

• This 5.5-hour Oaxacan cooking class includes a market visit to select fresh ingredients and learn to make handmade tortillas and traditional Oaxacan drinks.
• The class is led by a bilingual instructor who provides cultural insights on the significance of ingredients and techniques used in Oaxacan cuisine.
• The experience includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, all necessary ingredients, and liability insurance, catering to participants aged 8-99 years old.
• Participants will learn to prepare authentic Oaxacan dishes and have the opportunity to capture vibrant market scenes and the cooking process.
• The cooking class has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 45 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable chefs and the immersive cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This Oaxacan cooking class provides a 5.5-hour immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the vibrant culinary traditions of the region for a price starting at $107.62 per person.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The hands-on class includes a visit to local markets with a chef to select fresh ingredients.

Participants will learn to prepare classic Oaxacan dishes, from handmade tortillas to traditional beverages like Tejate and Mezcal Margaritas.

With the guidance of a bilingual instructor, guests will gain insights into the cultural significance of the ingredients and techniques used in Oaxacan cuisine.

Itinerary and Experience

During the Oaxacan cooking class, participants begin by visiting local markets alongside the chef to carefully select the freshest ingredients for their culinary adventure.

Once back in the kitchen, the class dives into preparing traditional Oaxacan dishes, including:

1. Handmade tortillas, a staple in Oaxacan cuisine, which the group will learn to craft from scratch.

2. Authentic Oaxacan drinks like Tejate, a pre-Hispanic beverage made from corn, cacao, and other natural ingredients.

3. Mezcal Margaritas, a lively twist on the classic cocktail that highlights the smoky notes of this beloved Mexican spirit.

Throughout the interactive cooking session, the instructor provides cultural insights on the origins and significance of the ingredients used.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Oaxacan cooking class package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a bilingual instructor, all the necessary ingredients, a selection of food and drinks, liability insurance, and gratuities.

Participants can join this hands-on experience from 8 years old up to 99 years old. However, children 7 and younger aren’t permitted.

The organizers ask that guests wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a camera to capture the vibrant market scenes and cooking process.

To ensure a smooth experience, pets and oversized luggage aren’t allowed. Participants should check the availability for their desired dates and language options, as the class is offered in both Spanish and English.

What to Bring

Guests should bring a few essential items to fully enjoy the Oaxacan cooking class experience. Comfortable shoes and clothing are a must, allowing participants to navigate the local markets with ease and move around the kitchen comfortably during the hands-on cooking session.

Plus, bringing a camera is highly recommended, enabling guests to capture the vibrant sights and scenes of the markets as well as the step-by-step preparation of traditional Oaxacan dishes.

The class also suggests bringing along the following:

1. Cash for any additional purchases at the market or for tips.

2. Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun during the market visit.

3. A small backpack or bag to carry any items purchased during the market tour.

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Participant Information

Participants in the Oaxacan cooking class must be adults aged 8-99, as children 7 and younger are not permitted to join. The class offers an immersive culinary experience, with a focus on traditional Oaxacan dishes and ingredients.

Participant Requirements
Age	8-99 years old
Group Size	Limited to ensure personalized attention
Dietary Needs	Accommodated with advance notice

Guests can expect a hands-on, interactive cooking class led by knowledgeable bilingual instructors. The class includes market visits, cultural insights, and the opportunity to savor the flavors of Oaxaca. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this experience promises to be both educational and delightful.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the Oaxacan cooking class, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 45 reviews. Highlights from customer feedback include:

1. Knowledgeable Chefs: Participants rave about the expertise and passion of the class instructors, who provide in-depth cultural insights and guidance throughout the interactive cooking experience.

2. Authentic Market Experience: The market visit allows guests to select fresh, local ingredients, immersing them in the vibrant sights and sounds of Oaxacan cuisine.

3. Cultural Immersion: Beyond just learning to cook traditional dishes, the class offers a deeper understanding of Oaxacan culinary traditions and their significance within the local community.

Market Visit

The market visit allows guests to enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of Oaxacan cuisine, as they work alongside the chef to hand-select the freshest local ingredients for their cooking class. This interactive experience provides a unique glimpse into the culinary traditions of the region, with the opportunity to explore a variety of produce, spices, and traditional cooking tools. The chef’s expertise and insights add depth to the experience, enabling participants to develop a deeper understanding of Oaxacan flavors and their origins. This market exploration lays the foundation for the hands-on cooking class, where guests can put their newfound knowledge into practice.

Ingredient	Origin	Significance
Heirloom Tomatoes	Local Farms	Contribute vibrant colors and rich, tangy flavor to Oaxacan salsas.
Oaxacan Chocolate	Regional Producers	Essential for moles and hot chocolates, with a distinctive bittersweet profile.
Zucchini Blossoms	Urban Gardens	Delicate flowers add a subtle sweetness and texture to traditional dishes.
Epazote	Backyard Herb Gardens	Pungent, earthy herb used to season beans and stews, with medicinal properties.

Cooking Class

Once the market exploration is complete, participants dive into the hands-on cooking class, where they learn to prepare an array of traditional Oaxacan dishes under the expert guidance of the resident chef.

The interactive session covers crucial techniques, such as:

1. Mastering the art of making handmade corn tortillas from scratch.

2. Crafting authentic moles, the renowned Oaxacan sauces that marry complex flavors.

3. Mixing refreshing beverages like Tejate, a pre-Hispanic drink made from ground cacao, corn, and other natural ingredients.

Throughout the class, the chef shares cultural insights into the significance of these time-honored recipes and ingredients, offering a deeper appreciation for Oaxacan culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation to the Meeting Point Provided?

Yes, the activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing transportation to and from the meeting point. Participants don’t need to arrange their own transportation, as it’s included in the overall experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The dress code is comfortable clothing. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the class involves a market visit and interactive cooking. Avoid overly formal attire or items that could get dirty during the hands-on cooking activities.

Can I Take the Leftovers From the Cooking Class Home?

Participants can generally take any leftovers from the cooking class home, as the class is designed to provide a hands-on culinary experience. However, it’s best to confirm this policy with the event organizers prior to the class.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available?

Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and dietary options. Participants can notify the instructor of any dietary restrictions or preferences, and the class will accommodate them with suitable ingredients and dishes.

How Many People Are Typically in Each Cooking Class?

The typical cooking class size ranges from 6 to 10 participants, allowing for an interactive and personalized experience. Class sizes are kept small to ensure ample one-on-one time with the instructor and hands-on participation.

Recap

The Oaxaca Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit offers an immersive cultural experience that allows participants to explore the vibrant flavors and traditions of Oaxacan cuisine.

From selecting fresh ingredients at the local market to crafting authentic dishes and beverages, this hands-on class provides valuable insights under the guidance of a bilingual instructor, ensuring a truly memorable and enriching culinary journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: