13 BEST Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Classes in 2024
Curious about traditional Oaxaca cooking classes?
Oaxaca is the culinary capital of Mexico, and a total foodie haven. You’ll love exploring and eating your way through Oaxaca city. To take your foodie adventure to the next level, a traditional Oaxaca cooking class is a must.
And you have plenty to choose from in this list of best, traditional cooking classes in Oaxaca that are sure to make your visit even more special.
From learning how to cook authentic mole sauce to mastering the art of making tamales, these are the best cooking classes in Oaxaca that will give you unique insight into the traditions and flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. So get ready for some delicious food and great fun as you immerse yourself in the culture of Mexico’s most famous culinary destination.
Don’t have time to read the full list? The BEST Oaxaca Cooking Class (based on my personal experience) is this traditional Oaxacan cooking class with Mimi . This is the same class I took on my visit to Oaxaca city!
13 Best Oaxaca Cooking Classes
Not only is taking a cooking class in Oaxaca a great way to connect with local people and culture, you’ll also meet fellow foodie travelers! There are plenty of cooking classes to choose from while you’re visiting Oaxaca city, and this guide will help you choose the one that’s best for you.
1. Award-Winning Chef Mimi’s Oaxaca Cooking Class
This is the class I took on my recent trip to Oaxaca City and I strongly recommend it. The class is run by Mimi, with support from one of her sons who operates as her translator during the class.
They coordinate taxi rides for everyone from the city center out to their home in a slightly more rural part of town. The class takes place in Mimi’s beautiful outdoor space that is bright, colorful and protected from the sun for a very comfortable environment.
There were quite a few people in my class, which meant I was able to make new friends as a solo traveler. Mimi and her son did a great job of helping us all get to know each other over a traditional breakfast of hot chocolate, memelitas with salsa (that we made!) and bread before we dove into the actual cooking.
For the cooking process, we all divided and conquered. This meant that we didn’t necessarily walk away knowing all the steps to cook every dish; however, we learned a variety of techniques and had a good time chatting, laughing and sipping on mezcal or beers as we cooked.
We made tortillas, black mole with chicken and rice, and tamales using traditional methods. Mimi accommodates people with vegetarian and vegan diets as well.
At the end, we enjoyed a very delicious meal together. Mimi even brought out a birthday class so we could all celebrate with someone in our group — a very thoughtful touch!
You also have the opportunity to buy some ceramics at the end of the class at extremely affordable prices (although there is absolutely zero pressure or weirdness to do so, I didn’t buy anything).
Mimi is sort of a local celebrity who won second place in a traditional Oaxacan cooking competition. This alone intrigued me, and now that I have participated in the class myself I can say for certain it is worthwhile.
Plus, Mimi herself is SO wonderful. This is my top recommendation for anyone interested in taking a cooking class in Oaxaca City.
👉 Click here to book Mimi’s Oaxaca Cooking Class
2. The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 5 hours | BOOK NOW
With no set menu in place, this is a great Oaxaca City cooking class for those who love options. Your group will be presented with several different options for what to cook and get to collectively choose what to make. You’ll then go on a guided market visit to gather the necessary ingredients and return for the class itself.
“Just what I needed in the middle of a hectic whirlwind organized tour of Mexico. Chill pace, local market, small group, oasis-like setting. Staff are brilliant. Seriously expanded my understanding of Mexican cooking and ingredients.”
– Elspeth (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book the Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking Class
3. Tortillas, Nixtamal and Salsas Workshop
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 5 hours | BOOK NOW
Corn is a key ingredient in traditional Oaxacan cooking and culture. This small-group cooking class focuses on the Nixtamal process which prepares the corn ingredient for cooking.
You’ll visit a market to shop for ingredients, and then prepare a meal while enjoying aguas frescas. Be sure to connect with the class teacher in advance to communicate any dietary needs.
“Luis was wonderful! Learned a lot from him about food in Oaxaca and its beautiful history. I love the fact that he supports local entrepreneurs and is environmentally conscious. The cooking was hands on and the best part is eating what has been made. Great experience for anyone looking for authentic recipes without a pretentious environment and a great teacher.”
– Debra (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book Tortillas, Nixtamal and Salsas Workshop
4. Private Traditional Gastronomy Cooking Class
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 4.5 hours| BOOK NOW
Looking for a more tailored and hands on experience? A private cooking class with a great chef may be best for you and your group.
You’ll have the chef’s undivided attention, be able to have all your questions answered along the way and have a strong influence over the menu for the day. A private class for only your group is also great as a team building activity!
“Learning to cook exotic dishes from Oaxaca from a professional Chef! It was a wonderful experience cooking in a well equipped kitchen surrounded by eclectic Oaxaca artworks!! Oscar was very nice and easy to follow in his instructions. He set a beautiful table for us themed appropriately for the present holiday; Dias de los Muertes! We feasted on the wonderful food Oscar taught us to prepare!”
(READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book Private Traditional Cooking Class in Oaxaca
5. Cooking Class from the Isthmus With a Tehuana
Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Duration: 6 hours | BOOK NOW
Tehuana women are of the Zapotec culture, and in this class you’ll get to learn directly from one such woman about cooking a traditional meal. In addition to cooking and learning more about this unique culture, you’ll also enjoy artisanal mezcal cocktails. This class even includes hotel drop off at the end.
“The whole experience was great and it was a joy to meet our hosts in person! Betsaida and her husband have really gone out of their way to make you feel welcomed at their home and to cater to your needs as you cook, explore their culinary identity and help you be adventurous with the cuisine of the region.”
– Gustavo (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book Cooking Class from the Isthmus with a Tehuana
6. Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars | Duration: 4 hours | BOOK NOW
Want to join a cooking class as someone who maintains a vegetarian diet? No problem! This class is designed specifically with vegetarian diets in mind, so you’re sure to enjoy a truly excellent meal that goes beyond being an adapted version of a non-veg meal.
“Martin our chef is Very passionate about his craft and this showed in his enthusiasm in buying the ingredients, getting tHe participants to do the prep and cooking. The dishes were varied and excellent. Definitely an activity to be recommended.”
– Rajastree (READ MORE REVIEWS)
If you’re looking strictly for vegetarian cooking classes, Oaxaca has you covered.
👉 Click here to book this Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class
7. Flavors of Oaxaca With Local Market Tour & Flexible Menu
Rating: 4 of 5 stars | Duration: 4.5 hours | BOOK NOW
Everyone plays a part in this cooking class with Oscar. Once the group decides on a menu and shops for the ingredients at the local market, it’s time to cook up a storm before enjoying the meal together.
“Great day!! Really good teacher. Very fun and educational. The open market place was very inspiring with a virtual cornucopia of culinary bliss. We enjoyed eating the fruits of our class with a long leisurely OAXACAN style lunch.”
– Peter (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book Flavors of Oaxaca with Local Market Tour
8. Oaxacan Traditional Cooking Class with 1st Place Chef
Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Duration: 6 hours | BOOK NOW
Chef Minerva is the 1st place winner of the Meeting of Traditional Cooks in Oaxaca, so you can be assured you’re in expert hands when you join this cooking class.
Under her tutelege, you’ll prepare and enjoy several traditional Oaxacan dishes over her wood stove. Along the way, you’ll be invited to snack on local fruit beverages, cheese and grasshoppers — a favorite local snack!
“What a wonderful experience! Minerva was a friendly, warm and patient teacher. Her family was very friendly and chatty, we learned a lot and it felt like a very authentic experience.”
– Lisa (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book this Cooking Class with 1st Place Chef
9. Authentic Oaxacan Food Cooking Class
Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Duration: 5 hours | BOOK NOW
This authentic cooking class experience begins with a hotel pickup and a visit to the market. The class itself takes place in Chef Geraldo’s mother’s home, giving you a chance to really connect with some locals in a local space.
“Just plain fun. Chef Geraldo makes Mexican cuisine doable. What better way to spend time than with new friends and good food.”
– Debra (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book this Authentic Oaxacan Food Cooking Class
10. Traditional Oaxaqueño Cooking with Grandma’s Recipes
Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Duration: 4.5 hours | BOOK NOW
Take in terrace views in this outdoor kitchen environment as you cook traditional food in a traditional brick stove known as a brasero. In this interactive cooking class you’ll prepare starters, a main dish and a dessert fruit plate. You’ll receive a warm welcome and enjoy breaking bread with your hosting chef and her family!
“Spending time with Chef Adhey on her terrasse with a view on the city and cooking with her on the comal over a wood fire was THE greatest experience for me in Oaxaca!.”
(READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book this Traditional Oaxaqueño Cooking Class
11. Private Chocolate Making the Traditional Oaxacan Way
Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Duration: 2.5 hours | BOOK NOW
This is cooking class focuses on one delicacy — chocolate! Your teacher comes from a family of chocolate makers, and you’ll learn how to prepare Oaxacan chocolate in the traditional way.
You’ll even be able to replicate the recipe once you’re home! Those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet will also be able to easily participate in this experience.
“Peeling the cacao beans was fun. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this tour.”
– Sabrina (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book the Private Chocolate Making class
12. Oaxaca Cooking Class at Restaurant Casa Crespo
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars | Duration: 3.5 hours | BOOK NOW
This traditional cooking class takes place in the private kitchen of acclaimed restaurant, Casa Crespo. Set in a restored colonial home, Casa Crespo has been featured in both Bon Appétit and the New York Times.
You can rest assured that the Casa Crespo cooking class is one of the best cooking classes Oaxaca has to offer.
“This is great for the food lover, and the rest of us. One of us is a food nerd, the other not. We both had a fantastic day. Was incredibly enjoyable.”
– Caroline (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book the Oaxacan Cooking Class at Casa Crespo
13. Nixtamal Cooking Class & Visit to San Augustin Art Center
Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Duration: 6 hours | BOOK NOW
What’s unique about this cooking class is it offers multiple experiences in one. First, you’ll visit the San Augustin Center of Arts to see a handmade paper factory. Then, you’ll get into cooking with a focus on corn as the traditionally significant ingredient. Through it all, you’ll be guided by a native to Oaxaca.
“Chef Angel Miguel is a charming, knowledgeable professional on the subject of corn, nixtamal and the history of corn. He is very clear about teaching how best to choose your products to make your own dishes. His class takes place outside in a spacious family compound in the foothills outside Oaxaca. I highly recommend it!”
– Richard (READ MORE REVIEWS)
👉 Click here to book Nixtamal Cooking Class & Art Center
FAQ: Oaxaca Cooking Classes
You might be wondering:
What food is Oaxaca famous for?
Oaxaca is famous for its complex, flavorful cuisine that features ingredients like corn, chiles and chocolate. Traditional dishes include mole, tlayudas (an Oaxacan version of a pizza), tamales and memelas (a type of corn cake).
What is a typical dish from Oaxaca?
One of the most traditional dishes from Oaxaca is mole, which is a type of sauce that can be made with a variety of ingredients such as chiles, tomatoes, nuts, spices and chocolate. It’s often served over meat and rice or other dishes. Oaxaca boasts 7 different moles, so seek out and try them all to find your favorite!
What makes Oaxacan food different?
Oaxacan food is unique because it relies heavily on local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in complex, flavorful dishes. All of these combine to create a cuisine that is distinct from other regions.
Wrapping Up: Best Oaxaca Cooking Classes
When in Oaxaca cooking classes are the perfect way to get a taste of this unique cuisine. With expert guidance from local teachers and chefs, these classes will provide insight into the rich history behind traditional dishes such as mole and tamales while also teaching valuable skills that can be taken home with you.
So if you want to learn how to cook some delicious traditional food – don’t hesitate! Sign up today and take part in one of these incredible culinary experiences.
