This article has links to products and services we recommend, which we may make a commission from.
One reason we took a cooking class in Oaxaca was to understand the intricacies of Mexico’s most revered cuisine.
The immersive experience at La Cocina Oaxaqueña cooking school offered exactly what we were looking for. A local market visit for culinary context, followed by cooking Oaxaca specialties in a local’s home.
If you are considering taking a cooking class in Oaxaca, read our full review. It includes details about what we loved, what could be improved, and alternatives.
Top Cooking Classes in Oaxaca
During our authentic food quest travels in Mexico, we spent about 6 months in Oaxaca exploring the local food specialties.
Oaxaca in Southern Mexico is famous for its rich culinary traditions recognized nationally and internationally.
When looking to learn more about the local recipes, we wanted an authentic Oaxaca cooking class with a market visit.
When we found an authentic Oaxaca cooking class with La Cocina Oaxaqueña, we were sold.
In our research, we came across two other highly rated Oaxaca cooking classes worth mentioning.
- Private Oaxca cooking class with Minerva Lopez: This 6 hour cooking class takes just outside of Oaxaca City and transportation is included. You make traditional Oaxacan dishes including Mole from scratch. The personalized experience starts with a local market tour and provides an opportunity to explore outside of the city.
- Oaxaca Vegetarian Cooking Class: Although we are not vegetarians, we recommend this vegetarian Oaxacan cooking class for those seeking to seeking to cook meat-free local dishes. It’s a 4-hour class that takes place in the center of town and it also includes a local market visit.
Overview of Our Oaxaca Cooking Class
La Cocina Oaxaqueña cooking school offers cooking classes devoted exclusively to Oaxacan cuisine and traditional cooking techniques.
Run by three generations of Oaxaca cooks, they share their knowledge to preserve and pass on their heritage.
Our 5.5-hour morning cooking class started with a market visit followed by an immersive cooking experience at Chef Gerardo home.
Assisted by his lovely mother, Socorro, our class was hands-on, where we learned to make 5 traditional dishes from starters to desserts.
After slicing, dicing, and cooking in a small intimate group of four, we spent the last hour savoring the fruits of our labor along with traditional drinks.
If you are considering taking a cooking class, plan for a fun and immersive cooking experience in this La Cocina Oaxaquena cooking class.
Watch Our Delicious Oaxaca Cooking Class Video
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”nlfTJaPL” upload-date=”2024-06-05T18:30:58.000Z” name=”A Delicious Cooking Class in Oaxaca with La Cocina Oaxaquena.mp4″ description=”null” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]Make sure to subscribe on Youtube for our latest videos
Highlights Of Our Cooking Class in Oaxaca
Visit the Largest Food Market
Part of what makes for an authentic cooking class experience is shopping for your produce at the local market.
For our cooking class in Oaxaca, we started the day at Central de Abastos market, the largest in the city.
The market was quite overwhelming with vibrant colors, smells, and sounds in every direction.
As we navigated through the narrow market alleys, our chef expertly balanced stopping for ingredients and showcasing the culinary diversity.
At a busy vegetable stall, we picked up chiles de agua to make Chiles Rellenos or stuffed peppers.
And, from the butcher with exposed meats and sausages hanging down, we picked up tasajo, a cut of meat typical from Oaxaca.
The market visit lasted about 1.5 hours, and it could have gone on forever.
As much as we would have liked to stay, we needed to leave and start our Oaxaca cooking class experience.
Oaxaca Cooking Class Experience At a Local’s Home
The open-air kitchen at our local chef’s family home was warm and inviting.
As soon as we walked in, we were instantly captivated by the bright, colorful tiles and well-organized, spaced-out cooking stations.
As we sipped on hot chocolate and pan dulce, a typical Oaxaca Mexican pastry, Chef Gerard described the agenda.
In our cooking class, we made the following five traditional Oaxacan dishes.
- Sopa de Azteca or Tortilla Soup
- Chili Rellenos
- Guacamole
- Mole Amarillo with Chicken,
- Refreshing Ate de Limon dessert
Once finished with breakfast, we put on our aprons and got to work.
RELATED: 20+ Must-Try Oaxaca Foods That Will Leave You Craving More
Making Chile Rellenos
Chiles rellenos or stuffed peppers, typically with cheese are popular all over Mexico. They are said to have originated from the state of Puebla.
In Oaxaca, however, they are stuffed with shredded chicken and a combination of sweet and savory ingredients.
Known as Chiles Rellenos de Picadillo, they are made with chile de agua, the heirloom chile from Oaxaca.
Chiles Rellenos de Picadillo are one of my favorite dishes and I was surprised how time-consuming they are to make.
The longest part was roasting the chiles on a gas burner which we learned helps transform the flavors.
We made picadillo stuffing with onions, tomatoes, garlic, olives, raisins, capers, and almonds—a delectable combination.
Make Mexican Tortillas From Scratch
One of the most fun and challenging experiences in our Oaxaca cooking class was pressing our own tortillas.
After seeing ladies on the streets making fresh tortillas on a daily basis, we were always curious about how to make them.
It was our first time using a standing tortilla press and we first had to adjust to the position.
Next, we had to find a rhythm between making the tortillas from the dough and then putting them on the comal.
Despite explicit instructions from our chef, we never managed to place the tortillas perfectly on the comal. It was a comedy of errors and much fun.
Making Mole Amarillo – One of Oaxaca’s Famous Mole Dishes
Oaxaca is sometimes called the “Land of Seven Moles.” And, no trip would be complete without learning how to make mole in a cooking class in Oaxaca.
In our Oaxaca cooking class, we made chicken with Mole Amarillo which has a distinctive yellow coloring.
Oaxacas’ famous moles are based on their colors such as green, black, yellow, and red.
Moles are generally very involved and time-consuming to make. Oaxaca Moles can have upwards of 30 ingredients or more.
Fortunately, chef Gerardo’s mom prepped the ingredients in advance of our cooking class, leaving us the opportunity to cook the mole.
We were surprised to learn that cooking Mole requires a specific dish – a traditional clay pot.
The clay pot, we learned, is superior because the Mole doesn’t stick and the heat is more evenly distributed.
READ MORE: The Best Guide to Chocolate in Oaxaca
Eating Your Homemade Meal with New Friends
One of the best parts of taking an Oaxaca cooking class is the eating. That moment when you sit back and indulge in all the unique dishes you’ve been working hard to make.
In our small intimate group, we savored our meal, starting with our soup and ending with a refreshing traditional Mexican dessert.
Along with our delicious and filling lunch, we had a choice between Mexican red wine, craft beer, or Mezcal.
We all sipped on a little Mezcal and I enjoyed red wine, and Claire sipped on beer.
Sharing the meal with other like-minded culinary travelers made the experience even more fun.
RELATED: Oaxaca Mezcal Tour With Award Winning Geü Beez Distillery
Oaxaca Cooking Class Overall Impressions
What We Loved
- Detailed local market visit: We appreciated the detailed explanation we got from the chef, while through several sections of the large market. It was great to learn about the local produce and pick up ingredients for the cooking class.
- Wonderful cooking setting: The cooking class was well-paced, and time flew by quickly. It was really nice cooking in the colorful and spacious outdoor setting.
- Hands-on class: If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and make the recipes from scratch, this is the perfect class for you. We cooked with all local ingredients, and the chef was there to provide help as needed.
- Copious meal with traditional drinks: Plan to eat a lot in this cooking class. There’s plenty to go around. And we particularly enjoyed savoring Mezcal and trying Mexican red wine with the food.
What Could Be Improved on this Cooking Class
Overall, there is not much that could be improved about this cooking class in Oaxaca. This hands-on cooking class delivered on the experience as described.
The only thing worth noting is,
- You’re on your feet a lot: During the cooking process, you’ll be moving from station to station. Plan to wear comfortable shoes to keep up with the pace.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If your travels take you to Mexico City, consider taking a food tour to explore the local food. See our guide to the 10 Best Food Tours in Mexico City To Spice Your Palate
How To Book Your Cooking Class in Oaxaca
This cooking class in Oaxaca offers an authentic and immersive experience.
It starts with a local market tour followed by a hands-on cooking class where you’ll make 5 traditional Oaxacan dishes.
The cooking classes take place at Chef Gerardo’s family home in Oaxaca City, and transportation is provided for pick-up and return.
The 5.5 hours you’ll spend in Oaxaca cooking class learning to make the traditional dishes will be a highlight of your trip.
Alternative Cooking Classes in Oaxaca to Consider
Private Oaxaca Cooking Class With Minerva Lopez
This traditional Oaxaca cooking class with Minerva, or “Mimi,” takes place outside the city of Oaxaca.
You will learn to cook with Mimi in her family home using seasonal and local ingredients.
Transportation and pick-up are provided from Oaxaca City. On your way to her home, you’ll stop at a local market for a tour and pick up ingredients for your Oaxaca cooking class.
This is a private cooking class, and you’ll spend about 6 hours getting immersed in Oaxacan traditional flavors.
What To Expect From
Some of the key highlights from this cooking class include:
- Hands-on cooking class making traditional Oaxacan dishes
- Opportunity to learn to make Mole from scratch
- Explore a local town just outside of Oaxaca City
- A personalized cooking experience where the menu can be tailored to any dietary preferences
What People Say
This cooking class with Minerva is described as an “authentic experience” and a “fabulous Oaxacan cooking and cultural experience.” Travelers enjoyed shopping for “fresh ingredients” at the local market” and learning from an experienced home cook.
Oaxaca Vegetarian Cooking Class
This vegetarian cooking class is specially designed to showcase the vast meat-free Oaxacan traditional recipes.
After exploring the local food in Oaxaca for about six months, we were delighted to discover a wide variety of traditional dishes made with legumes and pulses.
This vegetarian cooking class in Oaxaca starts with a local market visit where you’ll learn about the seasonal ingredients.
You’ll then spend about 4 hours in this vegetarian cooking class in Oaxaca making a starter, main meal, and dessert.
What To Expect From
Some of the key highlights from this cooking class include:
- Visiting a local market and getting introduced to the seasonal ingredients
- Hands-on cooking experience
- Learn to make traditional dishes including a starter, main course, and dessert
What People Say
A “great class” and an “experience not to be missed” is how travelers describe this cooking class. People seemed to enjoy “learning tips and techniques” from the chef and eating later on as a group together.
Have you ever taken cooking classes in Oaxaca or in any other city in Mexico? Please let us know in the comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
More Local Food Experiences and Recipes
Authentic Oaxaca Restaurant Guide: Top 14 Restaurants You Want to Try in Oaxaca
Top 10 Mezcalerias in Oaxaca For The Best Mezcal Experience
How to Enjoy Mezcal at The Oldest Mezcaleria in Oaxaca
The 10 Best Mexican Cookbooks For Every Latin Kitchen
The Best Authentic Mexican Guacamole Recipe (Easy and Creamy)
Make The Best Authentic Tlayudas Oaxaca Style | Tlayuda Recipe
Love This Oaxaca Cooking Class Review? Pin It
Special thanks to Cookly for having us in this immersive cooking class in Oaxaca. All views and opinions expressed are our own. Full bellies and happy taste buds too.
Rosemary Kimani is the co-founder and editor-in-chief at Authentic Food Quest, where she helps travelers connect with cultures through food and immersive cooking vacations. Since 2015, she and her partner, Claire, have explored the cuisine of 45 countries and 290+ food cities. Her work has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Huffington Post, and more. A co-author of three books, including a collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism, she blends storytelling with culinary exploration. When not discovering new flavors, she’s an avid runner, having completed eleven marathons. Previously, she held senior strategy roles in advertising.
I really love attending cooking classes. So sad this one is too far.
Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines. I’d love to be able to make authentic dishes to feed my family. Joining a cooking class is a great idea.
It’s too bad that travel is down at the moment. However, there is an excellent recipe for easy to make authentic Mexican guacamole in the article. Take that as a little bite before making it over to Oaxaca for a cooking class. Thanks for stopping by.
I think cooking classes would be a ton of fun. You’d get to learn so much. I’d love to take a class someday.
I would have never even thought to take a cooking class while traveling but now its definitely something that I truly want to do. The liveliness and fresh ingredients justs calls my name!
Cooking classes are great ways to discover the local food culture. Highly recommend when you can travel next. Cheers, Caressa.
Wow, all of this food looks great. It is also very healthy food. Can’t wait to try the recipes.
Awesome, Lois. Do let us know how they turn out. Cheers.
I would love to take a cooking class anywhere! Sounds like fun.
Oaxaca sounds like a lovely place. I’ve been to Mexico twice, but haven’t been to Oaxaca yet. I will have to go there some day!
The next time you are in Mexico, highly recommend visiting the gastronomy city of Oaxaca. Cheers.
Sure you had a fantastic experience. I love cooking so much x
I would love to take this cooking class. This looks like a wonderful experience.
This experience would be like a dream come true! I have been to Oaxaca and love it I want to go back for sure.
Hope your travels take you back to Oaxaca, Adriana. Highly recommend a cooking class for sure 🙂
Now this sounds like so much fun! I would love to take a cooking class
Mexican foods are very rich and tasty but learning how to properly make them with that cultural essence infused in the meal, one needed to be properly trained
I would love to learn to make some of those classic Mexican dishes like mole and tortilla soup. This has made be think iI should take a trip to Mexico and eat like the natives.
This sounds like the most amazing place to have a cooking class! A way to learn something so unique and different, I would love to try it myself.
This sounds like so much fun. I LOVE cooking, especially Mexican and South American food, so this would be right up my alley.
Fun experience and great recipes. Something to plan for on your next travels, for sure 🙂 Thanks, Lecy.
Oh my gosh, that would be so amazing! I’ve taken a few cooking classes when I traveled, and it was amazing to learn traditional dishes.
That looks like it was a lot of fun! I love all those ingredients they used. I’d definitely love to take that class.
This would be a dream come true for me! I’d love to take a cooking class in Oaxaca!
I would love to take a cooking class! I am terrible in the kitchen, so I could use all the help I can get. This class sounds great!