Oaxaca: Market Food Tour with Gastronomy Researcher & 20 Tastings

Summary

Oaxaca flavors unfold in smoky halls and lively markets with every bite

You’ll wander Oaxaca’s markets with a certified gastronomy researcher as your guide—tasting over twenty local foods from smoky tacos to pre-Hispanic drinks like pulque and tejate. Meet producers who share their stories while you snack, laugh at your own attempts at Spanish, and leave smelling faintly of chiles (in a good way). Come hungry—you’ll remember this one.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about my first bite in the Benito Juárez market, but there I was, holding a warm quesadilla while our guide, Mariana, chatted easily with the woman behind the comal. The air was thick with chile and wood smoke—honestly, my shirt still smelled like it hours later. We’d only just started the Oaxaca food tour and already I felt like I’d stepped into someone else’s kitchen. Mariana kept introducing us to her friends at each stall; she seemed to know everyone, or maybe that’s just how it works here.

We tried so many things I lost count after ten—tlacolula tacos dripping onto my hand, grilled meats sizzling in what they called the “hallway of smoke” (which is exactly what it sounds like), tejate that tasted earthy and cold at once. At one point a vendor handed me pulque and waited for my reaction—I think he was amused by how slowly I sipped it. There was laughter when I tried to pronounce “tepache” right; Li, another guest, said I sounded French somehow. The whole day felt loose and unscripted, even though our guide clearly had a plan.

The best part? Meeting the people who actually make this food. One woman told us about her family’s mole recipe while flipping tortillas; her hands moved so fast I could barely follow. It wasn’t just eating—it was listening to stories about why these dishes matter. And if you’re vegan or picky, they really do ask what you want to try. Someone in our group wanted something specific from a pre-Hispanic menu and Mariana just nodded like it was no big deal.

I still think about that smoky hallway and how quiet everything got for a second when we all tried tejate together. You don’t get that hush in most tours—just people pausing because the taste is new and kind of strange but good? Anyway, if you’re curious about Oaxaca’s markets or just want to eat your way through a city with someone who knows their stuff (and their neighbors), this is probably for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oaxaca market food tasting tour

• Visit representative Oaxaca markets
• Taste traditional tlacolula tacos
• Try Oaxacan quesadillas
• Enjoy grilled tacos with smoked meats
• Drink prehispanic tejate beverage
• Sample pulque, a traditional drink
• Learn from gastronomic producers

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Oaxaca food tour?

The tour includes about twenty different foods to try during your visit.

Is this Oaxaca market tour suitable for vegans?

Yes, the experience is designed for all palates including vegans and omnivores.

Who leads the Oaxaca market food tour?

A certified food researcher who is a member of Etnofood guides the tour.

Are drinks included on this Oaxaca gastronomy tour?

Yes, you’ll be offered traditional drinks such as tepache or pulque along with all tastings.

Does the tour include meeting local producers?

Yes, you will meet vendors and producers who share their culinary traditions during the tour.

What should I expect from the market visits in Oaxaca?

You’ll visit representative markets in Oaxaca City and taste regional specialties while learning from locals.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to the meeting point.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?

No, it is not recommended for those using canes, baby strollers or dogs due to market conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—about twenty in total—a traditional drink like tepache or pulque served along the way, plus guidance from a certified gastronomy researcher who introduces you personally to local vendors throughout several Oaxacan markets.