Atlanta: Historic Market Food Tour & Biscuit Class

Summary

Atlanta’s oldest market food tastings biscuit making class

You’ll taste your way through Atlanta’s oldest market with a local guide who makes every stop feel like visiting family. Try oxtail grits, fried chicken sandwiches, homemade banana pudding—and then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Southern biscuit class (with plenty of laughs). You’ll leave full and maybe a bit flour-dusted, but definitely smiling.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve never had real banana pudding until you try it here,” our guide said, grinning as she handed me a little cup still warm from the kitchen. I’d already lost count of how many flavors we’d tasted inside Atlanta’s oldest market — that first bite of oxtail grits was smoky and rich, and honestly, I didn’t expect to like it so much. The air smelled like frying batter and peaches. There was this soft hum of vendors calling out orders, people laughing over paper trays. It felt easy to just wander and eat.

I’ll admit I was nervous about the biscuit class part. My hands were sticky with flour before I even realized what was happening — our guide (Miss Carla) kept telling stories about her grandma’s recipe while showing us how to fold the dough just right. She made it look so simple, but my first try came out kind of lopsided. Li laughed when I tried to say “hoecake” in Mandarin — probably butchered it. Still, pulling apart that hot biscuit and slathering on peach marmalade… well, that’s a memory that sticks.

The tour is only two hours but somehow feels longer in a good way — maybe because there’s no rushing. We sat at a wobbly table with collards and pecans on our plates, swapping stories with folks from all over (one woman from Macon swore by adding hot sauce to everything). If you’re looking for an Atlanta food tour with a hands-on twist, this one packs in history, laughter, and more bites than you’d think possible in such a short time. And if you mess up your biscuit? No one cares — you just get another try.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic market food tour and biscuit class

• Arrive at Atlanta's oldest market
• Try 8 tastings from 4 vendors
• Sample oxtail grits bowl
• Sample chicken wing or jambalaya with yams and hoecake
• Sample spicy buttermilk fried chicken sandwich
• Sample buttermilk biscuit with peach marmalade
• Sample banana pudding dessert
• Participate in hands-on Southern biscuit class
• Learn about Atlanta history and Southern cooking

Top questions

How long does the Atlanta food tour & biscuit class last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available on this tour?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours’ notice.

Is lunch included during the Atlanta market food tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the tastings throughout the tour.

Does the tour include a hands-on cooking class?

Yes, there is a hands-on Southern biscuit making class included.

Is the market wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Where should I park for this Atlanta food tour?

A nearby lot on Jesse Hill Jr. Blvd costs $5 or $10; avoid parking directly behind the market due to high fees.

Can children join this Atlanta food experience?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What foods will I taste during the tour?

You’ll sample oxtail grits bowl, fried chicken sandwich or jambalaya (depending on day), hoecake or yams, biscuits with peach marmalade, and banana pudding.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings from four vendors inside Atlanta’s oldest market—think oxtail grits bowl, fried chicken sandwich or jambalaya (depending on when you go), hoecake or yams, homemade banana pudding—and a hands-on Southern biscuit making class where you’ll get to eat your creation plus take home a recipe card. Lunch is covered; dietary needs can be accommodated if you let them know ahead of time.