Oaxaca City , Mexico

Oaxaca Eats Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

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About this experience

Most travellers never get beyond Oaxaca’s restaurant scene, but this tour dives straight into the city’s true culinary heart. Instead of polished dining rooms, you’ll taste the iconic dishes locals actually eat at midday, from memelas and mole-filled tamales to empanadas, tostadas, and ancient maize-and-cacao drinks that have defined the region for centuries.

With 15+ tastings across 8+ stops, you’ll explore markets, street vendors, and neighbourhood eateries beloved by locals and largely unknown to visitors. It’s a deep, generous look at why Oaxaca is considered one of the world’s great culinary capitals, and one of the best ways to experience the city food culture.

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Oaxaca Eats Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

What's included

Led by professional tastemaker guides

15+ food tastings included, more than any other Oaxacan food tour

Bottled water included

Movable food feast with 8-9 stops around Oaxaca city

Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Oaxaca (private tour or 9+ guests, contact us)

Detailed itinerary

Our Oaxaca food tour offers guests a culinary experience around the city's medina. It's a carefully curated food adventure, led by our team of Oaxaca tastemakers.

Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine, and the limitations of street food vendors and local eateries mean we cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal for the tour, so no-one is disappointed:

✘ Unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian as the number of tastings would be very limited.
✔ Gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, mild nut allergies, no pork diets and no seafood diets are possible, though some tastings do not have alternatives available

If you are feeling adventurous for a foodie journey, read on!

This lunchtime food tour explores Oaxaca at its most vibrant, when markets and street carts are at their best. Known as Mexico’s culinary capital, the food culture is best experienced through its local dishes, prepared at market stalls and long-standing neighbourhood spots. With 15+ tastings, the tour offers a crash course into the essential flavours of Oaxaca.

The experience begins with traditional favourites such as frothy chocolate de agua and a warm memela topped with pork crackling, followed by entomatadas and the ancient tejate. You’ll sample classic Oaxacan dishes, tamal de mole, quesillo cheese, and tender taco de cabeza.

Further highlights include empanadas de mole amarillo, bold tostadas de chileajo, and tortas de cecina seasoned with local spices. The tour finishes with traditional sweets like crisp gaznate filled with meringue. This guided lunchtime walk provides an authentic and flavour-packed way to experience Oaxaca’s food culture beyond the main tourist routes.

The tour concludes after 3.5-4 hours in Mercado Benito Juárez . You'll leave not only full, but with a much deeper understanding of Oaxacan food culture and the confidence to continue eating your way through Mexico.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks excluded

Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded

Some dietary restrictions unsuitable including vegetarian and vegan diets

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the Cajero Banorte ATM (located in its own white structure) directly outside the Mercado De La Merced. It is accessible by taxi. We recommended DiDi ride hailing app.

About Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant indigenous cultures, and rich culinary traditions. It offers a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Mexico.

Top Attractions

Zócalo

The main square of Oaxaca City, surrounded by colonial buildings, cafes, and shops. It's a hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

A stunning 16th-century Baroque church and former monastery, now home to the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures.

Historical 1-2 hours MXN 60 (museum entry)

Monte Albán

An ancient Zapotec archaeological site with impressive ruins, temples, and pyramids. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Historical Half day MXN 80

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience Oaxacan culture and cuisine.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for food and souvenirs

Ethnobotanical Garden

A beautiful garden showcasing the diverse flora of Oaxaca, with a focus on medicinal and culinary plants. It's a peaceful retreat in the city.

Nature 1-2 hours MXN 30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mole

A complex and flavorful sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices. Oaxaca is famous for its seven traditional moles.

Sauce (served with meat or chicken) Contains chocolate and various spices, may contain meat.

Tlayudas

A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa. It's often referred to as 'Oaxacan pizza.'

Street food Vegetarian options available, but typically contains meat.

Chapulines

Toasted grasshoppers seasoned with lime, garlic, and chili. A popular and protein-rich snack in Oaxaca.

Snack Contains insects, not suitable for those with entomophobia.

Mezcal

A traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. Oaxaca is the heart of mezcal production, offering a wide variety of flavors and brands.

Drink Alcoholic beverage, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Norte Zip-lining in San José del Pacífico Exploring Monte Albán Soaking in Hierve el Agua Enjoying mezcal tastings Strolling through the Ethnobotanical Garden Visiting local markets Attending cultural festivals

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This period offers the best weather with sunny days and cool nights. It's ideal for exploring the city and attending major festivals like Day of the Dead (early November).

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oaxaca City is generally safe for tourists, but common sense and precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Xoxocotlán International Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

ADO Oaxaca Central de Autobuses

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most areas. Buses are color-coded based on their routes. Taxis are also widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Histórico (Historic Center) Jalatlaco Reforma

Day trips

Hierve el Agua

35 km from Oaxaca City • Half day

A stunning natural site featuring petrified waterfalls, mineral pools, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. It's a popular spot for swimming and hiking.

Teotitlán del Valle

30 km from Oaxaca City • Half day

A traditional Zapotec village known for its vibrant textiles, weaving workshops, and cultural heritage. It's a great place to learn about Oaxacan craft traditions.

San José del Pacífico

60 km from Oaxaca City • Full day

A mountain village surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for hiking, zip-lining, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Festivals

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) • Early November (October 31 to November 2) Guelaguetza Festival • Last two Mondays of July Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) • December 23

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local language and culture
Visit local markets for authentic souvenirs and support local artisans
Try local street food for a unique and affordable culinary experience
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the city's history and culture
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere