Welcome to Oaxaca, the vibrant heart of Mexican gastronomy and a paradise for food lovers. Known for its rich culinary traditions and distinct flavors, Oaxaca offers a unique gastronomic adventure that’s bound to captivate your senses. In this listicle, we’ll explore seven mouth-watering Oaxacan dishes that every foodie and travel enthusiast should try. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Tlayudas are a crispy, oversized tortilla topped with a layer of savory refried beans, heaps of juicy meat, avocado, and Oaxaca cheese. Often dubbed the “Mexican pizza,” tlayudas are a staple of Oaxacan street food. They’re perfect for sharing, but you’ll probably want one all to yourself once you take the first bite! This is one of my favorite dishes in the Oaxaca region, largely because it was easy to order without meat. I'm not a vegetarian but I don't generally eat a lot of meat and Mexico is a meat heavy culture.
Oaxaca is famous for its seven moles, but none is as iconic as mole negro. This complex sauce contains over 30 ingredients, including chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. Traditionally served over chicken, mole negro is a must-try that showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage the diverse range of ingredients that are native to the area.
Note: Most moles contain peanuts or other types of nuts. If you have a nut allergy you need to refrain from partaking in mole! Trust us, Chris learned the hard way.
For the adventurous eater, chapulines (grasshoppers) offer a crispy, tangy snack that’s surprisingly addictive. Seasoned with lime juice, garlic, and chili, these protein-packed bites are often enjoyed with a cold beer. They’re not just a novelty; chapulines have been a part of Oaxacan cuisine for centuries. Bonus: They're high in protein!
Ah, mezcal—the spirited heart of Oaxaca and an absolute must-try in Oaxaca if you're someone who enjoys the occasional alcoholic beverage. Renowned for its smoky richness, mezcal is crafted through time-honored traditions passed down generations in this stunning region. Made from the agave plant, it's distinct due to its earthy flavor and artisanal production methods. Whether sipped slowly or savored in a cocktail, mezcal offers an authentic taste of Oaxacan culture. For those of you who really like Mezcal, we'd recommend checking out the Camino de Mezcal. While we didn't personally venture down this trail since we don't necessarily love mezcal, if you do, it's worth checking out!
Simple yet satisfying, memelas are thick corn tortillas spread with a layer of asiento (pork lard) and topped with beans, Oaxaca cheese, and your choice of meat or vegetables. These handheld food are typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a light snack. Don’t forget to drizzle on some smoky salsa for an extra kick!
Also known as Oaxaca cheese, quesillo is a stretchier and milkier cousin of mozzarella. It’s used in many local dishes, but it’s also delightful on its own. Try it as a snack or in a quesadilla for a taste of Oaxaca’s creamy goodness.
Enfrijoladas are a comforting dish that exemplifies the beauty of simplicity. Corn tortillas are dipped in a smooth black bean sauce and topped with crumbly cheese, cream, and onions. They’re often filled with chicken or cheese, making them a hearty and comforting meal.
Quench your thirst with a glass of tejate, a traditional Oaxacan drink made from corn, cacao, cinnamon, and flor de cacao. This refreshing beverage has a unique, slightly nutty flavor and is often enjoyed during festivities. It’s not just a drink; it’s a taste of Oaxacan culture in a cup.
Tamales are found across Mexico, but Oaxaca takes them to a whole new level. Wrapped in banana leaves and filled with ingredients like chicken, mole, or chili-stuffed masa (corn dough), these tamales are steamed to perfection. The best tamales in the area are found outside of Mercado Oaxaca where little old ladies are selling them out of baskets.
For those craving something savory and slow-cooked, Barbacoa de Chivo, or goat barbecue, is a must-try. This tender and flavorful dish is typically cooked underground with herbs, wrapped in maguey leaves, and served with a side of fresh tortillas and salsa.
These empanadas are a spicy and hearty treat perfect for adventurous foodies. Filled with a yellow mole sauce and pieces of chicken or cheese, the crispy outer shell provides a satisfying texture that complements the rich filling beautifully. Empanadas de Amarillo are portable and an ideal snack to munch on while exploring Oaxaca’s bustling streets.
For soup lovers seeking an authentic Oaxacan experience, Chilate de Pollo is a culinary gem. This traditional chicken stew is brimming with earthy flavors from native herbs and spices, alongside chunks of tender meat and vegetables. It’s a heartwarming dish that feels like Oaxaca’s colorful culture served in a bowl.
Nicuatole is a delicious corn-based dessert that’s creamy and subtly sweet. Flavored with ingredients like milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this unique pudding-like treat highlights the versatility of corn in Oaxacan cuisine and offers a delightful finish to an incredible meal.
Oaxaca's diverse climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing some of the finest coffee beans in Mexico. Oaxacan coffee is famous for its notes of chocolate, fruit, and nuts that blend together in a (generally) lighter roast of coffee. Many local coffee farms in the Sierra Mazateca mountains embrace sustainable and traditional farming techniques, ensuring that each brew is not only delicious but also environmentally friendly.
Note: We highly recommend visiting one of Cafe Brújula's locations in Oaxaca to try local coffee. They source their coffee entirely from Oaxacan coffee farmers and they focus on sustainable farming practices as well as helping small farmers thrive in business.
Oaxaca is nothing short of a culinary paradise for those eager to embrace diverse flavors and textures of this region of Mexico. Its vibrant cuisine is an adventure of tastes that tell stories of history, culture, and the land itself. Whether you're a daring eater or just looking to savor something new, the flavors here are bound to leave a mark on your taste buds and your heart.
