Traditional Cooking Class in Oaxaca: Home-Cooked Meals with Minerva Lopez

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and traditions of Oaxaca with Minerva Lopez’s traditional cooking class. Learn to cook like a local in a small, intimate setting, using fresh, organic ingredients from the local market. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or meat lover, there’s something for everyone. Join us for a unique culinary experience that goes beyond just a class.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • C. Monterrey 1370 - A warm welcome awaits you at my traditional wood-fired stove.\nAs an award-winning instructor in Traditional Oaxacan Cuisine and the recipient of the 1st Place prize at the Oaxacan Traditional Cooks Meet, I’m excited to guide you.\nOur journey begins with a stroll through Oaxaca’s largest market, where we’ll explore indigenous…
What's Included
  • Local Market Tour
  • Lunch
  • Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free menu option
  • Seasonal dessert
  • Seasonal fruit waters
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Beer or soda
Meal Options
  • House chocolate with bread - A chocolate drink is served accompanied with traditional bread
  • hand tortillas - Learn to make tortillas by hand on a clay griddle or pre-Hispanic stove
  • OPTION 1 Oaxacan Mole - available moles(10)
    you can choose 1 of them
    BLACK MOLE
    reddish
    chichilo
    green
    yellow
    yellow mixe
    stew
    nutty
    manchamanteles
  • Option 2…
Additional Information

I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT:
IT IS NOT A RESTAURANT, I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF A CHEF
I am Minerva Lopez and I am a traditional cook from Oaxaca and I have more than 40 years of experience in pre-Hispanic and traditional cooking.
I invite you to spend a day at my house, with my family, my culture, it is an authentic experience where you will learn to cook as…

Location
Gral. Antonio de León 1
General Antonio de León
WE CAN AGREE ON A PLACE OF DEPARTURE OR THE ZOCALO OF THE CD OF OAXACA, IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL. ALSO IN THE LESCAS CO TOURS OFFICE, THEY ARE FRIENDS OF MINE AND CAN WAIT IN THEIR OFFICE ANTONIO DE LEON NO. 1 LOCAL I IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN CONTACT ME BY CALL OR WHATSAPP +529512903409
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(179 Ratings)
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Anthonycj3552nz
Aug 29, 2025
Review for Minerva’s Cooking Experience - I took Minerva’s class in July while traveling solo, and it was truly a highlight of my trip. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into her home and culture. We visited the local market, which was full of fresh and authentic ingredients, and later prepared an incredible mole together over an open fire — such a memorable experience! Minerva and her family made the day feel warm, fun, and genuine. The setting was intimate and gave me a real sense of connection. She is knowledgeable, kind, and a joy to spend time with. I highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to connect with Oaxacan culture in an authentic and delicious way
Review provided by Tripadvisor
María
Aug 4, 2025
Unmissable Experience! - Of the best experiences lived in Oaxaca, minerva is very attentive and caring for her students, going to the supply center with her is very nice, cooking and learning at the same time with her and her assistant is the best! In this class, you will learn, fill your belly and your heart!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Esthercasasl
Jul 31, 2025
Don't miss it! - A very nice experience. The visit to the market we loved and the attention and explanations during the cooking class helped us understand a little more of Mexican cuisine. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
549victoria
Jul 25, 2025
Que vive la Minerva!!!! - Ms. Minerva was fabulous! She has a lovely home with a walled garden typical of homes in her part of the city. Though soft spoken and reserved, she was a careful, patient teacher who answered our questions about food and customs of the area. She is originally from a higher-elevation area outside the city where her indigenous prehispanic culture is still thriving. There are photos of her in her people’s customary dress on the wall of the kitchen, as is the first place prize ribbon she earned in a national competition judging indigenous food dishes. The mole and tortillas we made were heavenly!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oscar_calzada
Jul 23, 2025
Mole negro deliciousness - Minerva is the best. We made mole negro. First we obtained a walking tour of the city’s central Mercado where we picked-up ingredients. Then, we headed to Minerva’s outdoor kitchen to toast/grill those ingredients on a comal heated by an open fire.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alejandra_w
Jun 30, 2025
An amazing food experience- a must-do - An incredible way to learn about traditional Oaxaca mole cooking. We were first taken to a grand market to pick up the ingredients and learn about all the different varieties of peppers, nuts, etc. then, headed back to Sra. Lopez house where she taught all our group how to prepare every ingredient for the mole. Everyone is encouraged to participate and is made very enjoyable. In the end, we all enjoy a meal prepared by everyone that tastes amazingly. Our hosts are charming and go out of their way to make you feel welcome and to answer all questions. Would definitely come again!
Review provided by Viator
Julie_m
Jun 20, 2025
10/10 Culinary Journey in Oaxaca - Minerva warmly welcomed us and guiding us through a day that felt both deeply personal and authentically Oaxaqueño. We started with a visit to a local market, where we hand-picked fresh herbs, spices, and colorful produce. Over to her outdoor kitchen (which was stunning—open air, beautiful views, and full of warmth), we learned to prepare a mole meal from scratch. Every step was lead by Minerva, but hands-on and engaging. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll feel completely at ease. We prepped the food, cooked, sipped on mezcal, and ended the experience enjoying the meal we made together. It was more than a class—it was an immersive cultural experience and a beautiful connection to Oaxacan tradition. If you’re visiting Oaxaca, we highly recommend a cooking class with Minerva Lopez!
Review provided by Viator
Z7889bcmarisolc
May 24, 2025
A perfect afternoon - A great life experience, learn to cook from Master Minerva! Widely recommended not only for the delicious food but for the human quality of Master Minerva, Tania and Julio. We spent a perfect afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helder_c
May 14, 2025
Highly recommended! We... - Highly recommended! We started the day picking up fresh ingredients at a local market, very little tourists around. Minerva walked around and introduced the group to local spices, food, and drinks. On the way to her beautiful home we stopped to pick up freshly ground corn for the tamales we learned how to cook. Minerva walked us through the whole process aided by her daughter and crew. Her daughter treated us to a refreshing drink and we also tried Oaxacan chocolate milk.
Review provided by Viator
Febo2021
May 9, 2025
Poor customer service - Customer service gives much to be desired do not respond messages. There are better options that are more cordial and reflect the kind spirit of the people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $109
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).