Oaxaca: 10 Mexican Salsas Cooking Class with Taco Tasting

Exploring Mexico’s culinary heritage often revolves around the vibrant world of salsas, and this Oaxaca-based cooking class truly brings that spicy tradition to life. Led by Chef Carrizosa, this experience promises to teach you how to craft 10 different salsas, each with its own unique flavor profile, and paired with delicious tacos. It’s an engaging, informative session that balances hands-on participation with cultural insights.

What makes this experience especially appealing are three standout qualities: the expertise of the guide, the variety of salsas you’ll learn to make, and the tasting component that allows you to sample your creations. The class is also quite accessible, being only about 2 hours long and suitable for most travelers. However, a potential consideration is that it’s not suitable for those with food allergies, which is worth noting if you or your travel companions have dietary restrictions.

If you’re eager to understand the nuances of Mexican flavors, enjoy interactive cooking, and want authentic tastes to take home, this class is a great pick. It’s ideal for foodies, culture enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a flavorful, memorable experience during their Oaxaca visit.

Good To Know

• Authentic Mexican Salsas: Master 10 different recipes, from classic to innovative, including Xnipec and Macha.
• Expert Instruction: Led by Chef Carrizosa, known for friendly guidance and clear explanations.
• Taste of Oaxaca: Enjoy tacos paired with your homemade salsas, enhancing your appreciation of local flavors.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the different chilies and preparations that define Mexican cuisine.
• Accessibility & Flexibility: The class is wheelchair accessible, offered in English and Spanish, and can be booked with flexible payment options.
• Value for Money: At $80 per person, you get a comprehensive, interactive experience that’s both fun and educational.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Oaxaca Salsa Class

What to Expect from the Class Itself

This 2-hour session is designed to give you a deep dive into the world of Mexican salsas, making it suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The class takes place at Casa Crespo, a well-located venue at the corner with Jacobo Dalevuelta street, directly opposite Jardin Conzatti, making it easy to find and accessible for most travelers.

You’ll start with a brief introduction to the ingredients, focusing heavily on different chilies like chile de arbol, chipotle, jalapeño, and habanero. Chef Carrizosa’s approachable style means he explains not only how to prepare each salsa but also shares insights into the subtle differences between each chili, how to select the best ingredients, and tips on balancing flavors. This foundational knowledge turns the cooking into a learning experience you can replicate at home.

Making the Salsas

Most of the class involves hands-on preparation, where you’ll get to make each salsa yourself. From chunky, fiery salsas like Xnipec (a Yucatecan specialty with citrus and habanero) to smokey Macha, you’ll learn techniques to bring out the best in each. You’ll also discover how to prepare salsa verde, molcajete salsa, and even condiment-style salsas like “borracha”—which is flavored with alcohol—adding layers of complexity to your palate.

A special highlight for many participants is learning how to refine flavors with hibiscus flowers and tamarind, which showcase Mexico’s love for combining bold flavors and textures. The class also touches on the difference between guacamole and guacachile, expanding your knowledge of traditional Mexican dips and sauces.

Tasting the Results

The culmination of the class is a tasting session, where you sample tacos paired with the ten salsas you’ve prepared. Guest reviewers mention that the tasting is a great way to see what flavors work best with different dishes, and it’s a fun, relaxed way to end the experience. The tacos are described as delicious, and the pairing of each salsa with different fillings makes the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

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Guides and Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise Oscar Carrizosa for his friendly, patient instruction and his ability to make complex recipes approachable. One reviewer from Austria noted, “Oscar is a really informative and patient teacher,” which sums up the vibe well. The ambiance at Casa Crespo is welcoming, with a focus on creating a fun and engaging environment, perfect for small groups or individuals.

Practical Details and Value

At $80 per person, this class offers excellent value for those wanting an authentic, hands-on culinary experience. The inclusion of drinks, the tasting of tacos, and the chance to learn a diverse set of salsa recipes make it a comprehensive package. The class is also flexible—you can reserve your spot and pay later, and there’s a full refund available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

While the experience is quite accessible—wheelchair friendly and offered in both English and Spanish—it’s important to note that those with food allergies might need to skip it, as the class involves a variety of ingredients that could pose issues.

Reviews Speak Volumes

With an overall 5-star rating from three reviews, guests highlight the delicious flavors and friendly staff as key strengths. One reviewer from the Netherlands mentioned that Oscar’s patience and recipes made the class particularly enjoyable, while an Austrian guest said the tasting and the experience were simply “amazing.”

Final Thoughts

This Oaxaca salsa class offers a true taste of Mexican cuisine, delivered in a friendly, approachable way. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want to deepen their culinary knowledge, enjoy interactive cooking, and taste authentic flavors without spending an entire day in the kitchen. The combination of expert guidance, variety of salsas, and the fun of pairing with tacos makes this experience stand out.

If you’re a foodie eager to learn about the different chilies and salsa styles or simply want to take home new recipes and memories, this class is a fantastic choice. It strikes a good balance between educational content, culture, and delicious tasting, all wrapped into a manageable two-hour session.

This experience is ideal for those seeking a meaningful, flavorful activity that enriches their stay in Oaxaca. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll leave with new skills and a full belly.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for beginners and those with some cooking experience. The instructor explains techniques clearly, making it easy to follow along.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
The experience is not suitable for people with food allergies since it involves a variety of ingredients. It’s best to check in advance if you have specific dietary needs.

What’s included in the price?
The $80 fee covers the full salsa-making class, a tasting of tacos with ten different salsas, and drinks.

How long does the class last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, making it a compact, engaging activity that fits well into most travel plans.

What language is the class conducted in?
The class is offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Where does the class take place?
At Casa Crespo, located at the corner with Jacobo Dalevuelta street, directly in front of Jardin Conzatti.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just comfortable clothes suited for cooking—nothing fancy needed, as the focus is on fun and learning.

This salsa class in Oaxaca offers a flavorful, authentic experience that combines education, culture, and delicious tasting. It’s perfect for food lovers and curious travelers eager to bring a piece of Mexican culinary magic back home.

You can check if your dates are available here: