Top 10 foods to try in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is one of the most diverse states in Mexico, home to the largest indigenous population, including the Zapotecs, Mixtecs and 14 other official indigenous groups. The people in Oaxaca fiercely protect their traditions and having spent only a short amount of time here, it was apparent that the state seemed resistant to globalization and commercialization.

Their culture was rich and colourful, and this translates into their food. We could not pass up on travelling to this food capital of Mexico to explore its unique cuisine. We spent 1.5 weeks in Oaxaca and much of that time was spent just stuffing our faces with local food. Their food was grounded in typical Mexican ingredients, corn, chilies, cheese, and beans, but it was put together in the most delicious way imaginable. Here is our list of the top 10 foods to try in Oaxaca.

10. Mole at Las Quince Letras

We were particularly curious about this one as it was uniquely Oaxacan and we could not imagine what it would taste like. It is a thick sauce made with a multitude of ingredients such as chili peppers, chocolate, nuts, spices, and tomatoes. We thought it tasted similar to a satay peanut sauce. It was sweet, savoury and spicy, not quite to our taste buds but a definite must try.

9. Seafood at Ramon Camaron

Oaxaca city isn’t close to the ocean but the seafood at Ramon Camaron was so delicious. We had the Camarones de coco and the Pulpo tostados. Fresh, sweet, and perfect with some Michelada.

8. Hot Chocolate and bread at Mayordomo

Oaxacans seem slightly obsessed with chocolate and we could see why. Cacao was a traditional ceremonial drink, but now drank at all times of the day. The typical drink of cacao and water is chocolatey and delicious and goes amazing with some bread.

7. Platillo Oaxaqueno at Mercado 20 de Noviembre

A plate of typical Oaxacan foods for those who’d like to try a little bit of everything. Our plate came with seared beef, pork, chorizo, enmoladas in mole rojo and negro, and a side of quesillo.

6. Tlayudas at Tlayudas de Dona Martha

Nicknamed Oaxacan pizzas, they are large crispy tortillas smeared with refried bean sauce, and topped with protein of your choice (we recommend chorizo!), salsa and quesillo. It was crispy, flavourful and large enough for 2. Don’t forget the guacamole sauce!

5. Marquesitas at random street stalls

Marquesitas are more commonly found in the Yucatan peninsula but don’t hesitate to grab one if you find a stall. They are crispy thin crepes stuffed with fruits and sauces.

4. Meat Aisle at Mercado 20 de Noviembre

A definite must try when in Oaxaca, this was a meat explosion for all your senses. The experience was so fun: Grab a basket, walk down the smoky aisle, choose your meat and sides, then enjoy.

3. Empanadas and quesadilla at Tacos del Carmen

Famous for being featured on the Netflix street food series, this wasn’t just hype. The Empanadas with mole Amarillo was mind blowing and unlike any other mole sauce we’ve had.

2. Lechon at Lechoncita

Tacos filled with tender chopped up lechon and topped off with crispy bits of chicharron. Amazing amazing amazing!!

1. Barbacoa at Barbacoa Juanita (Tlacolula market)

Barbacoa in Spanish translates to BBQ but this was actually goat stewed in a chilli and tomato broth. The goat was tender, the broth was insanely flavourful. Do it like the locals and dip your meat filled tortilla into the broth.

It was hard to narrow our favourite foods into this list. Food in Oaxaca was unlike no other and unforgettable. If you have a limited amount of time in Oaxaca, be sure to try out these foods. If you have an unlimited amount of time, then please try everything!! Let us know in the comments if you agree with our picks and if we missed out any of your favourites.