These are the Best Memelas Oaxaca City Has to Offer
Looking for the best street food in Oaxaca?
Then you’ve landed on the right article because we’re going to do a deep dive into one of them: memelas (or memelitas). If you’re visiting Oaxaca and want to know where to find the best memelas Oaxaca has — they’re all listed here!
While there are delicious memelas all over Oaxaca City and Oaxaca state, there is one place that’s much more famous than the rest. You may have even seen these memelas on TV if you’ve watched the Netflix show Street Food: Latin America.
The best Oaxaca food tour to try memelas is Eat Like a Local in Oaxaca City, with a near-perfect Five Star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Of course, those aren’t the only Oaxaca memelas you’ll want to try, but for foodies, a visit to Memelas Donã Vale is a must. Note: If you want to see the list of the best memelas in Oaxaca, you can jump ahead with this link.
Besides the best memelas in Oaxaca to try, you’ll also learn more about this famous Oaxaca street food and even discover some of the top-rated memela recipe versions you can make at home.
Ready for a deep dive into the world of Oaxaca memelas — what many consider the best food in Oaxaca Mexico?! Let’s get to it!
What is a memela?
Memelas are basically open-face tacos. You can curl them up like a taco to eat them, or eat them flat like a tostada.
Memelas (pronounced mem-ell-uhs) are made with masa dough (corn dough). The masa for memelas is slightly thicker than a taco, but not as thick as a sope. A fresh tortilla is made for each memela you order.
The freshly-made tortillas cook for a minute on the comal (flat, circular cooking surface), and you’ll see a bit of asiento (unrefined pork lard) added. That will heat for another minute or two, and some cooks will also add salsa here.
🤔 Wondering, What’s the memela pronunciation? It’s a common question, so let’s clear it up. The word memela is pronounced meh-mell-uh; the plural is meh-mell-uhs.
The final step is adding cheese like queso fresco or quesillo (AKA queso Oaxaca cheese), which melts on top. If you want your memela with just cheese, order it “sencilla.” However, you can also add a variety of toppings as well.
Depending on where you’re eating that day, they will have various guisados or guisos (toppings) available. These can range from huevo con chorizo (egg with sausage) to chicharrón (fried pork skin) to tasajo (thin sliced beef).
Best Memelas Oaxaca
When do you eat memelas in Oaxaca?
In Oaxaca, memelas are typically a breakfast or brunch food. While you can find them in some of these best Oaxaca restaurants at all hours of the day, the locals usually only eat memelas in the morning or afternoon.
While they’re considered one of the best traditional Mexican foods, you don’t usually find them outside of Oaxaca, so when you visit make sure to add a memelas breakfast to your Oaxaca itinerary.
Memelas Oaxacas vs Memelas Poblanas
If you’re visiting Puebla Mexico, located one state north of Oaxaca, you can try a variation of memelas known as memelas poblanas.
While some people call these chalupas, others know them as memelas poblanas. However you call them, these are one of the best foods from Puebla state.
5 Best Memelas Oaxaca Has
1. Memelas Doña Vale
Want to try the most famous memelas Oaxaca has? Then you will need to visit Doña Vale to try her famous memelas in Central de Abastos, the largest of all Oaxaca markets.
Valentina Hernández AKA Doña Vale has a small memelas stall located on the southern side of the market, and you can see it here on Google Maps.
For more info on visiting and eating here, check out this Doña Vale Oaxaca: How to Visit this Netflix Spot article.
If you know about Memelas Doña Vale, you’ve likely seen any number of Netflix shows she’s been featured in — like Street Food: Latin America (Season 1, Episode 3) or Somebody Feed Phil (Season 5, Episode 1).
As you might imagine, she has become quite famous for her Oaxaca City memelas, and people line up for 30 minutes (or more) to try them. I have been a few times, and while it sucks to wait, these memelas as worth it.
📍 Memelas Dona Vale is located here, in Central de Abastos Market. In full disclosure, this is not the safest place in Oaxaca. If this will be your first visit, I suggest boking this Tour in Central de Abastos Market with Javiar.
🤔 What to order at Memelas Doña Vale Oaxaca
As the name of her Memelas Doña Vale puesto (food stall) says, the things to order here are the memelas. In fact, memelas are the only thing on the menu, but you have options of which salsa you order — salsa morita or salsa roja.
While she is famous for memelas, it’s the Doña Vale salsa morita that people rave about. It is a bit spicy, so if you absolutly don’t like spicy foods, go for the salsa roja (red salsa made with tomatoes).
You can try the memelas with just slasa, but you can also add toppings. The options include cheese, egg, tasajo (beef) or costilla (ribs).
If you like rich, fatty meats, the costilla is delicious 🤤 However, my go-to order is egg with salsa morita. This is the famous Memelas Doña Vale salsa morita — and it really does live up to all the hype.
📺 A few other Oaxaca Netflix places to try
Besides the famed “memelas oaxaca Netflix” you might have been searching for, there are a few other As Seen on Netflix places in Oaxaca City that you won’t want to miss. These include:
- Alfonsina Oaxaca
- Tlayudas la Chinita
- Empanadas del Carmen
- Origen Oaxaca
- Cocina de Humo
Best Memelas Oaxaca
2. Memelas de San Agustín
Memelas de San Agustín is a well-known street food stand in Downtown Oaxaca City. They actually serve both memelas and tlayudas, another one of the best Oaxaca street foods, so you can try two things at once.
This is a true Oaxaca hidden gem, and a place to definitely experience street food culture. It is a no frills stand on the street, where you might be lucky enough to get a chair, but you might have to eat standing up.
📍 Memelas de San Agustín Oaxaca is located here, near the Oaxaca Zocalo (Main Square). After eating, head to Mezcaleria In Situ to try some mezcal. This is one of the best Oaxaca mezcal bars, and located just around the corner.
Best Memelas Oaxaca
3. Itanoni Oaxaca City
Itanoni is located in Reforma, one of the best Oaxaca neighborhoods, and about a 20 minute walk from downtown. For foodies, this place is unique because they use several types of Mexican corn, many you won’t find anywhere else.
When it comes to must eat Oaxacan food — Itanoni makes it all. They have an extensive menu, with everything from tetelas and tamales oaxaqueños (Oaxaca tamales), to tacos, pozole and memelas.
If you come hungry, you can try a few things, including the memelas at Itanoni. You won’t be disappointed in any of your selections — I’ve been several times, and everything has always been delicious.
📍 Itanoni is located here at Belisario Domínguez 513 in the Reforma Oaxaca neighborhood
Best Memelas Oaxaca
4. Mercado de la Merced
Memelas are what’s known as an antojito, or little snack. You can find great memelas in any of these markets in Oaxaca — just be on the lookout for a long line, which usually means the food is worth waiting for.
If you need a specific recommendation, head to Memelas la Güerita and Fonda Florecita in the popular Mercado de la Merced. If you want to do any shopping in Oaxaca for souvenirs, this market is a great place to shop and eat.
📍 Mercado de la Merced Market is located here in Downtown Oaxaca City
Best Memelas Oaxaca
5. Las Quince Letras
Not sure where to eat in Oaxaca City? For an upscale memelas experience, head to Las Quince Letras. It is owned by Celia Florián, one of the best Mexican chefs working today, and one of the most famous chefs from Oaxaca Mexico.
They specialize in traditional Oaxacan food, particularly moles (moe-lays). However, their antojitos menu, which is only available during the day, is a great way to try a few Oaxaca antojitos (snacks), like memelas and tetelas.
📍 Las Quince Letras is located here in Downtown Oaxaca City
Best Oaxaca Street Food Tours to Try Memelas
When it comes to the best street food Oaxaca has, you need to turn to the locals. As they say, no one knows their town like a local — and tours give you a great chance to try some food, and get even more tips about Oaxaca.
Below you’ll find a list of the Top 3 Best Oaxaca Street Food Tours where you’ll try not only memelas, but also tetelas, tamales hojas, quesillo, tejate and a few other things you’ve probably never even heard of before!
💡For more street food tour options 👉 10 Best Oaxaca Street Food Tours for Foodies.
Best Memelas Oaxaca
1. Eat Like a Local: Authentic Oaxaca Food Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.98 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 5 hours | 🌮 Check Rates & Availability
Book this Oaxaca Street Food Tour and join your host, Betsaida (AKA Betsy), a Oaxaca local. On it, you’ll get you out and about in the city’s main markets with someone who knows them like the back of her hand!
Betsaida is incredibly passionate about sharing her culture through her vast knowledge of the local food. I felt honored to have been in her company, and the tour was one of the highlights of my time in Mexico.
-Allan (read more reviews)
Spend a half-day with Betsy, tasting many of Oaxaca’s signature flavors. Besides eating lots of yummy food, you’ll also learn local tips and history, which will add more depth and nuance to the experience.
🌱 Note: The tour mentioned above is not vegetarian or vegan friendly — but this tour is.
Best Memelas Oaxaca
2. As Seen On Netflix: Tour the Central de Abastos Market
⏰ Tour time: 2.5 hours | ⭐️ Rating: 4.91 out of 5 Stars | 🌮 Check Rates & Availability
Located on the outskirts of town, Central de Abastos Oaxaca Market is one of oldest and largest markets in Oaxaca. If you’re looking for anything, you’ll probably find it here, as the market spans more than 800 acres (3.25 km²).
Javier’s trip was perfect. I came to Oaxaca for this, a food tour through the amazing Central Market. Javier guided us like a pro, through what would have been disorienting and bewildering to any newcomer. Highly recommended!
—todd (read more reviews)
While there’s a lot for sale here, from fresh flowers to Oaxaca Mexico souvenirs, most visitors make a beeline to try the famous Memelas Doña Vale — as seen on Netflix shows like Somebody Feed Phil in the “Oaxaca” episode.
Best Memelas Oaxaca
3. Ultimate Oaxaca Foodie Tour with a Local
⭐️ Rating: 4.88 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🌮 Check Rates & Availability
If you like walking, unique Oaxaca eats, and hearing amazing stories, book this Street Food Tour Oaxaca ASAP. It is one of the best Oaxaca cultural tours of them all — especially if you want to try a variety of Oaxaca City foods.
Fantastic experience! Would highly recommend for anyone who is interested in seeing local markets, eating from the best street vendors, and gaining a better understanding of Oaxacan cuisine.
-jesse (read more reviews)
Spend four hours enjoying the most traditional dishes in Oaxaca, including memelas, tlayudas, tamales, and mole.
Make new friends with locals and other travelers alike, discover new favorite flavors, and taste-test your way from street food stalls, to restaurants in Oaxaca City, to a bustling market or two.
Top 3 Best Oaxaca Memelas Recipes
If you’re not planning on traveling to Oaxaca Mexico soon, you can always make some memelas at home. Here are three of the best recipes that show you how to make memelas:
1. Chef Alejandro Ruiz’s Memelas Recipe
Alejandro Ruiz, author of The Food of Oaxaca, is perhaps the most famous Oaxaca chef around. His Casa Oaxaca Restaurante is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Oaxaca City.
2. Kiwilimon Oaxaca Memelas Recipe
Kiwilimon is one of the biggest and best sites for Mexican recipes, and some of them have even been translated into English, like their top-rated memelas recipe.
3. Views on the Road Memelas Recipie
Looking for a memelas recipe on YouTube? The popular Mexican cooking channel, Views on the Road, has an easy-to-follow version ideal for even beginner cooks.
👩🍳 BONUS: Best Oaxaca Tetelas Recipe
Tetelas are similar to memelas, and other Oaxaca cuisine staple. Mely Martinez, best-selling author behind The Mexican Home Kitchen Cookbook, has a great recipe for making traditional Oaxacan tetelas.
Memelas Oaxaca: Frequently Asked Questions
How is a memela made?
Memelas start out as masa, or corn dough. From that, you make corn tortillas, top them with asiento (pork lard) or a bean paste, then add cheese to melt.
There are many variations and spins on traditional Oaxaca memelas, but that is the basic recipe. A memela with just cheese, often called a memela sencilla, is a staple, but you can order yours with eggs, meats and/or veggies.
Note: If you can, try to find memelas with hand-made tortillas! This is the most traditional way, though it’s also the most time-consuming, so many have switched to using a tortilla press.
What is a memelita?
A memelita is a memela, but it does literally mean “little memela” when translated to English. However, if you hear someone say memelita, they are just referring to a memela.
How do you eat memelas?
You have two options on how to eat memelas. The first is to fold it in half, jut like a taco. You can also eat it flat, similar to how you’d eat a tostada.
When was the memela created?
Memelas are a prehispanic food, and they have been made for centuries — though no one knows exactly how old memelas are.
Where did memelas come from?
You might say originated with the ancient Maya and Aztecs because they invented the nixtamalization process — without which we would not have the corn tortilla.
What are memelas made of?
Memelas consist of masa (corn dough), asiento (unrefined pork lard), and queso oaxaca cheese. You can swap black bean paste for asiento to make vegan memelas.
Are memelas and sopes the same?
No — But they are similar. They’re both made with masa (corn dough), but memelas are lager and thinner than a sope, which are the main memela vs sope distinctions.
Are memelas vegan or vegetarian?
For vegan memelas, order yours “sin asiento y sin queso” (without lard and cheese). If you want vegetarian memelas, order them “sin asiento” (without lard).
Depending on where you’re eating in Oaxaca, you might be able to find vegan or vegetarian options at restaurants that make memelas with a refried beans or black beans paste instead of asiento.
What is salsa morita?
Salsa morita is a red salsa that’s made with chile morita, a smoky-flavored chile that some might say tastes like a chipotle.
In fact, both chile chipotle and chile morita are made from dried jalapeño peppers; though with chipotle, the jalapeño is also often roasted.
To make salsa morita the traditional way, you need a molcajete (pronounced mole-kah-het-tay), which is a Mexican mortar and pestle that’s hand-crafted with volcanic stone. If you don’t have one, you can use a blender.
👩🍳 What’s in the Dona Vale Salsa Morita?
Doña Vale makes the most famous salsa morita in Oaxaca. She has never revealed all the ingredients in her top secret salsa morita recipe, but has said it contains tomatoes, onions, garlic and morita chili peppers.
For a copycat Doña Vale salsa recipe, head to The Curious Mexican. Trust me, after you’ve had the real thing, you’re going to want to make it at home and enjoy it again.
What is Oaxaca food?
The food of Oaxaca isn’t what many know as traditional Mexican food — as there’s definitely less tacos and burritos, and more tlayudas, moles, memelas and tetelas.
Mexican food is actually incredibly regional, and varies a lot across the country.
There’s everything from tacos in Mexico City, to Yucatan food and Oaxacan food, which is known to be among the best. In fact, Oaxaca City is often called the Foodie Capital of Mexico.
What are the best Oaxaca foods?
The best traditional Oaxacan dishes and drinks include the 7 moles of Oaxaca, tlayudas, memelas, tamales oaxaqueños, quesillo (Oaxaca string cheese), tejate, atole, and more!
Don’t know what any of that is?! Head to 30 Best Oaxaca Mexican Foods and Drinks You Need to Try to learn more about Oaxaca cuisine.
👩🍳 Best Oaxaca Cookbooks
If you can’t leave the United States to experience the food in Oaxaca Mexico in person, pick up one of the Oaxacan cook books — the next best thing!
Among the best ones, check out The Food of Oaxaca Cookbook, Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico and Oaxaca al Gusto: An Infinite Gastronomy.
Both Mexico cookbooks and Oaxacan food cookbooks make an amazing Mexico gift for the foodie in your life who wants to make Oaxaca recipes at home. 📚 Love books? Check out these 35 Best Books on Mexico.
Final Thoughts: Best Memelas Oaxaca
You can’t make a list of the best foods from Oaxaca Mexico and not mention memelas. They are a quintessential part of traditional Oaxacan cuisine, with culinary roots that trace back to the ancient Aztecs.
🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: In fact, UNESCO declared traditional Mexican food an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind in 2010 — meaning Mexican food and Oaxacan recipes are cultural treasures worth preserving.
Memelas are one of the best Oaxaca antojitos. The word antojitos means “little snacks” or appetizers, as memelas make a great grab and go food. For this reason, you’ll find them all over Oaxaca City, and Oaxaca state.