The 10 Top-Rated Oaxaca Street Food Tours for Foodies

Ready to book one of the best street food tours in Oaxaca City?

You’ve come to the right place! This guide highlights the 10 best Oaxaca street food tours, allowing you to experience this vibrant city’s unique and delicious cuisine.

Exotic flavors, traditional ingredients, and innovative preparation methods all contribute to the joy of discovering new places, and eating street food in Oaxaca is no exception.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best tour in Oaxaca is Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine, with a perfect 5 Star rating.

On these Oaxaca Mexico food tours, you’ll explore local markets to taste the best food in Oaxaca City.

From devouring mouth-watering tacos, to indulging in the famous mole, these Oaxaca food tours offer a one-of-a-kind foodie experience.

Taste the best street food in Oaxaca with the top food tours Oaxaca Mexico has. Ready to savor the authentic flavors of Mexico, taste the best food in Oaxaca and book one of the best Oaxaca culinary tours? Let’s go! 

Top 3 Picks: Best Oaxaca Street Food Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine
✔️ Breakfast, lunch, snacks
✔️ Drinks

↳ Book it

#2 PICK

 Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with Oaxaca Market Tour
✔️ All ingredients
✔️ Tour to a local market

↳ Book it

#3 PICK

Foodie Tour in Oaxaca City
✔️ Concierge services
✔️ Use of free bikes

↳ Book it

10 Best Oaxaca Street Food Tours

1. Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine

Embark on a delicious journey through the vibrant streets of Oaxaca and discover the essence of traditional Oaxacan cooking on this Earth, Corn & Fire food tour. 

Explore neighborhood markets, taste Oaxaca’s iconic dishes and street snacks, and learn about local corn in various forms.

You’ll also meet market vendors who have been in the business for decades and even visit a gallery run by young artists.

This tour offers an edible crash course on the elements that are a bedrock of traditional Oaxacan cooking and how they’re being preserved. 

You’ll end your journey with a delicious meal in a family-run restaurant in Oacaxa City, where you’ll sample different types of mole, one of the city’s most famous creations.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

2. Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with Oaxaca Market Tour

Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook authentic Mexican food? Well, now you can on this Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class, which includes a market tour. 

Join a small, intimate group and explore a local market to gather the freshest ingredients for your cooking workshop.

With no set menu, you and your group can choose which traditional dishes to prepare.

You’ll then be immersed in Oaxacan cuisine and learn about the rich history and techniques behind each dish.

During your hands-on experience, you can create a delicious meal from scratch with the guidance of your knowledgeable instructor. 

Special dietary restrictions can be catered to, and complimentary drinks are offered as you cook and savor your culinary masterpiece. 

With a small group size, you can expect personalized attention and a genuinely unforgettable Oaxaca city food tour.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

3. Foodie Tour in Oaxaca City

Indulge in the traditional flavors of Oaxaca on this exciting Walking Foodie Tour. Discover the city’s street food stalls, markets, and more while savoring dishes like mole, memelas, tamales, tlayudas, and more.

Join a small group on this culinary adventure and explore the city with a knowledgeable guide.

Carlos will share his passion and love for Oaxaca and its cuisine, providing insight into the history and culture of the local food scene.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to support local markets and street food vendors while indulging in a memorable local and delicious culinary experience. 

Whether you are a foodie or simply seeking a new adventure, this is hands down one of the best tours in Oaxaca Mexico.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

4. Eat Like a Local on This Authentic Oaxaca Food Tour

Satisfy your culinary cravings and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Oaxaca on this Eat Like a Local Authentic Food Tour.

In this foodie adventure, you will taste 24 traditional dishes at the city’s three main markets and street food stalls.

And you’ll learn all about Oaxaca’s history, culture, and gastronomy as you explore the city’s hidden gems.

Come hungry and ready to experience why Oaxaca is considered one of Mexico’s most important gastronomic destinations on this incredible local food tour. 

💡 Note: This is one of the Oaxaca Mexico tours that is not suited for vegans or vegetarians. It is also best suited for active travelers, as there’s a lot of walking involved.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

5. Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Sonia Silvia

Discover the traditional flavors of Oaxacan cuisine while listening to stories and sipping on mezcal in this hands-on Traditional Oaxacan Cooking class. 

You’ll first learn about the ingredients found in most Oaxacan homes before diving deep into the world of mezcal.

Baldo, your knowledgeable guide, will serve countless samples along with Oaxacan-style snacks, like gusano worms, chicatana ants, and chapulines—the infamous Mexican grasshoppers.

Then it’s time to make your meal. You’ll make tortillas, tetelas, and memelas by hand during the class and learn how to make salsas using a molcajete. 

You’ll also create one of the seven moles from scratch using a metate cooking stone and taste the famous mole negro.

Everyone will participate in the different cooking processes, and the class is available in English.

Come with an empty stomach and leave with a full belly and a newfound appreciation for Oaxacan cuisine on this Oaxaca eats food tour.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

6. Eating with a Local at the Oaxacan Markets

Explore the city’s bustling markets and taste over 20 traditional dishes alongside a local guide on this foodie adventure to some of the best Oaxacan markets. 

Enjoy Oaxacan cuisine’s rich culture and history as you savor each bite. Your passionate local guide, Betsy Morales, will share her knowledge and love of Oaxaca’s internationally renowned gastronomy.

Betsy was born and raised in the city, and her insider insights will enhance your experience. With each dish, you’ll delve deeper into the flavors, techniques, and ingredients that make Oaxacan cuisine so special.

This tour not only indulges your taste buds but also supports the lifeblood of the community by visiting local businesses. 

One of the best Oaxaca tours, don’t miss this chance to feel like a local for a day and taste the authentic flavors of Oaxaca City, Mexico.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

7. Visit Three Oaxacan Markets & Eat Like a Local

Discover the city’s main markets and street food stalls as you sample over 24 traditional dishes on this Eat Like a Local Walking Tour.

Some highlights include pre-Hispanic meals, five unique moles, handmade corn tortillas, grilled meats, tacos, and more.

As you walk just over a mile, taking in the city’s sights and stopping at historical landmarks and notable points of interest, you’ll savor each bite while learning more about the stories of the culture and history of Oaxacan cuisine.

On this Oaxaca food market tour, you’ll be able to taste the diverse ingredients and cooking methods that have made Oaxaca one of the best foodie destinations in Mexico. 

Don’t miss this street food tour Oaxaca opportunity to eat like a local and experience the authentic flavors of Oaxaca.

💡 Please note that this tour is not appropriate for vegans or vegetarians.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

8. Authentic Oaxaca Street Food Tour by Locals

Satisfy your taste buds with authentic Oaxacan flavor on this Authentic Oaxaca Street Food Tour guided by local foodie experts.

Explore the city’s markets, including Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and taste the Oaxaca traditional foods that have made the city’s cuisine nationally and internationally recognized.

Sample some of the Oaxaca best foods, like the famous el tejate — a non-alcoholic maize and cacao beverage. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there’s also the regional delicacy of Oaxaca grasshoppers (chapulines).

Visit the Mercado 20 de Noviembre’s meat hub and taste mouth-watering roasted meats, classic tamales, and crispy tlayudas. 

End your food tour with a sweet finish of Oaxacan desserts that will leave you craving more. The best Oaxaca food tour for anyone craving a local experience.

💡 Please note that this tour is not appropriate for vegans or vegetarians.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

9. Take a Tour Through the Abastos Market

Embark on a unique experience by visiting Abastos Market, home to the famous memelas Doña Vale featured on Netflix Street Food: Latin America.

After breakfast with Doña Vale herself, you’ll explore the market with a local guide, starting with the shaman section to see the herbs and plants.

Stroll through the colorful fruit and vegetable section, snap some photos, and learn about the daily life of the locals who shop at the market. 

You’ll also discover the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine with dishes like pumpkin flower empanadas, tejate, pulque, mezcal, tamales, yellow empanadas, barbacoa tacos, and more.

This is the perfect opportunity to visit the famous Abastos Market, one of Oaxaca’s largest markets. 

All food is included in the tour, so come hungry and ready to experience the authentic tastes of Mexico on one of the best Oaxaca Mexican food tours.

Best Oaxaca street food tours

10. Tacos and Secret Bars in Oaxaca City

Get ready to experience the city like never before on this Tacos and Secret Bars tour. 

Explore the hidden gems of Oaxaca’s nightlife as you travel through its neighborhoods, savoring the best tacos and sipping cold beers at some of the city’s most beloved bars.

With a knowledgeable local guide at your side, you’ll delve into the history and culture of the city while indulging in delicious Oaxacan food and drinks. 

You’ll visit two taquerias and end the night at one of the guide’s favorite bars in the city center. The experience can be tailored to your preferences, making it the perfect night out in Oaxaca.

11 Best Oaxaca Street Foods 

So what food is Oaxaca known for? Here are some of the best Oaxaca street foods you should try when visiting the city. Ready for an Oaxaca foodie guide?

Let’s look at some of the best food Oaxaca has to offer:

1. Tacos

Tacos are undoubtedly the king of Mexican street food, and Oaxaca has some of the most delicious varieties you’ll ever taste. From carne asada to barbacoa and al pastor, Oaxacan tacos are packed with flavor and texture.

🌮 Among the most popular taco options are tacos de guisado (“stew tacos”), barbacoa (BBQ), birria (shredded meat), carne asada (grilled beef), carnitas (fried pork), chorizo (sausage), and pescado (fish).

Tacos al pastor is also a must-try. These tacos feature thin slices of marinated pork cooked on a spit, similar to shawarma, and are often served with pineapple, pico de gallo, cilantro, and lime juice.

Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned Oaxaca Mexican foodie, you can’t go wrong with a plate of delicious tacos from the local street vendors — one of the best Mexico Oaxaca food dishes.

2. Tlayudas

Although some might refer to it as a Mexican-style pizza, the comparison ends there.

🫓 🔥 Tlayuda Oaxaca food is made by toasting a gigantic tortilla on a traditional cooking comal, a large, flat cooking surface commonly used in Oaxacan street food.  

To give the tortilla a rich, smoky flavor, it is smeared with asiento, an unrefined pork lard, before being cooked. 

Once the tortilla is ready, it is topped with refried beans, fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce or cabbage, avocado, Oaxacan string cheese, or quesillo.

This fresh cheese is made by hand and then rolled into a ball, and it is beloved throughout Mexico and beyond. 

The tlayuda is then folded into fourths and can be topped with tasajo or chorizo for those who want to add meat. 

Head to the local markets to find some of the most authentic and delicious versions of this classic Oaxacan dish.

3. Memelas (Memelitas)

Memelas, also known as Memelitas, is a traditional Oaxaca food dish. These small, thick tortillas are cooked on a comal and then topped with beans, cheese, and your choice of meat. 

The tortillas are made with masa, the same dough used for making tortillas, but they’re thicker and have a slightly chewy texture.

After cooking the tortillas, they’re topped with a layer of refried black beans and crumbled queso fresco, a fresh cheese staple in Mexican cuisine. 

For added flavor and heat, various types of meat can be added to the memelas, including chorizo, tasajo (thinly sliced beef that’s been marinated), or cecina (thinly sliced pork). 

Memelas can be found in many street markets throughout Oaxaca, with each vendor putting their own spin on this classic dish.

 🤤 MEMELAS DOÑA VALE

📍 Memelas Dona Vale is located here, in Central de Abastos Market.

You can try memelas in markets all over the city, but there’s one place more popular than the rest—Memelas Doña Vale. Some say it’s among the best places for memelas in Oaxaca, if not the best.

Memelas Doña Vale in Mercado Central de Abastos is a must-try on any Oaxaca City foodie tour. It was even featured on Netflix’s Street Food: Latin America show.

The chef and owner, Doña Vale (Ms. Vale), is known for her memelas and unique salsa morita. This delicious, hand-made salsa uses chile morita, a smoked jalapeño pepper that tastes like smoky chipotle.

4. Tamales Oaxaqueños

Tamales are an iconic Mexican food staple enjoyed across the country in many different variations. 

The basic concept of a tamal involves a mixture of masa, or corn dough, typically filled with meat, vegetables, or other ingredients and then steamed in either a corn husk or a plantain leaf. 

🫔 In Oaxaca, tamales are often made with the same masa mixture as in other regions of Mexico but with the unique addition of a plantain leaf, which gives them a distinctive flavor and texture. 

In Oaxaca, you’ll often hear tamales referred to as “hoja” tamales, with “hoja” being the Spanish word for “leaf.”

Tamales are a staple of Oaxacan cuisine, and you’ll find them sold by street vendors in local markets and small, family-run restaurants throughout the city. 

For those who want to try the best Oaxacan tamales, head to the Tlacolula market on Sundays, where you’ll find a wide variety of mouth-watering tamales, including the classic Oaxacan-style tamales wrapped in plantain leaves.

5.  Tetelas

Another Oaxaca typical food dish, tetelas are great if you are looking for vegetarian options. These small, triangular-shaped hand pies are made with a mixture of masa and black beans, with most tetelas not containing meat. 

They are stuffed with a black bean paste, a common Oaxacan preparation, and quesillo string cheese.

Many tetelas also contain hoja de santa, a leaf from the pepper plant used in many Oaxacan dishes, giving them a unique flavor among Oaxacan street food options.

Tetelas are cooked on a traditional Mexican comal, which gives them a crispy exterior and a soft and chewy interior. Once cooked, they’re served hot, so the quesillo thoroughly melts within the triangular pocket. 

This makes them perfect for eating on the go, as they’re one of the most convenient Oaxaca foods. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, tetelas are a must-try for anyone visiting Oaxaca.

6. Oaxaca Mole

Mole is a beloved and iconic sauce in Oaxacan cuisine, known for its complex blend of spices, chiles, and other ingredients. Oaxaca has seven different types of mole, each with a distinct flavor and appearance. 

The most famous type is mole negro (black mole), made with more than 20 ingredients, including chiles, nuts, fruits, and spices. It’s often served over chicken, pork, turkey or beef, and is an Oaxacan celebratory meal staple. 

Other popular varieties of mole include: mole amarillo (yellow mole), and mole coloradito (red mole).

Yellow mole is made with yellow chiles, and has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Red mole is made with ancho chiles and gets its color from chocolate and tomato. They’re both usually served with rice, and over chicken or turkey.

While mole is often served in restaurants, it’s also a popular street food in Oaxaca, where you can find it smothered over enchiladas, tamales, and even empanadas.

7. Empanada de Mole Amarillo

Empanada de Mole Amarillo is a classic Oaxacan street food that combines mole sauce’s rich and complex flavors with an empanada’s crispy and flaky texture. 

These savory pastries are made with a masa dough filled with shredded chicken, potatoes, and carrots and then smothered in a rich mole sauce.

The mole amarillo sauce is made with various ingredients, including chiles, tomatoes, and spices, and has a distinct yellow color.

The empanadas are then baked or fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that complements the rich and spicy filling.

8. Molotes

These football-shaped savory pastries are made with a thick masa dough filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and meats like chorizo or cecina. The dough is then folded over the filling and fried to a crispy golden brown. 

Molotes are often served with various toppings, such as salsa, crema, and fresh cheese, and are sold by street vendors in local markets and at food stalls throughout Oaxaca.

9. Elotes and Esquites

Quite simply, elote is corn on the cob grilled to perfection. However, elote is taken to the next level by smothering the corn in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime juice. 

The resulting dish is a delicious portable snack perfect for eating on the go. They represent Mexican cuisine’s bold and complex flavors, with a mix of smoky, spicy, and salty flavors.

Esquites are another classic Mexican street food that’s a popular snack for locals and visitors alike. Similar to elote, esquites are made with grilled corn, but the kernels are removed from the cob and served in a cup.

The corn is mixed with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a savory and delicious snack perfect for eating on the go. 

🌭 When getting your esquites, be on the lookout for bandeiras or “Mexican corn dogs.” These two make for a fantastic carnival food-style combo!

10. Chapulines (Mexican Grasshoppers)

Chapulines, or grasshoppers in English, are bite-sized snacks toasted on a comal and seasoned with garlic, lime juice, salt, and chilies. 

Despite their unusual appearance, chapulines are actually delicious, with a flavor that’s been compared to salt and vinegar chips. 

Compared to chips, however, chapulines offer much more protein and are considered a healthier snack. The texture is a bit crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. 

While you can find chapulines throughout Mexico, they’re most popular in Oaxaca State.

You’ll find them sold by the kilo from street vendors and in Oaxacan markets, and you can usually get chapulines at sports events as well. 

Some restaurants in Oaxaca also serve guacamole with chapulines as an appetizer.

11. Nieves

Nieves is a refreshing and delicious Oaxacan street food that’s a must-try during a hot day in the city. 

The name “nieves” means “snow” in Spanish, and it’s essentially a cross between shaved ice and fruit sorbet. Nieves are made with fresh, local fruits or sweet ingredients, which are frozen, shaved, and served. 

You’ll find nieves sold from old-school ice cream carts on the streets of Oaxaca City, and the best place to try them is at the Plaza de las Nieves at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Church. 

Since Central Mexico has a long growing season, there are always interesting and unique flavors of nieves to try, such as tuna (cactus pear), guanabana (soursop), zapote (mamey), maracuyá (passion fruit), and even rose petals.

🍨 OTHER BEST OAXACA DESSERTS

If nieves sound yummy to you, be on the lookout for paletas (popsicles), raspados (shaved ice, sometimes called granizados), and mangonadas (a type of thick mango smoothie).

Oaxaca City Travel Guide and FAQ

🗺️ Oaxaca Map

The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City, you can book direct flights.

🌡️ Oaxaca weather

If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late October for the Day of the Dead through mid-January.

Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.

Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca City fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.

If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May so you have an enjoyable Oaxaca vacation.

⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic and a Oaxaca safety guide, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.

However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — i.e. stay aware of yourself, your belongings, and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.

While you might see this airport called Xoxocotlán International Airport, know that it’s still OAX Airport. There is only one airport in Oaxaca City. ▶Book your Oaxaca flights now!

🚐 Best Oaxaca Airport Transportation

They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.

• Download DiDi Rider for iPhone
• Download DiDi Rider for Android

🚕 Are taxis safe in Oaxaca Mexico?

For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.

I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.

How do you get around Oaxaca City?

Oaxaca City is walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.

If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.

If you want to explore the artisan towns and unique areas surrounding the city, you’ll want another 1-2 full days. 🚗 Oaxaca City Pro Tip: The best way to do this is by renting a car in Oaxaca and driving.

The best things to do near Oaxaca include exploring Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a pueblo magico (magic town), and UNESCO Site.

Also, we recommend a day tour to Monte Alban, a large pre-Columbian archaeological site.

Want to visit the best Oaxaca beaches — including Puerto Escondido, Zipolite, Huatulco, San Agustinillo and Mazunte? Then you’ll want another 3-4 full days.

In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants — and of course, don’t miss these best Oaxaca mezcalerias (mezcal bars).

For a deep dive into this topic, check out this What is Oaxaca famous for? article. In it, you’ll learn even more about what makes Oaxaca unique.

There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.

As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.

I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!

Final Thoughts: Best Oaxaca Street Food Tours​​

Food in Oaxaca Mexico is a standout cuisine not to be missed!

The top 10 street food Oaxaca Mexico tours listed offer a unique and delicious taste of this vibrant city cuisine, showcasing the best of its flavors, traditional preparation methods, and mouth-watering dishes. 

Still undecided on which one to pick? The best food tour in Oaxaca is this Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine Tour, with a perfect 5-Star rating.

From visiting local markets to sampling the best tacos and moles, these tours provide an immersive culinary experience and a better perspective of the Oaxaca food scene. 

If you want to taste the best food in Oaxaca Mexico, book your street food tour today and indulge in the flavors that have made Oaxacan cuisine a standout in Mexico.