Market tour, cooking class & three-course Mexican feast

Exploring the flavors of Mexico becomes a vivid, tactile journey with this Market tour, cooking class, and three-course Mexican feast offered by Martaja in Greater Mexico City. Priced at $161 per person and lasting 6 hours, this experience combines vibrant market exploration with a lively cooking session in a beautifully curated setting. The tour is designed for food lovers eager to learn about Mexico’s culinary roots, from ancient ingredients to colonial influences, and enjoy a homemade feast with drinks included.

While the experience provides a comprehensive immersion into Mexican cooking, it’s worth noting that accessibility might be limited due to the building not having an elevator, and that strict Kosher diets are not accommodated. The tour appeals most to those curious about food history, eager to prepare dishes from scratch, and enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making this a memorable culinary adventure.

Key Points

• 6-hour experience that combines a market tour, cooking class, and feast
• Price of $161 per person, including drinks and recipes emailed after the class
• Visit Mercado Medellín in Roma for an informative 90-minute market tour
• Prepare tamales, mole, and tortillas from scratch under the guidance of a knowledgeable chef
• Enjoy a three-course meal with local linens, artisanal tableware, and drinks
• Small-group or private options available, with flexible scheduling in the morning, afternoon, or evening

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Mexico City’s Mercado Medellín

The tour begins with a one-hour market visit at Mercado Medellín in Roma. This market is the perfect place to see authentic ingredients and observe how Mesoamerican and colonial influences shape the local culinary landscape. The guide explains the historical significance of ingredients and culinary techniques, providing a deeper understanding of Mexican cuisine’s evolution.

Travelers find this market tour both informative and lively, with opportunities to see local produce and specialty items. The guide’s insights about the Spanish conquest’s impact on food culture add an enriching layer. The market visit is approximately 90 minutes long, and if the weather turns rainy, taxi transport is arranged to ensure comfort.

Hands-On Cooking: Tamales, Mole, and Tortillas

Back at a beautiful Condesa home, the cooking begins. In around three hours, participants roll up sleeves to prepare tamales, mole, and tortillas from scratch. All ingredients and guidance are provided, and everyone gets the chance to get their hands dirty with authentic techniques.

The chef’s expertise makes the process accessible, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner. Dietary requirements are generally accommodated, but it’s advisable to communicate special needs beforehand. During the cooking session, small-brand Mexican beer, soft drinks, and local wines or mezcal are available to sip along with the food preparation.

The Three-Course Mexican Feast

Once the cooking is complete, the group gathers around a picture-perfect table set with local linens and artisanal tableware. The feast includes dishes made during the class, served with flavorful sauces and traditional accompaniments. The presentation is as inviting as the flavors, and the setting fosters a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Dessert completes the meal, offering a sweet finish to the culinary journey. As the meal unfolds, everyone can reflect on the history and culture woven into each dish, enhanced by drinks like Mexican wine or mezcal to toast the occasion.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from the entrance of Mercado Medellín, located at the corner of Medellín and Campeche streets. Travelers can easily identify the site by its big sign and can wait in the shade under a large overhang. The group size is kept small or private, with options to reserve in advance and pay later.

If it rains, a taxi is provided to transport guests to the cooking location. The tour mostly takes place in non-accessible buildings—no elevator is available—so travelers with mobility issues should consider this. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the tour involves walking and standing.

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Expert Guidance and a Personal Atmosphere

The guide, Jim, is praised for being knowledgeable, personable, and friendly. His storytelling weaves together food, history, and culture, creating an engaging and informative experience. Guests appreciate how he balances technical cooking tips with contextual stories, making the class both educational and enjoyable.

Jim’s dedication to a warm, relaxed environment is evident, and the small group setting encourages interaction and personalized attention. The informal style of the class fosters a feeling of cooking among friends rather than a formal lesson.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This 6-hour experience excels in offering an authentic taste of Mexican culinary traditions intertwined with history and culture. The market tour provides insights into ingredients and regional specialties, while the hands-on cooking ensures you learn techniques that can be recreated at home.

The beautiful setting, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere make this tour perfect for foodies, history buffs, and anyone looking for a meaningful connection to Mexico’s cuisine. Its flexible scheduling and options for private or small groups enhance its appeal.

However, potential participants should be aware of building accessibility and consider meal timing, as the post-cooking feast occurs after a few hours of activity. Still, the quality of instruction and delicious results make this tour a worthy investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, but strict Kosher diets are not supported. It’s recommended to communicate your needs in advance.

What’s included in the price?
The $161 fee includes a market tour, all ingredients and guidance for preparing tamales, mole, and tortillas, dessert, and drinks like beer, wine, and mezcal. Recipes are sent via email after the class.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with 90 minutes for the market visit, around three hours for cooking, and time to enjoy the feast.

What is the meeting point?
The group meets at the entrance of Mercado Medellín, on the corner of Medellín and Campeche streets. Look for the market’s big sign.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, taxi transport is arranged if it’s raining or for the journey from the market to the cooking location.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The building does not have an elevator, so those with mobility issues should consider this. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby