Market Tour & Cooking class
From the land of Oaxaca to our table
A chef-led day of culinary immersion
Immerse yourself into the biggest market of Oaxaca and learn about the foods from different regions and their cultural significance. In small groups, led by Chef Kaelin and Chef Alex, you will taste and learn about traditional foods and beverages. Afterwards we will travel together to the cooking school for a hands on class and prepare five-course meal.
Every Wednesday
Starting at 9am to 4pm
What to expect
9am
We will meet at the Central de Abastos Market in Oaxaca City. This bustling market is a hub of commerce and culture and a living reflection of Oaxaca’s rich heritage and agricultural abundance. The largest market in the state of Oaxaca offers a sensory explosion, with vibrant colors, the aroma of fresh food and spices, and the sounds of vendors calling out to sell their goods.
Our guides will help you navigate the indoor stalls, open-air areas, and a maze of alleyways filled with vendors to sample the uniquely Oaxacan offerings, such as local heirloom fruits, vegetables and herbs, fresh Oaxaca cheese called quesillo, the local delicacy chapulines and different kinds of dried chiles. We will have an opportunity to try all the flavors of tamales, barbacoa and the iconic beverage of the gods tejate.
12Pm
We’ll travel together to the Seasons of my Heart Cooking School located at the Rancho Aurora in Etla, a small agricultural community in a lush setting a half hour outside of Oaxaca City.
Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by the team and learn more about the story of the cooking school and why Susana settled on this magical piece of land.
The chef will explain the menu, Oaxacan culinary traditions, and the ingredients and processes we’ll use to prepare our meal. Everyone will grab an apron and enjoy a hands-on experience of preparing dishes step by step, learning techniques and tasting along the way.
3PM
Finally, we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor, sitting down to enjoy the meal we prepared together that celebrates the abundance of the season and the range of flavors unique to Oaxaca, accompanied by traditional beverages.
5PM
With new skills and a full tummy under your belt, we’ll be driven back to Oaxaca City and say hasta pronto.
Spend a day in our kitchen
Choose your date and we'll take care of the rest. Transportation, ingredients, recipes — everything is included. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before.
What guest say
Frequently Asked Questions
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The market tour and cooking class are primarily conducted in English, but our chefs and guides are fluent in both Spanish and English. You'll have the opportunity to learn new vocabulary and practice your Spanish (or English) with our local staff and fellow participants.
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We operate tours and cooking classes for a minimum of six and a maximum of 18 attendants.
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If we need to cancel the class due to low attendance, we will notify you via email by the Monday prior to your scheduled event. You will receive a full refund, along with options to reschedule and a discount on a future class.
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We are usually able to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please let us know of any requests or allergies when booking the market tour and cooking class.
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Please contact us as soon as possible at info.seasonsofmyheart@gmail.com or by phone at + 52 951 508 0469 (from the United States) or from Oaxaca at 951 508 0469.
*If you are unable to come the day of the class, please let us know and we really appreciate it!
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Absolutely! Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a wedding party, we offer customized tours and private cooking classes tailored to your needs. Contact us with your preferred dates and group interests, and we’ll create a memorable experience just for you.
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Yes! You may join us for the lecture and hands-on cooking class portion of the day, starting at 1 PM. You would need to provide your own transportation to Seasons of my Heart Cooking School and then you can ride back with the rest of the group.
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All of our guides speak English and are highly qualified to guide you through the market as you meet the vendors and taste their wares. Kaelin Ulrich Trilling typically conducts the market tour and lecture besides supervising the cooking portion.
When he is not available, another member of our staff, Alex also leads the tour, lecture and cooking portion of the class. Classes led by Alex are identified on the website.
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Our Wednesday classes usually feature an appetizer, soup, salad, mole or main dish with tortillas and a dessert, featuring seasonal ingredients. They change constantly so it is possible to take more than one class and have a different menu each time. We try to accommodate dietary restrictions/requests as much as possible, but please let us know in advance.
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Depending the size of the group, you will be preparing one of the five courses on your own or another person of the group. You’ll receive the recipe and instructions from the staff.
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Yes! We love sharing the kitchen with kids and will provide age-appropriate tasks to ensure everyone can participate at a level they're comfortable with.
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No kitchen experience is necessary! Our friendly staff is always available to assist you, and our recipes provide clear guidance. The lecture portion will cover any tricky parts of the preparation, and your fellow students are typically eager to collaborate. Everyone works together in teams, with tasks suitable for all skill levels. If you'd prefer not to cook, you're welcome to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor the meal!
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In addition to food items, the Central de Abastos Market offers a variety of artisan goods, including handmade textiles and pottery. Please bring cash (pesos) if you plan to shop at the market.
Seasons of My Heart Cooking School also has a small on-site store, featuring a selection of our signature products such as mole paste, chocolate, jellies, sea salt, and herbs. You'll also find a variety of pottery, wooden handicrafts, handwoven textiles, and Susana Trilling’s cookbooks, among other unique items. It’s the perfect place to take home a piece of Oaxaca’s culinary and artisanal heritage! Payments are accepted in pesos, US dollars, and credit cards; however, we do not accept personal checks.
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If you need to cancel your class, please notify us as soon as possible by replying to your confirmation email or using the contact form below. We provide:
Full Refunds: For cancellations made by the Sunday prior to your scheduled Wednesday Market Tour & Cooking Class.
Partial Refunds (50%): For cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance.
No Refunds: For same-day cancellations or no-shows.
Thank you for your understanding!
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Tips for our talented and hardworking staff are always welcome.
Still have questions?
Reach us by Whatsapp +52 951-508-0469