Best Food in Oaxaca: Restaurants, Street Food, Etc.

Food in Oaxaca City is incredible! It is one of the gastronomic heavens of the world. I believe it is one of those places you visit to eat your heart out. (The beautiful architecture and lush mountains are a bonus!). Below is a list of some of the best food in Oaxaca. And of course, it also includes some beverages. This article also includes:

• A word on safety in Oaxaca City.
• Food-related activities you may enjoy (especially as a solo traveler)
• Helpful resources on planning your trip
• Items you may wish to add to your packing list.
• Top FAQs answered about visiting Oaxaca City.

A tlayuda is my favourite thing to eat in Oaxaca. It’s basically a cross between a quesadilla and pizza. (Some places serve it open-face pizza style, while others fold it over quesadilla style). The tortilla is crispy (often toasted or fried), spread with lard, and filled with refried beans, cabbage or shredded lettuce, Oaxaca cheese, and salsa. It can be topped with your choice of meat. You can pick up a tlayuda from one of the many markets in Oaxaca, such as Mercado 20 de Noviembre. However, my favorite spot is Tlayudas El Negro. It’s a local charming spot, about a 20 minute walk from the city centre. (The tlayudas there are massive!).

Tamales in Oaxaca are unique from others found in Mexico. They have a sweeter taste as their dough parcels are steamed with banana leaves. You can get them filled with usual meat such as chicken, pork, and beef. But in Oaxaca you also have the option of mole filled tamales. Grab one from Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Corn mixed with mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese with some spices and hot sauce is a popular Oaxaca street food. You can find these food stands close by Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán.

Honestly, I was not adventurous enough to try chapulines in Oaxaca. But you can find these grasshoppers and a few other insects in many of the markets. They are often fried whole and according to a friend, they are crunchy and salty. And apparently you can get them flavored.

Read more posts on travel in Mexico:
Best Beach in Tulum
Where to Stay in Tulum
Things to do in Bacalar

Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce. Oaxaca in particular is known for mole negro. It is made with lard or chicken stock, alongside a number of spices and thickeners. (I believe there are at least 20 ingredients!). You can find mole  at many restaurants in Oaxaca, but if you are looking for a vegan alternative, drop by Hiebra Dulce. They have seven different types. And it is served with tortillas so it’s pretty filling.

Oaxaca is also known for its stringy white cheese. (Think mozzarella, but dare I say, better). You can find it in tlayudas, tacos, quesdillas, and more in the city. Pick some up at Mercado Benito Juarez, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, or one of the other markets.

Read more: Best Travel Purses

Memelas are a typical appetizer in Oaxaca City. They are usually made from a corn dough and thicker than tortillas. Similar to a tlayuda, they are spread with lard and refried beans, with cheese sprinkled on top. They are a staple you can find at nearly any Mexican restaurant in the city.

Well, this is more of a “must-drink” in Oaxaca City. A tejate is a beverage made primarily from toasted corn and cacao. If you’re in any of the markets, you can spot this drink as it’s typically served from a massive ceramic bowl.

Nieves is traditional ice cream made in Oaxaca. It is actually made from water and fruits which makes it a natural treat. You can find a few places selling the ice cream in a number of flavors by Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.

Tetelas are another popular appetizer in Oaxaca City. They are made from corn masa and filled with black beans. A popular spot for them is Restaurante Baltazar which is located in Centro.

Read more posts on food in Mexico:
Best Breakfast in Tulum
Best Restaurants in Puerto Escondido 
Best Tacos in Tulum

Another must-drink in Oaxaca City (if you enjoy alcohol) is mezcal. There are tons of local distilleries in the city where you can sip on mezcal. (And it is also sold in the markets). If you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail, try a Mezcalita. It is mezcal topped with lime juice and simple syrup, and then with fruit juice (majority are made with orange juice).

The one pictured below is from one of my favorite restaurants, Boulenc. The food here is delicious, especially the pizza! Also, they have a takeout bakery next door to the restaurant. Be warned though that they are quite popular with long wait times. It’s well worth it. Oh and they have a happy hour. 2 for 1 mezcalitas anyone?

Crema de mezcal is a delicious alternative to sipping mezcal straight. It is available in a ton of flavors such as hazelnut, vanilla, pistachio, strawberry, etc. Look for the colorful bottles in the local markets in Oaxaca City. You can find them in various sizes including single shot servings. (I may have packed my suitcase with a handful of these…).

What’s your favorite food in Oaxaca? Share in the comments!
Follow @RexAngelTravel on Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok.

Oaxaca City is definitely safe, but keep your usual street smarts in mind. As a solo female traveler, I never felt alarmed. I was always cautious of my surrounding sand stayed in well-lit areas at night. That being said, as a safety blanket, I do advocate for travel insurance. If applicable to you, check with your employee benefits to see if you are covered. Otherwise, I like World Nomads as it’s quite reputable and provides 24-hour assistance.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h4″ question-0=”What is the most popular food in Oaxaca?” answer-0=”Tlayudas are the most popular food in Oaxaca.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h4″ question-1=”How dangerous is Oaxaca?” answer-1=”Compared to other parts of Mexico, Oaxaca is relatively safe. Use the same street smarts you would anywhere.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h4″ question-2=”Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?” answer-2=”Absolutely. Oaxaca City provides a more authentic experience in Mexico when compared to popular tourist hotspots such as Cancun or Cabo.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h4″ question-3=”How do you get around Oaxaca?” answer-3=”If you stay in the city centre, then you can get to place places by walking. For day trips, renting a car, taking a public tour, or hiring private transportation is best.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h4″ question-4=”How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?” answer-4=”I recommend staying at least 3 days to experience the city centre and nearby site. However, if you can stretch it to 4-5 days, that would be even better.” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”true” css_class=””]