4 Moles Oaxacan Cooking Class with Traditional Cook

If you’re craving an authentic culinary experience that dives into Oaxaca’s legendary moles, this cooking class at Casa Crespo offers just that. For about $80 per person, you’ll spend around two and a half hours with Chef Carrizosa, uncovering the secrets behind four of Oaxaca’s most iconic moles, making your own tortillas, and enjoying a sweet finish with Oaxacan chocolate ice cream. Held in the charming Casa Crespo in the heart of Oaxaca City, this experience promises more than just cooking; it’s a journey through history, culture, and flavor.

What we love most about this class is how hands-on it is—you’re not just watching recipes unfold but actively participating in their creation. The other highlight? Learning about the history behind each dish, from pre-Hispanic techniques to the influence of Spanish and Asian ingredients. The only thing to keep in mind is that this class is quite popular—it’s usually booked five days in advance—so planning ahead is a must if you want to secure a spot. Perfect for food lovers, history buffs, or anyone interested in Oaxaca’s vibrant cuisine, this class caters to those who appreciate genuine tastes and stories behind their food.

Key Points

• Authentic Oaxaca cuisine: Learn to prepare four traditional moles with historical context.
• Hands-on experience: Make your own tortillas and enjoy a delicious chocolate ice cream for dessert.
• Knowledgeable guide: Chef Carrizosa shares insights into the evolution of Oaxacan dishes.
• Inclusive: Alcoholic beverages and meals are included, making it a complete culinary outing.
• Small group size: Max 12 travelers for a more intimate, engaging experience.
• Ideal for: Food enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travelers looking for an authentic hands-on activity.

This experience made our article of Oaxaca City’s 15 Top Cooking Classes.

What This Tour Offers: A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting at Casa Crespo on Reforma 808, the class begins at 1:30 pm, placing you right in the midst of Oaxaca’s lively center. The venue itself is a reflection of Oaxaca’s charm—stylish yet warmly welcoming, with the kind of atmosphere that makes diving into a cooking adventure feel natural and fun.

During the session, Chef Carrizosa guides you through the preparation of four different moles: Green, Yellow, Almond, and Red. Each mole reflects a different chapter in Oaxaca’s culinary history. For example, the Green and Yellow moles highlight endemic chilies and ancient techniques, giving you a taste of pre-Hispanic flavors that have endured for centuries. Meanwhile, the Almond and Red moles showcase the blending of indigenous ingredients with influences from Europe and Asia—an example of Oaxaca’s culinary mestizaje.

One of the most engaging parts of the class is learning how these complex sauces are made from scratch. You’ll get to see, smell, and taste the ingredients as they come together, gaining a real appreciation for the skill involved. The class also emphasizes pairing each mole with a different type of tortilla—corn, perhaps, or other local varieties—so you get a true sense of how flavors and textures play off each other.

Chef Carrizosa’s storytelling adds a layer of richness—he explains how these recipes have evolved over time, preserving pre-Hispanic techniques while adapting to new ingredients brought over during colonization. As one reviewer noted, Chef Óscar’s knowledge and passion make the experience not just educational but inspiring, turning a cooking lesson into a culture.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket includes all ingredients, meals, and alcoholic beverages, allowing you to indulge in local flavors while you cook. You’ll walk away with new skills, a better understanding of Oaxaca’s culinary history, and the satisfaction of making four different moles yourself.

Tipping is not included, so if you feel the guide or chef provided exceptional service, gratuities are appreciated but not expected.

While the tour ends back at the starting point, you’ll likely leave with a full stomach and a new appreciation for Oaxaca’s rich culinary traditions.

How It Works: The Practical Details

The class is designed for small groups—maximum of 12 travelers—meaning plenty of personal attention. The timing, starting at 1:30 pm, makes it an easy addition to an afternoon of sightseeing or exploring Oaxaca’s markets and streets. Its central location near public transportation helps with easy access, an important factor for travelers staying in or near the historic center.

Booking is recommended about five days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot. Since the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, it’s best to plan ahead.

Authenticity and Depth: Why This Class Matters

One of the reasons this class stands out is its emphasis on the story behind each dish. According to reviews, Chef Óscar doesn’t just teach recipes—he shares the history and cultural significance of each mole, transforming a simple cooking class into a fascinating lesson on Oaxaca’s identity.

We loved the way the class balances technique and storytelling, offering insights into how ancient ingredients and methods continue to influence modern Oaxacan cuisine. As one reviewer put it, “Chef Oscar gave us an amazing kind of upset,” meaning the aroma, flavor, and preparation process kept everyone engaged and excited.

Plus, the inclusion of tortillas and dessert broadens the experience, giving you a full palette of local flavors to savor. Preparing tortillas from scratch is surprisingly straightforward, yet it’s a skill many travelers miss out on, so this is a real value add.

The Authentic Flavors and Techniques

We found that the four moles represented a spectrum of Oaxaca’s culinary landscape. The Green and Yellow moles, made with endemic chilies, offer a fiery, herbaceous punch rooted in tradition. The Almond and Red moles, on the other hand, are more decadent, reflecting the cross-cultural influences that have shaped Oaxaca’s cuisine over centuries.

What makes this class especially meaningful is the focus on techniques—from grinding chilies to balancing flavors—skills you can take home and use in your own kitchen. Plus, tasting each mole with its paired tortilla underscores the importance of textural contrast in Mexican cuisine, which is often overlooked.

Who Should Take This Class?

This experience is perfect for food lovers who want to go beyond surface-level tasting—it’s ideal if you’re interested in culinary history, authentic techniques, or just love making your own food. Travelers who enjoy meaningful, small-group activities will appreciate the intimacy and personal attention.

If you’re visiting Oaxaca and want a hands-on activity that’s as educational as it is delicious, this class ticks all the boxes. It’s also suited for those who prefer a local, culture-focused experience over touristy attractions.

The 4 Moles Oaxacan Cooking Class at Casa Crespo offers an engaging, flavorful, and educational look into Oaxaca’s storied cuisine. With a passionate guide and a small group setting, you’ll gain practical skills and deep insights into the region’s culinary past and present. It’s a genuine way to connect with Oaxaca’s culture through food, perfect for those who want more than just a meal—they want an experience.

While it might require planning ahead due to its popularity, the value is clear: a memorable, hands-on journey into one of Mexico’s most celebrated food traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, this class is a delightful way to spend an afternoon in Oaxaca, leaving you with new skills, stories, and a full belly of authentic flavors.

How far in advance should I book this class?
It’s best to book about 5 days ahead, as it’s quite popular and tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak times.

What is the duration of the class?
The class lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time to learn, cook, and taste.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the class is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Are drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are included, allowing you to enjoy local flavors while cooking.

Where does the class start and end?
It begins and ends at Casa Crespo, located at Reforma 808 near Oaxaca’s historic center.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
The information provided doesn’t specify dietary accommodations, so it’s best to contact the provider directly at +529511191910 or [email protected] for details.

Is this experience suitable for children or beginners?
While not explicitly specified, the hands-on nature and small group size suggest it’s friendly for beginners, but younger children might need extra supervision.

Will I receive any recipes or instructions?
Typically, yes. You will learn techniques and likely receive recipes to recreate the dishes at home.

Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not included, but if you enjoyed the experience and want to show appreciation, tips are customary.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cooking—expect to get a little messy—and possibly an apron, if provided.

This detailed, balanced look at the 4 Moles Oaxacan Cooking Class highlights its genuine value for travelers eager to experience Oaxaca’s culinary soul firsthand. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to savor more than just sights—who wish to taste history, culture, and tradition in every bite.