Mexico City offers a playground for food lovers and curious travelers alike. With its bustling markets, vibrant culinary scene, and welcoming locals, it’s a place where you can learn new skills while enjoying culture. We particularly love experiences such as the Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit for its lively market tour and hands-on lessons. Or, if cocktails and traditional dishes are your thing, the Mexican Cooking Class & Cocktails offers a fun mix of learning and tasting. Whether you want to master salsas, make churros, or cook like a local in a private home, Mexico City’s workshops promise memorable experiences that connect you with the city’s flavors and traditions.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of cooking classes, market tours, and specialty workshops designed to bring you closer to Mexico City’s culinary soul. From group experiences like the Essence of Mexico to private lessons with chefs and historians, there’s something suited for every interest and budget. Prices range from $67.97 for churros to $215 for a detailed market and cooking tour, all with excellent reviews and authentic insights. Read on to find the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit in Mexico City
At number 1, this hands-on cooking class kicks off with a visit to a local market—an essential part of Mexican cuisine—and then moves to a professional kitchen. Led by a passionate local chef, you’ll learn tips and techniques for making classic dishes like tortillas, guacamole, and salsas. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and you can choose between a morning or evening session. The reviews highlight how fun and engaging this class is, with participants loving the chance to prepare food alongside new friends and take home authentic recipes. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to experience Mexican food from the ground up.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies who want an immersive, interactive experience in Mexico City’s culinary traditions, all in just a few hours.
2. Essence of Mexico: Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour
Positioned at number 2, this tour takes you into Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most fashionable neighborhoods. It includes shopping at a local market, followed by a 4-course meal prepared in a private studio. The class is highly praised for its detailed recipes, including appetizers, mains, and dessert, with drinks like agua fresca and alcohol to enhance the experience. Guests mention how Mariana and Lorena make the tour approachable and fun, with some noting how the market tour itself is an eye-opener into Mexican ingredients. The combination of market exploration and kitchen time makes this a well-rounded, culinary journey.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Mexico, combining market visits with cooking and drinking in a relaxed setting.
3. Mexican Cooking Class & Cocktails in Mexico City
Number 3 on our list offers a lively experience combining Mexican cuisine and cocktail-making. Led by expert instructors, you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes like sopes and flan, while also mastering Mexican cocktails. The reviews note how engaging and fun the class is, especially with the chance to visit a nearby market beforehand. This experience suits those eager to learn kitchen skills and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere, complete with drinks and authentic food. It’s a perfect introduction for first-timers or those wanting a culinary snapshot of Mexico City.
Bottom Line: Great for social butterflies and first-time visitors wanting a fun, practical cooking class with drinks included.
4. Private Mexican Cooking Class with Gastronomic Historian, Lucia
In fourth place, this private experience offers a deep dive into Mexico’s culinary history. Hosted in San Ángel, Lucía combines her expertise as a gastronomic historian with her cooking skills. You’ll learn to prepare dishes like chiles en nogada and traditional moles, then enjoy your meal in her beautiful garden. Guests appreciate her storytelling approach, enriching the cooking process with cultural context. The private setting ensures a personalized experience, making it ideal for couples or small groups seeking an authentic, in-depth lesson.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers interested in the stories behind Mexican dishes and seeking a tailored, intimate experience.
5. Churros Master Class with Mexican Pastry Chef
Number 5 is a sweet treat—an interactive churros-making class led by a local pastry chef. In just two hours, you’ll learn dough prep, frying secrets, and how to make Mexican ganache. Participants rave about the fun, relaxed atmosphere, and many mention how satisfying it is to enjoy the freshly made churros with coffee or hot chocolate. This workshop is perfect for families, couples, or anyone with a sweet tooth wanting to master a classic Mexican pastry.
Bottom Line: An affordable, fun, and delicious way to learn one of Mexico’s most beloved desserts.
6. Private San Angel Tour & Cooking Class in Mexico City with Lucia
Number 6 combines a market tour with a private cooking class led by Lucia, lasting about five hours. It starts with exploring San Ángel’s local market, then continues at her home for cooking a seasonal Mexican menu. Reviewers highlight Lucia’s warm hospitality and her ability to make the experience both educational and enjoyable. It’s best suited for those wanting a comprehensive, personal tour that ends with a delightful meal.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a longer, more thorough immersion into Mexican ingredients and cuisine.
7. Mastering Mexican Salsas Cooking Class and Market Tour
Number 7 focuses on salsas, the backbone of Mexican flavor. Over 4.5 hours, you’ll make up to 10 different salsas, paired with tacos and appetizers. The class includes a vibrant market tour, where you learn how locals select ingredients. The reviews praise the detailed instruction and how participants leave with new skills to recreate these salsas at home. It’s ideal for salsa aficionados or cooks wanting to understand Mexican flavor profiles.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, hands-on class for those who want to elevate their salsa game.
8. Mexican Street Tacos Hands-on Cooking Class and Market Tour
Number 8 is dedicated to mastering Mexico’s most famous street food—tacos. The class lasts about 4.5 hours, starting with a market tour followed by making tacos, salsas, and tortillas. Participants enjoy the communal atmosphere and sample drinks like beer and cocktails, with recipe cards to take home. The reviews commend the relaxed vibe and the chance to learn how to reproduce authentic street tacos.
Bottom Line: Perfect for taco lovers who want to learn traditional techniques in a fun, social setting.
9. Mexico City: Mexican Cooking Class
This 3-hour class offers a simple, enjoyable introduction to Mexican cooking in a cozy environment. Running just about the length of an afternoon, it’s great for travelers who want to get their hands dirty without a lengthy commitment. The instructor emphasizes authentic techniques, and reviews note the personalized attention from experienced chefs. It’s ideal for those new to Mexican cuisine or short on time.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, friendly way to learn essential Mexican dishes in a relaxed setting.
10. Market Tour and Home Cooking Class in Mexico City with Margarita
Number 10 takes you into a local home with Margarita, combining a market visit with a personalized cooking experience lasting around four hours. Visitors love how intimate and welcoming it feels, with many praising Margarita’s hospitality and her hands-on approach. The class includes dishes like tortilla soup and salsas, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want a homestyle, private experience that combines market exploration and cooking.
11. A Mexican Cooking Class
This 6-hour class offers a comprehensive deep-dive into Mexican cuisine, including a traditional breakfast in Coyoacán and a full meal with drinks and mezcal tasting. It’s ideal for those wanting a full day of culinary immersion with personalized guidance from professional chefs. The reviews mention how much fun it is to learn in a relaxed, friendly setting, making it perfect for serious food lovers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers eager for an in-depth experience and a full day of cooking, tasting, and exploring.
12. Private Market Tour, Cooking Class in Mexico City with Alex & Ale
Number 12 offers a personalized tour of San Juan Market followed by a private cooking lesson. The experience lasts about four hours, with flexible dish choices like chicken in mole. Reviewers enjoy the friendly hosts and the chance to learn about rare ingredients, making it great for those wanting a more intimate, culinary-focused outing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food geeks who want to explore rare ingredients and enjoy a tailored cooking session in a home environment.
13. Medellín Market Tour, Cooking Class and 3-course Mexican Feast
This 6-hour experience combines a market tour at Mercado Medellín with a multi-course cooking class in La Condesa. You’ll learn to make tamales, tortillas, and salsas, then eat everything along with drinks like mezcal and wine. The reviews praise the lively atmosphere and the many dishes you get to prepare. It’s perfect for those wanting a full Mexican culinary experience.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want to combine market exploration with a complete, multi-course cooking adventure.
14. Traditional Cooking Class in Mexico City at Margarita’s Home
This 4.5-hour private class focuses on making traditional dishes in a home setting. Margarita’s warm hospitality and her ability to teach in English and Spanish get many good reviews. You’ll learn to cook 2-3 dishes and sit down to enjoy your meal in her cozy space.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a personal, home-style cooking experience with a friendly host.
15. Mexico City: Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour
Number 15 offers a 4.5-hour hands-on class that includes visiting Mercado de Medellín. You’ll cook in an inviting studio and enjoy a 4-course lunch paired with Mexican craft beer and wine. The reviews back its value and fun atmosphere, ideal for those wanting to learn with an expert.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a guided, social cooking experience with good eats and drinks.
16. Coyocán: Market Tour and Cooking Class
Our final pick is a 5-hour cultural and culinary tour in Coyoacán, combining a market visit with a cooking class that highlights Mexico’s UNESCO-recognized gastronomy. The experience is LGBTQ+ friendly and offers options for various diets, making it inclusive. Reviewers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Mexican cuisine in a local setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a culturally rich and inclusive experience that emphasizes Mexico’s culinary traditions.
How to Choose Your Perfect Workshop or Class
When selecting a workshop in Mexico City, consider your budget, available time, and what kind of experience excites you most. For a quick but immersive intro, the Mexican Cooking Class & Cocktails is excellent. If you want a deep dive into Mexican history with food, the Private Mexican Cooking Class with Lucia is outstanding.
For those seeking a more casual, fun experience with sweet treats, the Churros Master Class is perfect. Travelers desiring a full-day culinary journey should consider the A Mexican Cooking Class, which includes breakfast and mezcal tasting.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private experiences or popular classes like the Market Tour and Home Cooking with Margarita, to secure your preferred date.
Mexico City offers a fantastic variety of workshops and classes that go beyond just tasting. Whether you want to learn authentic Mexican recipes, explore local markets, or simply have fun making churros or tacos, these experiences will enrich your trip and help you take home more than just souvenirs. For a true taste of Mexico, pick the experience that matches your curiosity and dive in—you won’t regret it.