Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal

Discover the Art of Making Tamales in Mexico City

If you’re craving a hands-on experience that connects you directly with Mexican culinary traditions, the Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal offers a charming way to immerse yourself. For around $75 per person, you’ll spend approximately three and a half hours in an intimate, lively setting led by a knowledgeable local chef. Nestled in the heart of Mexico City, this tour takes place in a cozy apartment where you’ll learn to craft various styles of tamales, from the classic Mexican to the Oaxaqueños variation, all topped off with a rooftop feast and drinks.

What makes this experience stand out are two things we really appreciate: First, the small-group format ensures plenty of personalized guidance, making even novice cooks feel confident. Second, the combination of hands-on culinary learning and stunning rooftop views elevates the outing from a typical cooking class to a memorable cultural event.

However, a word of caution — one review mentions a no-show by the host, Arturo, which highlights the importance of good communication and perhaps some flexibility. This tour is best suited for travelers eager to learn authentic Mexican recipes in a relaxed atmosphere, especially those who enjoy tasting their own creations while soaking in city vistas afterward.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Hands-on tamale making guided by a local chef in a private apartment.
• Cultural Insight: Learn the history and regional variations of tamales in Mexico.
• Culinary Fun: Prepare multiple styles, including Mexican and Oaxaqueños tamales.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy your creations with drinks and lively conversation.
• Great Views: End the tour with a rooftop meal overlooking Mexico City.
• Small Group: Intimate setting with a maximum of 7 travelers for personalized attention.

In-Depth Review: Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Food Lovers

When we think about truly connecting with a place through its cuisine, a cooking class like this stands out. It’s not just about following recipes — it’s about understanding the cultural significance behind each step, and that’s exactly what Arturo’s tamales class offers. As you step into his apartment, you’re welcomed into a warm, convivial environment that feels more like a dinner party than a formal lesson.

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully curated. You start at Liverpool 61 in Juárez, a convenient location near public transportation, making it easy for travelers to join without fuss. From there, Arturo leads you through the process of making different styles of tamales. The class covers both traditional Mexican methods and regional twists like Oaxaqueños tamales, which use banana leaves and a different masa (dough). The step-by-step guidance allows you to get hands-on, kneading the masa, filling, wrapping, and steaming your tamales, all while chatting about their history and significance.

One of the most engaging parts? The drinks. You can sip Mexican wine or craft beer as you work, making the process relaxed and fun. Many guests highlight how enjoyable it is to prepare food in a lively, social environment rather than in a sterile kitchen. The lively conversation, shared laughter, and collective effort make the class feel like a gathering of friends rather than a formal lesson.

The culmination of the experience is the rooftop meal, where you sit down with your tamales, enjoy a refreshing drink, and take in panoramic views of Mexico City. Several reviews mention how much they loved this part — the stunning vistas and the delicious food combine to create a memorable finale.

Authenticity and Quality of Guidance

One of the biggest draws is Arturo himself, reported as “lovely, awesome, and knowledgeable” by a satisfied guest. His passion for Mexican cuisine shines through as he shares tips and stories that deepen your understanding of tamales’ significance in Mexican culture. But, as one review warns, it’s worth double-checking communication, since Arturo did miss a scheduled session for some guests. Such rare hiccups highlight the importance of confirming details before booking or having a backup plan.

The Food and Drinks

Guests rave about the delicious tamales they make, with some describing the experience as fun enough to keep kids entertained. The class produces a variety of tamale styles, offering insights into regional differences. You’ll learn how each variation differs in ingredients, preparation, and presentation — knowledge that will stay with you long after your trip.

The drinks add an extra layer of enjoyment. Mexican wine or craft beer complements the cooking, elevating the experience further. Many reviewers appreciated this casual, convivial atmosphere.

The Rooftop Setting

The rooftop view is a highlight. Many travelers find this part of the tour to be the perfect way to relax after cooking. The open-air terrace provides a striking backdrop as you savor your homemade tamales, making it not just a meal but a true taste of local life and scenery.

Practical Details and Considerations

This tour lasts about three and a half hours, a manageable length for most travelers. The small group size (up to 7) ensures plenty of interaction, but it also means that last-minute cancellations or no-shows like the one reported can sometimes happen. It’s a good idea to confirm your booking and clarify the meeting arrangements.

The cost of $75.21 per person is reasonable when you consider the value of learning authentic recipes, the guided instruction, drinks, and a rooftop meal. Compared to dining out for similar quality local cuisine, this experience offers a personal and educational twist that can deepen your appreciation for Mexican food.

The activity includes mobile tickets, making it easy to access and organize. Plus, the flexible timing — with options for different dates and times — caters to various travel schedules.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to get their hands dirty and learn how to make genuine Mexican tamales. It’s especially suitable for families or groups wanting a relaxed, social outing with a cultural twist. Travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences and enjoy sharing meals with new friends will find this especially rewarding.

However, those expecting a perfectly punctual guide should be aware that there’s a small risk of scheduling mishaps, as some reviews indicate. It’s also ideal for those comfortable with a somewhat casual setting and open to enjoying a meal in a lively, informal environment.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, as one guest mentioned, kids can have fun learning and participating in the cooking process, especially if they enjoy hands-on activities.

What is included in the price?
You’ll receive hands-on instruction from a professional chef, drinks such as Mexican wine or craft beer, and a rooftop meal featuring the tamales you prepare.

Can I book a different time or date?
Yes, if you’re interested in a different schedule, just ask — the host is happy to accommodate various requests.

What is the meeting point?
The activity begins at Liverpool 61 in Juárez, CDMX, a central location near public transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including cooking, socializing, and enjoying the rooftop meal.

What if Arturo doesn’t show up?
There’s a risk, as one review mentions Arturo did not arrive at the scheduled time. It’s worth confirming your booking and checking for recent updates.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes, drinks are offered to guests aged 18 and over, with options of Mexican wine or craft beer.

Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

What makes this experience unique?
The combination of authentic cooking, cultural storytelling, and a scenic rooftop setting makes this tour special compared to standard food classes.

Final Thoughts

The Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal in Mexico City offers a delightful way to connect with local culinary traditions in a welcoming and lively environment. You’ll learn authentic recipes, enjoy good company, and end the experience with stunning views and tasty food. It’s especially suited for travelers who love hands-on activities, appreciate cultural storytelling, and want a break from traditional sightseeing.

While small hiccups like a no-show can happen, the overall value of learning from a knowledgeable host, coupled with a relaxed social atmosphere and scenic rooftop dining, makes this a worthwhile addition to your Mexico City adventure.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, this experience promises an authentic taste of Mexico you won’t forget — all for a reasonable price. Just remember to confirm your booking and enjoy the lively, flavorful journey into Mexican cuisine!