Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca
Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca - Tlayuda at Comedor La Soledad in Santa María del Tule
Mexican cuisine is diverse, flavorful and made with fresh ingredients and recipes that span thousands of years. The same techniques that were used then are still being utilized now and traditions are being carried from generation to generation with pride. That’s something that I admire about the Mexican people. The love for their culture.
The region of Oaxaca is no exception and is well-renowned for its food, particularly, its street food. Whether found in restaurants, markets, stalls on street corners or someone’s home, when in Oaxaca, these are the region’s Top 5 must-try foods.
Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca - Tlayuda at Restaurante Coronita in Centro Oaxaca
1. Tlayudas
Tlayudas, sometimes referred to as Clayudas, are a native dish and street food in Oaxaca. It is made with a large, thin, crispy corn tortilla that can be ate open-faced or folded in half. The toppings vary and can be modified but traditionally the dish comes with the following fresh ingredients: shredded quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), a coating of asiento (lard) and frijol negro (refried black bean), lettuce, tomato, avocado and your choice of meat. Popular meat toppings are tasajo (sun-dried beef), cecina (sun-dried pork), shredded chicken, or chorizo (grounded pork sausage). Served with sauce on the side. I recommend a red sauce that has a red chile base.
Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca - Memelitas at Fonda Elvis in Mercado 20 de Noviembre
2. Memelitas
Memelas or Memelitas are considered an antojito or snack in Oaxaca. They are made with fresh masa de maíz (corn dough) pressed in a round/oval shape similar to a smaller-sized tortilla but thicker and topped with fresh ingredients. Like Tlayudas, it has a coating of asiento (lard) and frijol negro (refried black bean) and topped with shredded or chunks of quesillo (Oaxacan cheese) and your choice of meat with sauce drizzled on top. I personally like my sauce on the side. I’m a dipper! Popular meat toppings are tasajo (sun-dried beef), cecina (sun-dried pork), shredded chicken or chorizo (grounded pork sausage).
Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca - Mole negro at Restaurante Coronita in Centro Oaxaca
3. Mole
Mole is a delicious sauce that originates in Oaxaca. I consider it diverse and “all-purpose.” It can be paired with, smothered on or used as a filling. You will typically find it served with rice and meat, smothered on foods like enchiladas or as a filling in tamales Oaxaqueños.
The region has seven types and vary in taste and color according to the ingredients. The seven moles are: negro (black), rojo (red), coloradito (reddish), amarillo (yellow), verde (green), chichilo (beef stock), and manchamantel/table cloth stainer (fruity) and their ingredients range from chile and other spices, herbs and vegetables, chocolate, fruits, meats and can be thickened with masa de maíz (corn dough).
Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca - Tamales from a local Doña in San Sebastián Tutla
4. Tamales de Mole
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf or corn husk and vary in how it’s made depending on the region in Mexico. Therefore, Tamales aren’t native to Oaxaca, however, when filled with mole they are native to the region.
Tamales de Mole from Oaxaca are wrapped in a banana leaf and made with masa de maíz (corn dough), mole and shredded chicken.
Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca - Chapulines near Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Centro Oaxaca
5. Chapulines
Chapulines are grasshoppers and a delicacy in Oaxaca. They are a great source of protein and served toasted and seasoned with salt, lime, garlic and chile powder. They are ate by themselves as a snack, served as an appetizer, or accompanied with mezcal or an alcoholic beverage. They can be found at the market or street corners mounted high and sold by the scoop.
Have you tried any of these dishes? Tell me about your experience or if you look forward to trying them soon.
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Enjoy,
-Natali-
Photos are owned by the author Natali Martinez