Oaxaca Food: What to Eat and Where to Find It
1. The 7 Moles
Oaxaca is famous for its moles, exquisite dishes that can contain up to 30 ingredients. The name “mole” comes from the Nahuatl word “mulli,” meaning ground, because the traditional preparation method involves using volcanic stones to grind all the ingredients until achieving a homogeneous consistency, which is not exactly a paste.
Don’t miss trying the seven traditional moles: mole negro, mole colorado, mole amarillo, mole verde, mole chichilo, mole manchamanteles, and mole rojo. Each mole reflects the diverse regions and cultures of Oaxaca, so be sure to try them all, or at least as many as you can. I recommend starting at the markets, such as Mercado 20 de Noviembre or Mercado de La Merced.
Another tip is to ask for a mole tasting. Nowadays, it’s common to get a small plate with a scoop of different moles accompanied by a few tortillas for dipping. This is a great way to sample a variety without being overwhelmed by a large portion of mole, rice, and meat.
tip is to ask for a Mole tasting, now days is commond to get an small plate with an scoop of different options and a few tortillas to dip them on the Moles. This is a much easier way to get started so you don´t get over served with a huge portion of Mole, rice and meat.
2. Memelas
It’s one of the most popular breakfasts in Oaxaca, and you better know why. This is a small and thick tortilla open served with a layer of pork lard named “Asiento,” then covered with Black Beans and Queso (fresh chees) or Quesillo (shredded cheese). It may also have some meat, such as beef or Chorizo (pork).
It is very common to find them on the street stands early in the morning, near schools, hospitals, offices, or in plazas, and of course, at Markets. Nowadays, one of the most popular stands is Memelas Doña Vale, located at Mercado de Abastos.
3. Garnachas
Garnachas are one of the most popular dishes in Istmo de Tehuantepec, one of the eight regions of the state of Oaxaca. Located in the southern part of the state, this region is the narrowest part of the country, situated between the Mexican Gulf and the Pacific.
These are small tortillas topped with beef and tomato salsa, all fried in oil and then topped with pickled cabbage and carrots, and old cheese as a cherry on top. Garnachitas are more of a dinner dish easy to find in family businesses from Istmo region. Visit Mercado Orgánico La Cosecha for the best Garnachitas in town.
