From Market to Mole: My Culinary Deep Dive in Mexico City!

I just wrapped up an utterly delicious and enlightening week in Mexico City, and let me tell you, my kitchen skills (and my stomach!) are forever changed. My main objective for this trip wasn't the typical tourist circuit, but an intensive dive into the heart of Mexican gastronomy. I was on a mission to enhance my culinary repertoire, and CDMX delivered three fantastic hands-on experiences!

Friday: The Full Immersion with Aura Cocina Mexicana

My deep dive started on Friday with the "Essence of Mexico: Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Market Experience" at Aura Cocina Mexicana in the vibrant Roma Norte. Led by the fantastic Chef Netzi, this was the gold standard of culinary classes.

We kicked off the day with a fascinating and delicious tour of Mercado de Medellín. Wandering through the stalls, sampling ingredients, and learning about their history and significance was a genuine education.

Back in their beautiful studio, it was time to cook! We created a full, multi-course meal, mastering some iconic dishes:

• Street Appetizers: Learning to shape and cook sopes and make two different, authentic molcajete salsas was a highlight.

• White Mole: The star of the show! It's an acclaimed dish, and making it from scratch, served with handmade corn tortillas, was a truly special experience.

• Dessert: We finished with a comforting corn bread paired with traditional hot chocolate.

This class wasn't just about recipes; it was a connection to the rich tapestry of Mexican culture. Highly recommend Aura Cocina Mexicana for a complete, immersive experience!

Thursday: History on a Plate with Lucía

Mid-week, I had a special, private session with Lucía, an expert in Mexican gastronomic traditions and a true culinary historian. Meeting her at her home in San Angel provided a wonderfully intimate setting.

Lucía's approach was all about the history and seasonality of the dishes. This class focused on some of Mexico's most revered and complex dishes. I got hands-on experience learning the techniques behind:

• Pre-Columbian Mole Sauces: Understanding the incredible complexity and history of these sauces was mind-blowing.

• Chiles en Nogada: Getting to prepare this gorgeous, celebratory dish—often considered Mexico’s national dish—was an absolute treat!

Lucía's knowledge made the entire experience feel like a delicious walk through history.

Sunday: Tacos, Markets, and Michelin Stars

To wrap up the week, I joined Veronica for a final, energetic culinary adventure! This session mixed market exploration with a focus on one of the great foundations of Mexican food: salsas.

We toured the vibrant San Cosme Market in the beautiful San Rafael colony. The pre-cooking highlight? A stop at the only taqueria in all of Mexico City with a Michelin star! Talk about inspiration.

Then, it was all hands on deck to create incredible sauces:

• Fried, Fresh, and Creamy Tatemada Salsas: Veronica taught me how to master different textures and flavor profiles, ensuring I can bring authentic Mexican heat back home.

Sitting down to enjoy our freshly made salsas, paired with refreshing Agua de Jamaica or Horchata, was the perfect way to cap off my week of intensive learning.

👩‍🍳 The Takeaway

I arrived in Mexico City loving Mexican food; I left with a profound respect for the skill, history, and incredible range of its cuisine. From the complexity of the white mole to the perfect balance in a simple salsa, I've got a notebook full of techniques and memories I can't wait to recreate.

If you're a serious food lover, ditch the standard souvenir shopping and book a class (or three!)—it's the absolute best way to experience Mexico City.

Have you ever taken a cooking class while traveling? Tell me about your favorite dish!