OAXACA MARKET TOUR & COOKING CLASS

Join us for a chef-led day of culinary immersion and explore the unique ingredients, processes, and recipes that have made Oaxaca a global gastronomic destination.

Every Wednesday, from 9-6 PM

Itinerary

9 AM

We will meet at the Central de Abastos Market in Oaxaca City. This bustling market is a hub of commerce and culture and a living reflection of Oaxaca’s rich heritage and agricultural abundance. The largest market in the state of Oaxaca offers a sensory explosion, with vibrant colors, the aroma of fresh food and spices, and the sounds of vendors calling out to sell their goods. 

Our guides will help you navigate the indoor stalls, open-air areas, and a maze of alleyways filled with vendors to sample the uniquely Oaxacan offerings, such as local heirloom fruits and vegetables, fresh Oaxaca cheese called quesillo, the local delicacy chapulines - roasted and spiced grasshoppers - and mezcal. We’ll shop for fresh, seasonal  ingredients to prepare a delicious meal.

11 AM 

We’ll travel together to the Seasons of my Heart Cooking School located at the Rancho Aurora in Etla, a small agricultural community in a lush setting a half hour outside of Oaxaca City. 

The chef will explain the menu, Oaxacan culinary traditions, and the ingredients and processes we’ll use to prepare our meal. Everyone will grab an apron and enjoy a hands-on experience of preparing dishes step by step, learning techniques and tasting along the way.

3 PM 

Finally, we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor, sitting down to enjoy the meal we prepared together that celebrates the abundance of the season and the range of flavors unique to Oaxaca, accompanied by traditional beverages. 

6 PM 

With new skills and a full tummy under your belt, we’ll return to Oaxaca City and say hasta pronto. 

Meet your Guide

Kaelin Ulrich

Kaelin, the son of famed chef and the founder of the Seasons of My Heart cooking school Susana Trilling, was raised in Oaxaca and developed a deep appreciation for food and Mexican cultural traditions.  Inspired by his mother's commitment to authenticity, Kaelin recognized the transformative power of cooking.

  • Kaelin, Susana’s son, was raised in Oaxaca and developed a deep appreciation for food and Mexican cultural traditions.  Inspired by his mother's commitment to authenticity, Kaelin recognized the transformative power of cooking. He values growing his own produce and sourcing quality ingredients, a practice he learned on his father's tomato farm.

    Kaelin began his culinary career in 2010 as a line cook at Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, TX, progressing to lead line cook at Omni's Mokara Hotel and Spa by 2012. He advanced as a sous chef at Hugo's and Caracol in Houston, TX, then as executive chef at Bajo Sexto Taco in Nashville, TN, located in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Seeking new challenges, he staged at renowned restaurants like Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Eleven Madison Park, and Noma's pop-up in Tulum, MX. By 2018, Kaelin served as a Chef Consultant at the Michelin-starred Oxomoco in Brooklyn, NYC, and later opened La Calenda, an authentic Mexican restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller in Yountville, California.

    Kaelin's journey has now led him to Seasons of My Heart Cooking School, where he has joined as a partner and CEO, bringing his passion for Mexican cuisine and commitment to authenticity.

“The Best Cooking Class in Oaxaca …”

Foodies dream!

An engaging and delicious education on what makes Oaxacan cuisine so special. The tour of the market was an insight into local ingredients and was well organized and explained by Chef Kaelin. Then to the cooking school where a complete 4 course meal is well explained and then supervised as the group cooks from scratch. The dedication to his craft and teaching skills of Chef Kaelin made this a once in a lifetime experience for people eager to learn about Oaxacan cuisine.

Stephen L.

Don't miss this cooking tour....very unique.

This one-day food shopping and cooking tour was amazing. The tour guide and owner, Kaelin Urlich, knows he stuff as a top Mexican chef and son of Susanna Trilling. You should not miss this opportunity to cook authentic and delicious dishes in a beautiful setting with a highly knowledgable host.

Michelle D.

Exceeded our expectations in a thousand delicious ways!

This historical, experiential journey into the Oaxacan food culture exceeded our expectations. It was fun and informative and delicious from start to finish and one we will always remember. We recommend it without a moment's hesitation.

James M.

Book your tour today!

FAQs

  • The market tour and cooking class are primarily conducted in English, but our chefs and guides are fluent in both Spanish and English. You'll have the opportunity to learn new vocabulary and practice your Spanish (or English) with our local staff and fellow participants.

  • We operate tours and cooking classes for a minimum of six and a maximum of 18 attendants.

  • If we need to cancel the class due to low attendance, we will notify you via email by the Monday prior to your scheduled event. You will receive a full refund, along with options to reschedule and a discount on a future class.

  • We are usually able to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please let us know of any requests or allergies when booking the market tour and cooking class.

  • Absolutely! Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a wedding party, we offer customized tours and private cooking classes tailored to your needs. Contact us with your preferred dates and group interests, and we’ll create a memorable experience just for you.

  • Yes! You may join us for the lecture and hands-on cooking class portion of the day, starting at 1 PM. You would need to provide your own transportation to Seasons of my Heart Cooking School and then you can  ride back with the rest of the group.

  • Yes! We love sharing the kitchen with kids and will provide age-appropriate tasks to ensure everyone can participate at a level they're comfortable with.

  • No kitchen experience is necessary! Our friendly staff is always available to assist you, and our recipes provide clear guidance. The lecture portion will cover any tricky parts of the preparation, and your fellow students are typically eager to collaborate. Everyone works together in teams, with tasks suitable for all skill levels. If you'd prefer not to cook, you're welcome to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor the meal!

  • In addition to food items, the Central de Abastos Market offers a variety of artisan goods, including handmade textiles and pottery. Please bring cash (pesos) if you plan to shop at the market.

    Seasons of My Heart Cooking School also has a small on-site store, featuring a selection of our signature products such as mole paste, chocolate, jellies, sea salt, and herbs. You'll also find a variety of pottery, wooden handicrafts, handwoven textiles, and Susana Trilling’s cookbooks, among other unique items. It’s the perfect place to take home a piece of Oaxaca’s culinary and artisanal heritage! Payments are accepted in pesos, US dollars, and credit cards; however, we do not accept personal checks.

    Tips for our talented and hardworking staff are always welcome and can be given in pesos.

  • Yes, simply send us a message via the contact from below and we can help you book the class and give you other payment options.

  • If you need to cancel your class, please notify us as soon as possible by replying to your confirmation email or using the contact form below. We provide:

    • Full Refunds: For cancellations made by the Sunday prior to your scheduled Wednesday Market Tour & Cooking Class.

    • Partial Refunds (50%): For cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance.

    • No Refunds: For same-day cancellations or no-shows.

    Thank you for your understanding!

Still have questions?

Interested in a more in-depth experience?

Join us on a multi-day tour!