Essence Of Mexico: Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour

Mariana was an amazing chef and teacher. My husband and I learned so much. A highlight of our first trip to Mexico City!

Seriously, fantastic experience Great food, great guide, great tour A+ travel experience

Pame was spectacular… so efficient, very warm and patient.. the meal was so thoughtfully planned and Pame was so efficient… 10 stars… my daughter and I had such a wonderful time and the other visitors were lovely….

Chef Pame was the star of the show during this outstanding cooking class. There were vegetarian and gluten-free options available. We started with an appetizer and agua fresca while Pame introduced us to evolution of Mexican cuisine. She then guided us through Mercado Medellín, which included samples of fresh tortillas, chocolate, insects, and local fruits. Upon returning, Pame's energy was infectious. She provided high-energy, educational, and hands-on guidance to all the prep stations. We made sopes, tortillas, salsa roja and verde, mextlapiques, mole blanco, and pan de elote. Everything was delicious, and we made salsas of varying spice levels. I've had the pleasure of taking several cooking classes around the world, and Pame's class was easily my favorite. I left with an appreciation and understanding of the cultural significance of Mexican cuisine. Pame's love for her country, cooking, and profession were inspiring. We can't wait to plan a return visit to Mexico City to take another class with Pame!

Netzi was such a great host! This experience was great because it was equal parts interactive, instructive, and active with movement. Now, we cannot wait to get home to make some pumpkin mole for the fall season!

This was a fantastic cooking course. Lorena is extremely welcoming and her cooking space is lovely and well set up. Lorena paced instructions really well and took the time to explain ingredients, techniques and tips. It was also great to walk through the market and visit local specialty stores. The recipes were easy to follow and the end results were delicious. Highly recommend!

A market tour coupled with an intimate cooking experience, this ‘expedition’ is perfect for couples to experience both the culture and cuisine of Mexico City. Chef Mariana not only walked us through a tortilla-making operation and the market, but then a full experience in the kitchen, including making tortillas by hand and vegetable tamales.

We had such a wonderful experience with Lorena on our first day in Mexico City! Taking her cooking class was the perfect way to start our trip. Lorena was incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, and she did such a great job making the experience both fun and educational. We started with a tour of Mercado Medellín, where we sampled a variety of fresh ingredients, fruits, tortillas, and even some insects! Lorena shared so much interesting history and insight into Mexican ingredients and their connection to the culture, which made the experience feel much more meaningful than just a cooking class. From the market, we went on to prepare a delicious four-course meal together. Lorena patiently guided us through every step of the preparation and cooking while explaining the history and traditions behind the dishes. We loved being able to make the meal ourselves and then sit down and enjoy everything we had prepared, along with our choice of beer, wine, agua Fresca or mezcal. It was an unforgettable experience and such a special introduction to Mexico City. We’re so glad we did this on our first day and would absolutely recommend Lorena’s class to anyone visiting CDMX!

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Mexico City! Our chef provided a truly authentic experience, teaching us not only how to prepare delicious Mexican dishes but also about the country's rich culinary traditions and culture. The visit to the local market was fantastic, and even the insect tasting was a fun and memorable experience! I especially loved learning about the different fresh and dried chilies and how they are used in Mexican cooking. The class was very hands-on, and I've already recreated many of the dishes at home. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable Mexican cooking experience.

Can not rave more about this class. Netzi was a wonderful chef/host!!! From beginning to end it was SO fun, with the market tour and tastings to the cooking it could not have been better. A definite must do in CDMX!

After traveling the world and taking cooking classes in each of the countries we visit, I can easily say that this was the best, most organized cooking class we've ever taken!

What a terrific way to spend a morning in CDMX! Our guide and instructor Lorena was fantastic. We were greeted with coffee, tea, and a huitlacoche quesadilla! We then proceeded to visit a tortillería and a local market. This part of the experience included many unexpected food samples— I won’t name them because the surprise is part of the fun! We then returned to the studio to prepare a delicious multi-course meal, full of cultural learning, sampling, chopping, baking, and cooking. Everyone was kept busy and there was never a dull moment. When it came time to eat, we had mezcal shots, beer, and wine to accompany our meal! The food we made was elevated and authentic, and included things I had never tried even though I’ve been to Mexico many times. We also enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with fellow travelers. I highly recommend this experience.

Such a wonderful experience! By far one of the best cooking classes I’ve ever taken. Pamela is knowledge, joyful and has a deep and true love for her culture and the food that she helps you to prepare. I highly recommend anyone to take this class if you want to experience a piece of Mexico City through stories , laughter and cuisine.

We loved this cooking class! During the class, each person takes on different cooking tasks making it feel like a team effort. Not only do you learn cooking techniques and food history, you get to eat some delicious meals--many of which feel doable at home. She took pictures of everyone (with their permission) throughout the entire experience which allowed me to focus on the sights, smells, tastes, and cooking methods and genuinely enjoy the entire experience! I also appreciated how the cooks have a relationship with the people in the market. All-in-all I highly recommend!

This was one of the best cooking classes I've ever taken! Pamela was so kind & genuine. She did an excellent job explaining the cooking techniques and we really enjoyed the market tour. Her love for Mexico & cooking with love was clear. If you looking for a cooking class while in Mexico City this is the one!

Overall a fantastic cooking class and market tour. I ended up going to back to the market and bullying several things the following day, and I would not have known where to go if I hadn’t had a tour first. The class was well paced, interactive, and ended in a delicious lunch! Wholeheartedly recommended.

A wonderful experience all around! One of our favorite highlights of trip to Mexico City. The chef was engaging, spoke perfect English and taught us a lot about Mexican cuisine and local ingredients. We enjoyed the market tour, the hands on food prep / cooking, and of course the delicious food. You will not go home hungry. It was a small group class with only 7 of us (max 8) so felt intimate with a lot of personal attention. The kitchen was clean and modern - it felt like we were at a dinner party. Do budget enough time as the whole experience is nearly 5 hours. I went with my wife and daughter (18) and it was a perfect activity for such a group. Would highly recommend.

A wonderful experience at Aura Cocina Mexicana. A perfect mix of fun, learning and incredible food. Chef Pamela is knowledgeable, engaging and passionate about sharing her culture through food.

We had an amazing time at Aura Cocina Mexicana with Graciela. She was so warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making the entire class feel personal and engaging. Our small group started with a trip to a local market, where we learned how to select fresh ingredients and even saw tortillas made by hand and machine. Back in the kitchen, we cooked a delicious Mexican meal, including white mole chicken (a special wedding dish) tamales, and more. The whole experience was fun, informative, and hands-on. We left full of new skills, lots of insight into Mexican culture, and with big smiles. I highly recommend this class, it’s well worth it!

Fantastic experience overall. We had Pamela as our instructor and she was very knowledgeable and a positive and patient teacher. I especially loved our visit to the market where we got to sample some local foods with Pamela's guidance. The meal was delicious--one of our favorites in Mexico City--and it was further improved by the company of the others in the class. The menu included mole, fresh salsas, a delicious corn cake, and other local foods. We had so much delicious food I couldn't finish it all. Would recommend this class for certain.

We absolutely LOVED this entire experience. As a small group (there were 9 of us in total), we all got to engage with the cooking - and get to know each other. At the end of our trip, everyone in our family said it was their top highlight of our time in Mexico City. Pame, our leader and chef, was incredible. Engaging, fun, and really knowledgeable about Mexico food and history. The experience included a market tour, which was really fun, as well as cooking a multi-course lunch. We went with our 3 kids who are 16, 15, and 11, and not easily pleased. They truly enjoyed the entire day. They loved the cooking, the experience, that it was interactive - and that the food was delicious! We would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fun, hands-on cooking experience in Mexico City.

We had an amazing experience with Lorena and her team. It was just the right mix of education, fun and hands on experience that immersed in the culture of CDMX and Mexico. I highly recommend this class. We left very full, happy and relaxed. Chef Lorena is very attentive and a lot of fun - a perfect combination for a perfect experience.

This was one of the best cooking classes I ever did. Chef Lorena was really knowledgeable, walked us through all the typical Mexican ingredients and then took us to a local market to buy try a few things. She also pointed things about the neighbourhood and interesting buildings around. We made 4 very tasty courses and everything was explained very well and turned out very tasty accompanied with Mexican beer, wine or mezcal. The group was small which made the experience even more personal. Also the space where the cooking class is taking place is very neat.

The Essence of Mexico cooking experience was fantastic! From the morning market tour to the 4-course cooking experience, it was exactly what we hoped for. Lorena is a very passionate chef that expertly guided our group through an authentic cooking experience. I would highly recommend this tour if you enjoy food and cooking and would like to take a mini dive into cooking Mexican cuisine!

Amazing experience. We were taken care of from start to finish. I learned so much about the food, history and art of cooking. Definitely enhanced the experience to go to the market and meet the vendors, try the food (even the bugs) and learn about many of the locals who have been creating these dishes for many years. The cooking experience was well organized, easy to follow and fun! One of the best local experiences I've ever had.

The class is lots of fun, you learn and eat a lot. The market experience was quick paced yet informative. Our chef spoke excellent English and took the time to get to know us all, as well as our taste preferences. The meal we all made was amazing.

Pame was an extremely gracious and welcoming hostess who introduced us to She led us through a tortilla factory, the Medellín Market where she introduced us to vendors who offered samples of a wide variety of local foods from chocolate to the pre Columbian delicacies that may become the food of the future e.g Escamoles and Hormiga chicatana. With good humor and "love" she helped us create a wonderful lunch accompanied by beer and mezcal. Altogether an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to learn how to create some great authentic Mexican dishes when we return home. Alastair

We prepared some uncommon dishes, things I had never tried before, rather than items you see in every restaurant. It was an interesting and welcome approach to Mexican cooking.

Chef Pame was amazing. She taught us about Mexican cooking, took us to the market and then we prepared a 4 course lunch. Amazing

An incredible day with some amazing fellow tourists in our group that made our whole trip. I must say I have yet to find an equally competently run tour (notwithstanding the incredible competence and quality, still a lot of heart). THANK YOU!

Wonderful experience. Very immersive and informative and food we cooked was delicious. Pamela was amazing and very knowledgeable.

Don’t think twice, book this wonderful class. Chef Pame led the class with passion and deep pride and knowledge of the cuisine. The space is gorgeous. The market tour fun and informative. The six class members entered as strangers and left as extended family.

Taking a cooking class and market tour with Auro Cocina was one of the absolute highlights of our time in Mexico City. From the moment we met, it was clear this was going to be something special—thoughtful, personal, and deeply rooted in Mexican food culture. The market tour was fascinating! We learned all about the different chiles, herbs, produce, and tortillas, and gained real insight into how locals shop and cook. The cooking itself was outstanding. Everything was hands-on, relaxed, and incredibly well organized. Pama, Chef, kept us on pace so that we finished in enough time to enjoy our wonderful lunch! We made dishes, salsa, white mole, and cake, that were both authentic and achievable, with flavors that were truly next-level. Chef shared techniques, history, and tips you simply wouldn’t get from a cookbook—while creating an atmosphere that felt more like cooking with a friend than taking a class. She spoke of her abualita a lot. I loved that! Food made with love! If you’re in Mexico City and want an experience that goes beyond sightseeing—one that connects you to the culture through food—Auro Cocina is an absolute must. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

This experience is more than learning how to create delicious Mexican food, but you will learn about the culture, spices, history of the dishes and ingredients. You will leave smarter & full!

This was a great experience for our family (kids ages 14 and 11). Everyone enjoyed learning about the foods and ingredients and the dishes were delicious.

Absolute highlight of our trip to Mexico City. We should've started with this! I learned so much about the food (and general culture) of Mexico. I don't even like cooking and had such a good time with our chef, Lorena. The market visit, cooking process, and meal were all amazing.

We had the most wonderful experience across the board. Lorena was an excellent host and chef instructor — very engaging and a terrific communicator. Run don’t walk to have this experience!

A wonderful cooking and market experience. Everything was thoughtfully organized, and the blend of hands-on cooking, local insights, and friendly guidance made it incredibly enjoyable.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Aura Cocina experience. The master chef (Pama?) really knew Mexican cooking and culture, and enjoyed teaching the class. The market tour was a huge bonus.

This was such a fun and amazing experience. Our host Pamela was very enthusiastic for the foods and traditions of Mexico. We felt immediately like she was an old friend. The food we made was incredible; some of the best we had in Mexico City. The supporting staff were great too. Thank you for the great experience Aura.

This was such a fun and amazing experience. Our host Pamela was very enthusiastic for the foods and traditions of Mexico. We felt immediately like she was an old friend. The food we made was incredible; some of the best we had in Mexico City. The supporting staff were great too. Thank you for the great experience Aura.

This was an exceptional experience and a must do when visiting Mexico City. Literally a way to not just experience the culture but to taste it. Pamela was not only informative. She made the experience fun. Her knowledge about the food, the culture and the history of this beautiful city was exemplary!!!

Wonderful class- beautiful space with a great instructor. The food we made was delicious and I love that it included the trip to the market!

Great experience to learn about the mexican cusine! Pamo was really kind and welcoming. She provided plenty of explanation and ensured we all had a pleasant experience, even if our cooking skills were not so good. The menu was well selected and personalized vegetarian / non vegetarian. Recommend it !

We adored Chef Pame and the whole experience. Fascinating and informational, fun and delicious! We took a tour of a local mercado and a tortilleria, then got to work making a tasty menu of Mexican food. All fresh. It was engaging, and we all walked out praising the experience, Chef Pame, and her helper. If you're a foodie at all, this is a. MUST DO! I rate it a solid 10!

Chef Pamela and the team gave us an amazing experience from start to finish. Incredibly friendly and warm! The educational elements and history of Mexican food was impressive. We truly enjoyed walking through the market and being able to meet the local sellers. The hands on experience to prepare our meal brought this to a whole other level. Pamela took us step by step on how to correctly prepare a salsa, tortillas, sopes, mole Blanco and pastel de maiz. It was delicious. I highly recommend this very intimate experience. By far one of the best things we got to do on our visit to CDMX.

Wonderful class. So much fun, very well organized, the market tour was fantastic and Lorena was terrific...polite, knowledgeable, and a delight to be with. Can't recommend this class highly enough.

MUST DO!! If you love cooking like my husband and I do, this was a perfect morning of introductions to native Mexican fruits and vegetables, a spin through the Mercado Medellin to taste some of the fresh fruits and vegetables and get a taste of the daily produce shopping experience. Chef Lorena was our guide through the morning, she gave us histories, flavor profiles, and expertly guided the group through making a 4 course meal, we had 2 children with us and they even had roles and the whole experience was very personal!

The bus was good but the narration did not work. We connected with our phone and at the third narration it just kept repeating the same thing for the rest of the trip. So we had no idea of what we were looking at and it significance.