HOLY MOLY

In a country whose food is fast being regarded as the best in the world, the state and city of Oaxaca stands out; the birth place of the chilli, chocolate and corn and its diverse history and culture place it as the food capital of Mexico. Anthea Gerrie and I meet our match with insects, mezcal and a fiercely patriotic people. A Gourmet Traveller feature for Food and Travel Magazine.

Petrified Waterfall, Hierva el Agua

Farmers working with goats and donkey's are still to be seen in rural Oaxaca

Farmer at the Petrified Waterfall, Hierva el Agua

Inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples (Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs), the dramatic UNESCO world heritage archaeological site of Monte Alban

Calle M. Alcala, Centro Historico, Oaxaca

Ceviche in Chilli De Agua with Pomegranate Sauce at Casa Oaxaca Hotel, Centro Historico, Oaxaca

Sangre De Christo Church, Centro Historico, Oaxaca

Carrying on the tradition of pre-hispanic cooking, Chef Celia Florian in her restaurant, Las Quince Latras, Oaxaca

Early morning shoe-shines at Zocalo the main plaza around the Cathedral Area, Centro Historic, Oaxaca

Oaxaca at dusk from Las Quince Latras restaurant

Corn Tortillas made from rare historic corn varieties, a big favorite at the Itanoni Restaurant, Oaxaca

Tomato and noodle soup with spherified goats cheese at Pitiona Restaurant, Oaxaca

Mezcal maker with agave at Artisan Mezcal, known as Palenque at a small distillery in Santiago de Matatlan

Mal de Amor an Artisan Mezcal, known as Palenque at a small distillery in Santiago de Matatlan.

Chilli Rolleno (Chilli de Agua stuffed with Pork & Beef with Black Bean Sauce) at La Olla Restaurant, Oaxaca

Mrs. Juana Perez demonstrates a form of pre Hispanic cooking at her home kitchen, Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca

Chilli's roasted in the fire at the home of Mrs. Juana Perez, Teotitlán del Valle form the basis of much pre-hispanic cooking

Crickets and other deep fried bugs are very popular snacks in the Tlacolula de Matamoros Market, Oaxaca State

Tlacolula de Matamoros Market, Oaxaca State

↑Back to Top