Nestled in the heart of the historic center of Oaxaca, the recently opened Otro Oaxaca Hotel offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. Situated across from the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman, this elegant boutique hotel exudes a sense of Zen-like calm with its brick, adobe, and concrete walls, floating stairways, and flickering candlelight. The reclaimed wood walkways wind through open-air courtyards filled with lush greenery, creating a serene oasis for guests to relax and unwind.
Upon checking in, guests are treated to a culinary delight at the hotel’s al fresco restaurant, which emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. From fresh salads with roasted peppers to pasta with mole negro and grilled local fish served with spicy green salsa, the menu showcases the vibrant flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping city views and a lap pool, while the subterranean pool and herbal steam room provide a tranquil retreat for relaxation.
The following day, guests have the opportunity to explore the rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca with Luis Enrique Zarate, a local expert who leads Culinary Backstreets‘ „Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine“ walking tours. The tour begins at the Mercado de la Merced, a traditional market bustling with locals buying fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. Here, guests can sample black bean tamales, green chili soup, and atole, a traditional morning beverage made with roasted corn, water, and cocoa powder.
As the tour continues through the vibrant streets of Barrio de Jalatlaco, guests have the chance to witness the traditional process of milling corn into soft tortilla dough at a local shop. The dough is then shaped into tortilla rounds, filled with lettuce and fried egg, and cooked on a limestone comal until they puff up like pillows. This farm-to-table tortilla treat showcases the authentic flavors of Oaxacan cuisine passed down through generations.
The tour also includes visits to Flor Cacao, an upscale chocolate shop, and Parque El Llano, a bustling plaza surrounded by colonial buildings. The day culminates at the 20 de Noviembre market, where guests can sample a variety of traditional Oaxacan dishes, including the famous mole negro made from a recipe passed down through generations.
Overall, a visit to Oaxaca offers a sensory journey through the vibrant flavors, colors, and traditions of this rich culinary destination. From the serene oasis of Otro Oaxaca Hotel to the bustling markets and traditional eateries, guests are sure to be captivated by the diverse and delicious offerings of this enchanting city.