Chilhuacle Rojo - OAXACA DE JUÁREZ

My boyfriend and I took the cooking class towards the end of our week in Oaxaca and we wished we'd done it at the start. We discussed with Jose what we wanted to learn over a delicious cactus based slushy. We were then whisked through the Benito Juarez Market to buy our ingredients, with Jose explaining what everything was and getting us to try a little bit of everything.We then went to a mezcal bar where a true guru of all things mezcal (a shelf was filled with books he wrote on the subject) talked us through a great tasting session.When we got back to the restaurant Jose's kitchen staff had prepped everything ready for us to start cooking. We had chosen to make a salsa rojo, salsa verde, chicken enchiladas with almond mole, Oaxacan cheese in leaves, mango water and a small chocolate drink for dessert.We did everything by hand, learning authentic techniques and recipes and the final result was one of the most incredible meals we've ever had.I can't recommend the class highly enough. Jose is really friendly and his passion for cooking, Oaxaca and the food he was brought up on really shines through. It was a pleasure to learn how to cook this wonderful food from such a great chef.

Went to Chilhuacle Rojo for a cooking class and it has been such an fantastic moment ! We started by shopping groceries at the market. The Chef explained us many many things about the products and the traditions, and made us try many products ! Then went for a mezcal degustation... Then back to the restaurant to cook all together. The Chef made us feel very confident and we really cooked (and have fun). No pressure, he offered us all the time we needed and answered all of our questions. No limit! Have been to many cooking classes. Never felt so warmly welcomed. The restaurant is cute, a bit hidden. I really highly recommand it !

When I sat down at this restaurant the guy walked over and told me the specials for the day, when I told them they both sounded great he said "why don't I just make you a little of both?" Now that's my kind of place! everything I ate at this place was excellent and I highly recommend it.

La combibacion de colores, sabores y texturas hace interesante la experiencia de probar la comida de ChilhuacleAcompañada de un bue jugo, chicolate, pan hecho en casa asi como la mermelada

Having lived in San Francisco for 12 years I am spoiled when it comes to restaurants. I love Mexican food and Oaxacan food in particular and often find the street food to be some of the most delicious, and of course a great value. My meal at Chiljuacle Rojo (reservation made earlier in the day with a deposit to hold spots for 5 people) stood out as creative, well thought out and made with very fresh ingredients. The classic flavors were there but used in surprising ways, like small bites of quesillo wrapped in hoja santa to make little gems of savory goodness. You can tell the chef has a background in art. The visual presentation is considered and the way flavors and textures play off of each other keeps dishes exciting. Will definitely go back on my next visit, maybe try a cooking lesson.