Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal

Experience the Authentic Taste of Mexico with a Tamales Making Fiesta and Rooftop Meal

If you’re exploring Mexico City and want to get a genuine taste of local cuisine, a tamales making experience might just be the highlight of your trip. This tour isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connecting with Mexican heritage in a relaxed, friendly setting. You’ll learn to make traditional tamales, sip on Mexican wines or craft beers, and end the day with a rooftop feast that delivers both stunning views and delicious food.

What we really like about this experience is how personal and engaging it feels. It’s hosted in a small group or private setting, which makes it feel more like a lively dinner party than a typical class. Plus, you get fresh insights from a seasoned chef who guides you through the process and shares stories behind this iconic dish. A second plus? The rooftop meal offers a memorable, scenic spot to enjoy your handcrafted tamales.

One thing to keep in mind is the potential for scheduling hiccups—some reviews mention that a host didn’t show up at the scheduled time. So, it’s worth double-checking the booking details or confirming your time. This experience suits anyone interested in authentic Mexican food, whether you’re a foodie, a family wanting a fun activity, or someone curious about local traditions.

Who should consider this tour? If you’re eager to learn hands-on cooking skills, enjoy small-group settings, and want a relaxed, authentic experience with good drinks and breathtaking views, this is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you like socializing over food and want to take home a new skill—or simply enjoy a memorable meal in an inviting atmosphere.

Key Points

• Hands-on Learning: You actually make tamales, not just watch.
• Local Flavor: Get insights into different styles of tamales, including Oaxaqueños and Mexico City variations.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: This feels more like a lively dinner party than a formal class.
• Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable chef guides you through each step.
• Tasty Pairings: Sip Mexican wine or craft beer while cooking.
• Stunning Views: The rooftop meal offers a memorable backdrop to your culinary creations.

The Details of the Tamales Making Fiesta and Roof Top Meal

When pondering this tour, think of it not just as a cooking class but as an intimate cultural encounter. You’ll meet at Liverpool 61 in Juárez, very accessible by public transportation and centrally located. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to learn, chat, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

The host, Arturo Sosa, takes pride in sharing his knowledge of Mexican cuisine, especially tamales, which are a staple in the country’s culinary landscape. You’ll start the afternoon around 1:00 pm, joining a small group (up to 7 travelers), which helps foster a friendly, interactive vibe. The class proceeds at a relaxed pace—perfect for chatting, asking questions, and truly engaging with the process.

What You’ll Do

The core of this experience is learning how to prepare authentic tamales—a dish that dates back centuries and varies across regions. Arturo guides you through making different types: traditional Mexican, Oaxaqueños with their distinctive banana leaf wrapping, and Mexico City styles. This variety gives you a broader understanding of regional traditions and techniques.

As you work, you’ll sip on Mexican wine or craft beer, chosen to complement the flavors of your tamales. The drinks are included for guests 18 and older, adding a leisurely, social element to the day. You might find the experience particularly fun if you enjoy pairing food with drinks or simply want to unwind while cooking.

Once the tamales are prepared and cooked, it’s time to sit down on the rooftop. The view from this spot—that’s part of the charm—provides a beautiful backdrop as you savor the fruits of your labor. Guests have raved about how the rooftop setting elevates the experience, making it more than just a cooking class.

What We Love

The enthusiasm of the host and the quality of the food are often highlighted in reviews. Sarah_B mentions, “Arturo was lovely and knowledgeable,” and his warm attitude really adds to the experience. The tamales themselves are described as “delicious,” and the rooftop ambiance makes the meal memorable.

Potential Drawbacks

One review from Liz_N points to a less ideal moment: “Arturo did not show up at the confirmed time and did not cancel,” which underscores the importance of confirming details or perhaps being prepared for some unpredictability. While most reviews are positive, it’s good to keep a flexible mindset in case of small hiccups.

Price and Value

At $75.21 per person, this tour strikes a decent balance between quality and cost. You’re getting a hands-on cooking experience, drinks, and a beautiful rooftop setting—all in about three and a half hours. For those interested in culture and culinary skills, it offers good value. Remember, it’s a small-group experience, which tends to make it more personal and engaging.

What to Expect During the Tour

The experience begins with a brief introduction and an overview of the history of tamales, setting the cultural context. You’ll then be led into the chef’s apartment, where the real fun begins. Arturo will demonstrate techniques—like how to properly prepare the masa (dough), wrap the fillings, and steam the tamales—then guide you as you try your hand at it.

Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to ask questions, learn tips, and try different techniques. You’ll get to taste the tamales you make, paired with drinks of your choice. The different styles will give you insight into regional variations—each with its own flavor profile and wrapping method.

Once your tamales are cooked, you’ll head to the rooftop, where you’ll sit down with your group to enjoy the meal. Expect a relaxed, convivial atmosphere with good conversation, stunning city views, and plenty of opportunities to photograph your culinary creations.

Authenticity and Value: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a chance to connect with Mexican culinary traditions in a friendly, informal setting. The inclusion of drinks and the scenic rooftop add layers of enjoyment that elevate the experience beyond just making tamales.

However, keep in mind that one review highlighted a scheduling issue, which points to the importance of confirming your booking. Still, most guests find the experience worthwhile—especially those eager to learn a traditional dish with regional variations.

The price of just over $75 is reasonable considering the personalized instruction, drinks, and the scenic rooftop. If you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone who loves interactive, authentic experiences, this tamales fiesta could be a highlight.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who want a hands-on, culturally rich activity that combines cooking, socializing, and sightseeing. It’s ideal if you enjoy small-group settings, meaningful conversations, and learning practical skills you can take home.

If you’re traveling with children, it’s worth noting that the experience involves some adult beverages (for those over 18), and children’s engagement might depend on their interest and patience. For food lovers and those interested in Mexican traditions, it’s a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The description doesn’t specify dietary restrictions, but since tamales can be made with various fillings, you might find options if you communicate ahead. It’s best to check directly with the host.

Can I book a different time or date?
Yes, if you’re interested in a different schedule, the host is happy to accommodate other requests—just reach out to confirm.

What should I wear?
Since the class takes place in an apartment and then on a rooftop, wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for cooking and outdoor seating.

Is there transportation involved?
The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access without a car.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you can enjoy Mexican wine or craft beer during the cooking process. Beverages are only provided to guests 18 and over.

How many people typically participate?
The maximum group size is 7, which keeps the experience intimate and interactive.

What if I don’t like the drinks?
You can bring your own or ask if the host offers alternatives. The description indicates you can choose your preferred beverage.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this experience family-friendly?
It’s mainly geared toward adults, especially with the inclusion of alcohol. However, older children interested in cooking might enjoy it—just check with the host beforehand.

In Summary, this tamales-making fiesta in Mexico City offers a delightful blend of culinary skill, cultural insight, and scenic relaxation. While the experience’s small hiccup reminds us that logistics can sometimes surprise you, most guests leave with new skills, tasty food, and a scenic story to tell. It’s well-suited for curious travelers who want to see a more personal side of Mexican cuisine, enjoy good drinks, and relax on a rooftop with new friends. If these elements appeal to you, it’s a memorable way to dive into local traditions and enjoy a delicious, hands-on meal.