There are a few ‘when in Rome’ moments you need to partake in when you travel and chocolate in Oaxaca is one of them. Even you chocolate-is-okay-but-I’d-rather-consume-other-foodstuffs people will appreciate it.
Sure, chocolate is delicious but think about the fact that you are also partaking in the preservation of an old Aztec recipe. They used to prepare it cold and unsweetened, however, this was a drink of the Gods so only the elite classes could partake of it.
There are a few family owned and operated chains in Oaxaca for chocolate. We happened to be staying in a hostel with one of the family members of Mayordomo Chocolate. She looked super excited when we told her we were going on a chocolate hunt and thought why the hell not?
The first thing you will notice when going into the stores are the massive chocolate machines. We were lucky to be there just in time as they started making a batch of fresh chocolate by grinding together cocoa beans, cinnamon, and then having the bitter mixture fall into a giant pile of sugar. I felt like a little girl at Disneyland, totally enthralled by the preparation process. They are constantly making fresh batches of chocolate that you can buy in the store. Hopefully the chocolate we bought for my sister-in-law is still intact in my backpack. I’m afraid to open the top compartment on my backpack for fear of a melted chocolate mess.
On a hot day in Oaxaca, the chocolate frio (like chocolate milk) can be a lifesaver and totally worth the walk to the chocolate area south of the zocalo, past the 20 de Noviembre mercado.
There are several chocolatiers on the street, each with giant bags of cocoa beans making their appearances in the doorways. While I wish we had more time to check out every brand, I’m glad I was at least able to try one.
I’m just glad I got the opportunity to spend some time eating chocolate in the Mexican culinary capital – Oaxaca.
I’m drooling. AND jealous.
I’m now in desperate need of some Aztec chocolate.
Nomnomnomnom.
I have always been a fan of dark chocolate so the more bitter the better!
I’m blaming you for any weight I gain after reading this Erica!
Whhyyyy am I skipping Mexico?! The smell of it alone must have been incredible.
Yum….I’m in. Great descriptive post!
Ummm, chocolate is a food group (well at least in our food guide 😉 Love the photo of the chocolate drip.
I LOVE chocolate, and I agree with you, the darker the better.
Chocolate really isn’t like anything else, it truly deserves its own “food group”.
Damn, now you made me crave for some chocolate – have to go down and buy some now!
Like I needed any other excuse to eat chocolate you just gave me one for when I’m in Oaxaca – “partaking in the preservation of an old Aztec recipe”!!
I was staring at the pouring chocolate pic and I must have made some weird “hmmm” sound coz my mom asked me what was going on. I showed her… and she said “oh yes I’ve been there”. Grrrrrrrrrrr… I need chocolate now!
@Liv: I’m SORRY! Try being down here. Walking everywhere helps me justify eating it all.
@Megan: I lived in Texas my entire life and this is the first time I’ve really explored it. I can say that it is on my list of favorite countries we have visited. <3
@Maureen: Thanks!
@Pete: I actually busted out my flash since it was too dark. I figured everyone would rather see the process than one possibly pretty picture. 😛
@Sofia: haha! At least it is a mentally healthy thing to eat? 😛
@Julia: DO IT! But really – Oaxaca has so much. The cheese there is freaking AMAZING.
@Giulia: haha! Girlie – it is SO GOOD. Go get yourself a hot chocolate or something!
Chocolate as a food group? I know quite a few chocoholics that would agree!
I am longing for a nice big mug of good hot chocolate right now and it is all your fault 🙂
Thanks for sharing?!?!?
Okay worst post to read on the 1st day of a diet! Super de duper delish!!! I want some Mexican chocolate NOW!
Ahhh the cold chocolate drink was soo goooood!!!
I think you’ve sold us on Oaxaca! Yumm!
Love the pictures, Erica! I still remember the Mayordomo shops and how good it smelled even if you only got anywhere near them. Of course we bought some chocolate there, but we have to admit… not quite our cup of tea (or chocolate 😀 )
So I will no longer feel guilty about eating chocolates because I’m actually helping preserve a tradition from an ancient culture. I literally had to eat some after reading this post. Love the chocolate drip photo.
Omg! This all looks incredibly delicious. Chocolate is my favorite ever. I’ve recently fallen in love with 85% dark chocolate. mmmmm!
Er, I thought it was a food group… =) Sounds so good! I don’t think I’ve had Mexican chocolate.
I didn’t know it was one of the old Aztec recipe. That is very interesting to know, especially I’m a chocolate lover. Those step- by step photos are added bonus for this post.
@Debbie: Sorry! I HAD to share! I was dreaming about chocolate for days!
@Andi: SORRY! Just think about how dark chocolate has so many good antioxidants!
@Jaime: It hit the SPOT!
@Kieron: It is a must do and see. I think we should have stayed longer. 😛
@GTG: Thanks! Yeah – the chocolate definitely has it’s own distinct flavor. I was brought up on it so to me it is just yummy!
@Sherry: EXACTLY. Do it lady!
@Sheryll: I’m all about the super bitter chocolate! YUM!
@Andrea: Mexican chocolate is a bit different. Very spicy!
@Sarah: When the Spaniards came, they took the recipe back to Europe and it became a sensation! 😛
Ummmm what about sending chocolate to your PREGNANT sister! I mean honestly, reading this made my mouth water!
@Jess: SORRY! It costs a million dollars to send things home!