Mexico City, Mexico
It was 2022, and the farthest I’d ever been from home after the l*ckdown that stole my precious exchange year from me. The first bite of a real corn tortilla – soft and warm in my palm – made my pupils dilate to dishplate black. It had the scent of ripe rain hitting pavement – earthy, claylike, floral, sweet. Then there was smoke from the comal, and the sound of a young girl calling for scrap metal from tinny speakers, and the smog of heavy traffic, and the flash of folklorico dancers waving their scarlet skirts, and a schoolgirl’s thick black hair pulled back into a ribboned bun, and the slick mouthfeel of a mango doused in tajin and chamoy.
Mexico City made me feel and smell and taste it all. I dream of her often, and look for her in my first mango of the summer.
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Mexico City cooking class and market tour. Comprehensive, delicious and professional – I loved how long we spent at the market trying different snacks and ingredients (like fruits and bugs I’ve never seen before), and I got a lot out of the class component since the recipes introduced me to completely new dishes and techniques, e.g. mextlapiques, pan de elote (my one true love).
Churros masterclass. Christian and Ricardo’s classes are intimate, thorough and well-explained, and he takes the time to show you how to make the perfect Mexican churro with that golden balance of chew and crunch. The space is also so beautiful – and located in a gorgeous part of the neighbourhood (making it easy to explore the area before/after class).
Salsa making class. I was lucky enough to be the only student for the day, so Kwesi took me on a private tour of the market in Tacuba (a fair way from the usual neighbourhoods of Roma/Condesa) and invited me to his charming home to make delicious salsas. I still remember the recipes and recreate them to this day – a creamy tomato salsa with peanuts, the most addictive salsa macha, the unexpectedly easy salsa verde…I would 100% book this again <3
Teotihuacan. The archaeological complex northeast of CDMX – an insane sight to behold. Super easy to get to – we took a bus from the zocalo, and it was an easy full-day trip (you’re very tired from the sun afterwards). Pack sunscreen!!!
Claudia’s house. Honestly I have no words. I love Claudia, I love her tiny mustard guesthouse tucked away in her green garden, I love the nearby shops and cafes and bars, I love Claudia, Claudia is the best, I love Claudia. (Seriously, look no further for a place to stay, especially if you are a solo female traveller. And if you do go, please tell her I say hello <3)
