Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Description

Let me tell ya about one of Oaxaca’s most authentic food experiences – the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. As someone who’s eaten their way through countless markets across Mexico, this place holds a special spot in my food-loving heart. The smoke wafting from the meat corridor hits you before you even step inside, and honestly, that’s half the fun of visiting.

Walking through this covered market feels like stepping into the true soul of Oaxacan cuisine. I remember my first visit – I was completely overwhelmed (in the best way possible!) by the symphony of sizzling meats, vendor calls, and the aroma of fresh tortillas being pressed. The market’s got this incredible raw energy that you just don’t find in fancy restaurants.

Key Features

• The legendary Pasillo de Carnes Asadas (grilled meat corridor) where you pick your raw meat and watch as it’s grilled right in front of you
• Local food stalls serving up authentic Oaxacan specialties like tlayudas, tamales, and mole
• Fresh produce section bursting with regional fruits, vegetables, and herbs
• Traditional chocolate-making stations where you can watch the magic happen
• Specialty vendors selling local delicacies like chapulines (grasshoppers) and quesillo (Oaxacan string cheese)
• Small fondas (family-run eateries) serving home-style Oaxacan dishes
• Dedicated areas for freshly baked goods and local breads
• Craft beverage stands offering tejate, aguas frescas, and local coffee

Best Time to Visit

Lemme share a local secret – get here between 11am and 2pm when the market’s in full swing but before the major tourist rush. Early mornings are great for watching vendors set up and scoring the freshest produce, but if you’re after that famous meat corridor experience, you’ll wanna time it for lunch.

Weekends bring more locals and a livelier atmosphere, which I personally love, but it can get pretty packed. If you’re not great with crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning. And hey, during major holidays or festivals, this place transforms into an absolute feast for the senses – just be ready to navigate through more people than usual.

How to Get There

The market sits right in the heart of Oaxaca City’s historic center, and getting there’s a piece of cake. From the zócalo (main square), it’s about a 5-minute walk. You can grab a taxi from anywhere in the city – just tell them “Mercado 20 de Noviembre” and they’ll know exactly where to go.

If you’re walking, follow the crowds (trust me, there’s always people heading that direction). The market’s actually part of a larger market complex, so you might wander through the Benito Juárez market first – don’t worry, you’re in the right place!

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first visit. Bring cash – lots of small bills. Most vendors don’t accept cards, and you’ll want the flexibility to try bits and pieces from different stalls.

Don’t be shy about pointing if your Spanish isn’t great – vendors are used to tourists and are generally super patient. When you’re in the meat corridor, grab a seat first, then choose your meat. The vendors will bring you tortillas, salsas, and grilled onions to complete your feast.

Keep your belongings close – not because it’s unsafe, but because it gets crowded and you’ll want your hands free for all that amazing food. I always bring a reusable bag for any purchases and wet wipes (trust me, eating tlayudas can get messy).

Try to pace yourself! It’s tempting to order everything in sight, but take your time to explore. Some of the best finds are tucked away in the corners. And please, please don’t skip the chocolate – watching it being made is half the experience, and tasting it is… well, let’s just say you’ll probably be taking some home.

The market’s cleanest early in the day, but it’s got that wonderful lived-in feel that makes it authentic. Embrace it! And remember to look up occasionally – you might miss some interesting local ingredients or crafts hanging from the ceiling.

Last but not least, strike up conversations with the vendors if you can. Some of my favorite recipes and local tips have come from random chats while waiting for my food. These folks are the keepers of generations of Oaxacan culinary traditions, and they often love sharing their knowledge with interested visitors.

Location

Places to Stay Near Mercado 20 de Noviembre

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