Moctezuma was the leader of the feared Mexica in the Valley of Mexico in the 1500s. Thinking that the Spanish explorer, Hernán Cortés, was the incarnation of his god Quetzacóatl, Moctezuma invited them to his kingdom, graciously offering them accommodation in the palace of his father only to be betrayed by Cortés and his men, overthrown and taken prisoner. Moctezuma’s city, Tenochtitlan, was taken by the Spanish, and soon after, Moctezuma himself was killed by the Spanish or died of war wounds (no one knows for sure). Now, how was Moctezuma’s Revenge translated into very bad diarrheaI don’t know… but the name stuck. However, is it a real threat? Let me share with you my experience in this matter.
For the most part, foreigners come here deathly afraid of the food and drink here in Oaxaca. Horror stories run through their heads and they literally come here predisposed to endure long and exhausting hours in the bathroom where, even if you finish, you can’t walk because your legs go numb. But this is completely exaggerated… I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but being cautious is one thing and blind fear is another.
Most of the locals here drink bottled water as recommended to tourists, although they do buy it in what they call “garrafones”, which are the big water bottles you normally see in offices with those paper cups that break. with a single use. Really the only ones who drink tap water with impunity are the “peasants”, whose stomach is more than used to the bacteria that cause intestinal discomfort after a lifetime of exposure.
But let me ask you… If you are coming to Oaxaca, how NOT to try all the delicious food here? Food is a tradition in Oaxaca as much as the Guelaguetza and the Calendas. You will find that in most of the restaurants here in Oaxaca, the vegetables are sanitized with iodine and the dishes are washed with a little Clorox just to take precautions and put the tourist at ease. However, in other places, such as the smaller restaurants further from the Historic Center, these practices are not carried out. Now I can tell you from my own personal experience (and I have a very sensitive stomach), that after 11 years of eating everything everywhere, Moctezuma visited me twice and didn’t stay long when he did. It was a learning process to say the least… I mistakenly thought that Mexican food was the crispy corn tacos and bean burritos served at Taco Bell… Man, was I wrong! I haven’t even seen a crispy corn taco here in Oaxaca, not even in the supermarkets, and if I ask a waiter for a burrito, he’ll probably say to himself, “Gringo loco wants a burro!”
I found out the hard way that I personally should stay away from two things here in Oaxaca and that is chorizo and chicharrón, which translates to “sausage” and “fried pork rinds”, the two greasiest foods I’ve ever eaten. found. Needless to say, I avoid them at all costs, but everything else is fine. I also recommend that you try to stay away from most of the food stalls that you will find on the street. Some are clean, most are not. However, if you must try street tacos, one of the most popular taco stands, which I personally recommend, is located on the corner of M. Bravo and Libres in the Historic Center. They are clean and the food is very good. If you’re looking to try the memelas or the empanadas, there are some really good street vendors. One in García Vigil between Allende and Quetzacóatl street by the Civil Registry. And the others are in Parque Llano. The empanada and memela stands are usually only there from morning until late afternoon and the taco stands are open from late afternoon until late at night, although the one I suggested is also open for lunch. (Not sure what time it stays open until).
If you are in Oaxaca you must try the famous mole, stew, tamales and goat barbecue, (especially at the Tlacolula market on Sundays). And if you’re really tough and want to try THE Oaxacan delight… pop one of those dried chili and lemon covered grasshoppers, commonly known as “Chapulines” in your mouth. I must admit that I came close to trying it once or twice, but I got to put it in my mouth but could never swallow it. Eating bugs is not high on my list of favorite activities, although my son loves them :$
But if you want to try all the delicious traditional Oaxacan foods in an extremely clean and incredibly beautiful place, go to the Santa Marta restaurant about 25 minutes outside of Oaxaca, off the highway to Mexico City. The restaurant is on about 3 acres of land, I guess, with a great view of the valley from every outdoor table. They have an old twin-engine plane converted into a little movie theater for the kids, swings and slides, a little pond with pedal boats and much more, but let me tell you about the food… Close your eyes and imagine an All You Can buffet dining with 30-foot-long tables literally filled with every kind of Oaxacan and international dish known to man. They have barbecue grills with meat galore: soups, rice, spaghetti, 20 different types of salads, and a dessert table that promises to gain at least 2 pounds before you leave. Now this may sound like a TV commercial, but trust me, I don’t get paid to promote your restaurant; It is simply the best place to enjoy the best food in Oaxaca… without a doubt. Go there and see. You’ll thank me later 🙂
Well that’s all for now folks, I hope this article was interesting and informative and if so I promise to keep it coming. Until next time, write us!
