21 Oct 2020
I can not recommend this tour enough! I have been on a lot of eating/culture tours around the world and this by far was my favorite! Amala is passionate about both food and history. Not only Tlaquepaque’s - but Jalisco as a state - and Mexico as a country. She’s extremely knowledgable about everything - from the ingredients in each dish, to the production of the ingredients, to the methods that are used to create each meal. Amala's also very considerate, kind and answered all of my many questions.
Unfortunately because of the pandemic, I was her first client since March. I also was the only one on the tour. Never have I been so lucky to get so much personal attention from an expert of cuisine and tradition. If you’re worried for health and safety because of the pandemic - do not worry! Amala always wore a N95 mask, gave me hand sanitizer (lavender-based) so it smelled delicious and there were multiple temperature checks through Tlaquepaque. There were even several stations throughout Tlaquepaque that misted sanitizer on you!
The food and drinks included in this tour were absolutely delicious. You really get the best of the best dishes in Tlaquepaque - as well an in-depth cultural lesson on Mexican food. This tour is so well thought out. You start in the market, where Amala goes through all the ingredients that will make up the dishes you’ll be tasting - the beans, the rice, the chilies, the sugar, the bread - those that are native to Tlaquepaque and wider Jalisco. You whet up an appetite that makes all the dishes so satisfying when you start eating. Dishes and drinks range from beautiful restaurants, to food stalls to tasting rooms.
Cazuela is my new favorite drink. You get a nice healthy dose of Tequila throughout this tour as well ;) I give this tour 10 out of 5 stars. Thanks Amala!