Your Travel Experience with Bamba
Immerse yourself in a sensory journey that connects you to the ancestral roots of Oaxaca, Mexico, where chocolate is not just a treat but a pivotal element of the region’s rich heritage. In this indulgent tour, you’ll explore the integral role chocolate has played in Mesoamerican culture and civilizations, embodying more than just a culinary delight but a profound cultural symbol.
Upon arrival at our chocolate workshop, you are greeted by the warm, enticing aroma of cacao that permeates the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. As you navigate through the fascinating history of cacao, you’ll delve into its Mesoamerican origins and how it spread globally. You’ll discover the revered status of cacao throughout the centuries, understanding its significant influence on various cultures and gastronomies.
The adventure then takes a hands-on turn as you engage in the chocolate-making process. Equipped with traditional kitchen utensils and raw cacao beans, you’ll start by toasting the beans, unlocking their rich aroma and deep flavors. Experience the thrill of transformation as the beans turn into a dark, crunchy delight.
Next, you’ll peel and shell the cacao beans, carefully extracting the cacao nibs – the heart of our delicious creation. The tactile experience of feeling the smooth nibs and their bitter taste full of potential is truly mesmerizing. The journey continues with grinding the cacao nibs. Using a unique tool designed by cacao masters Areli and Edigardo, you’ll grind the nibs into a thick, smooth paste, releasing the natural oils essential for your chocolate’s texture and flavor.
Our expert chocolatiers will guide you in adding optional ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, or other spices, allowing you to personalize your chocolate. Then, pour your mixture into molds, shaping it and eagerly anticipating its solidification. While your chocolate sets, enjoy a tasting session of various chocolates prepared at our chocolatería. Experience an array of flavors and textures, from creamy milk chocolate to intense dark chocolate with fruity and spicy notes.
The experience culminates in learning how to prepare an authentic hot chocolate drink. Following a traditional recipe, you’ll blend chocolate with aromatic ingredients to create a comforting and flavor-rich cup, the perfect conclusion to your chocolate immersion. The moment you’ve been waiting for arrives as you pack your personalized chocolate creations, ready to share with loved ones or savor yourself, knowing you’ve mastered the art of chocolate making.
To complete this delightful experience, we’ll enjoy a traditional Oaxacan meal, allowing you to further indulge in the local flavors before heading back to the city center, where we part ways. This chocolate workshop offers an exciting journey from the origins of cacao to the creation of your own chocolate, leaving you with a memorable experience and a newfound appreciation for the wonderful world of chocolate.
For anyone who likes to eat, and appreciates good food and beautiful cultures – we know you will leave satisfied on all fronts with this special artisanal experience!
Please note: There is not a Dress Code! You will be visiting some food vendors who are a bit more traditional, so dressing respectfully is appreciated. You don’t need to dress to impress – you will be getting your hands dirty (literally). It is recommended just to bring modest, comfortable clothes, and that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty (food spillage happens to the best of us). A more detailed list of suggested clothing attire can be found below.