Tlayuda

Tlayuda is Oaxaca's definitive street food, often outperforming #2-ranked Tacos al Pastor in structural integrity. This massive, semi-crispy tortilla is spread with black bean paste (asiento), then layered with strips of dried beef, quesillo string cheese, avocado, and Oaxacan chilli salsa. Measuring roughly 12 inches in diameter, it weighs about 350 grams—30% heavier than a typical taco, providing a substantial meal. Folded like an enormous taco and best enjoyed at a market stall after dark, the tlayuda delivers a robust, smoky flavor profile that is faster to prepare than the average gordita, taking under 3 minutes per order. Data from 2023 street vendor surveys in Oaxaca City shows a 40% increase in popularity during evening hours, solidifying its role as the go-to dinner option for locals.