I nearly walked right past this unmarked hidden treasure. The music in the streets was bumping, the colorful flowers and masked strangers nearly distracted me, but I somehow found this savory little shop in the bustling streets of Oaxaca during Dia de los Muertos. This mystical shop, I later learned was called Suculenta. It smelled of a wild mix of fresh herbs, cedar wood, and peppercorn upon entering which of course peaked my curiosity.

I was warmly greeted by the only woman in the shop, who was mixing an organic mustard on a steel table and pouring it into small glass jars. I was fascinated. It was like an apothecary for pickles, jams, compotes, and spices. I went through the tester jars that were gathered on the table and was blown away by the local flavors and ingredients. They create and hand craft everything from edible oils, cheeses, and compotes to wild mushrooms from the Sierra Norte. Everything is then bottled and placed around the store on custom built wooden shelving and old antique scales.

My favorite things on the shelves were the dill pickles, the organic honey with cardamom, and the spicy mustard I got to sample. Oaxaca is known for their incredible food, culture, and rich traditions… but the shopping is also absolutely amazing. If you are in Oaxaca, I definitely recommend popping into this sneaky little shop for a sweet and savory expedition.

You can find Suculenta down the street from Boulanc bakery on Av. Porfirio Diaz, in the unmarked light blue building. If it’s open, the door is open.