Home to one of the world’s oldest cuisines, Morocco is a deservedly popular destination for foodies and a city I've been lucky enough to eat my way through. There are incredible culinary experiences on offer throughout the country, but if there’s one city you should be eating your way through, it’s the “Moroccan Capital of Food”, Fes, which boasts a cuisine all its own.
Fassi cuisine is said to have originated in the city's funduqs (historic inns once used by travelling merchants) and combines cultural influences from the Amazigh, Moors, Jews and French. Over the centuries, the ingredients and cooking traditions introduced by these various groups have combined to create dishes that are distinctly “Fes”.
In this article, discover 5 of the best food tours and experiences in Fes, from hands-on cooking classes to food-focused cultural tours and authentic family dinners.
Want to learn more about visiting Fes? Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes, which includes info on getting there, the best time to visit and the top things to do in Fes.
If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Fes, discover 10 of the best budget-friendly hotels and riads here.
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Awarded the Viator Badge of Excellence for its consistently amazing reviews, this three-hour private food tour of Fes receives praise for its knowledgeable guides and overall experience. It begins at Bab Boujloud gate, where your guide, Fatima, will be waiting to whisk you away on a culinary journey through the city's streets and alleyways.
As you wander through the bustling medina, she will provide a fascinating glimpse into the local food culture, taking you to see traditional wood-fired ovens and leading you down hidden backroads that most tourists never discover. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to sample an array of Moroccan dishes, including specialties you might have never heard of before.
Throughout this Fes food tour, Fatima will share insights into the history and preparation of these beloved dishes, allowing you to develop a deeper appreciation for Morocco’s culinary traditions. Her personable nature and the ease with which she converses only add to the experience. If you’re looking for a captivating culinary adventure with lots of cultural and historical insights peppered in, then this Fes food tour is for you.
"Fatima was our guide and she was wonderful - very knowledgeable and so accommodating!” - Mehrnoosh (read more reviews here)
If you’re all about authentic cultural experiences and escaping tourist traps, then this highly-rated Fes food tour is for you. Over the course of three hours, you’ll be invited into a local home to share an incredible Moroccan meal featuring tagines, couscous and pastilla, as well as a local version of apple pie.
While the food is delicious, it’s the experience of sharing a meal with a Moroccan family that is the standout here - you can even help Najiya prepare some of the dishes in the kitchen. It’s an opportunity to enjoy Morocco's legendary hospitality and ask any questions you might have about the culture and lifestyle in this part of the world.
The reviews for this Fes food experience speak for themselves (they’re five-star all the way) and you couldn’t ask for a more welcoming family. Previous participants always comment on how freely the conversation flowed, giving the sense of being in the home of close friends. And the home-cooked cuisine - it’s something you just can’t experience in a restaurant!
"Abdou and his family gave phenomenal customer service. The food was unforgettable, conversation was delightful whether I was trying to speak English or Moroccan Arabic. Anyone who is trying to have an authentic cultural experience I highly recommend this dinner.” (read more reviews here)
Best Fes food tours and experiences
If you want to explore some of the top cultural and historical sights in Fes AND sample street food along the way, then this guided tour is just the ticket. It includes a visit to the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the Jnane Sbil Gardens, as well as a ceramic school where you’ll learn about the art of making traditional mosaic tiles.
As you’re guided through the narrow laneways of Fes el Bali, you’ll get to sample everything from dried meats to spicy sardines and delicious pastries. The tour then continues to an authentic tapestry and weaving workshop, where you'll witness the ancient process of creating Moroccan rugs. You’ll also visit the impressive Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest of its kind in Africa, and experience the 14th-century Medersa Bouanania.
During this full-day cultural tour of Fes, you’ll stop at a traditional restaurant where you’ll have the opportunity to savour local Fassi dishes. Additionally, you'll visit several local cooperatives where beautiful Moroccan handicrafts are created. It really is a wonderful overview of what makes Fes such a fascinating destination, from its historic treasures to its cultural wonders and gastronomic specialties.
"Guide was knowledgeable and was open to our suggestions. The food tastings were spot on for the tour.” - Jennifer (read more reviews here)
Best food tours and experiences in Fes
Situated in the heart of the Fes medina, Palais Bab Sahra is a renowned culinary destination that not only offers meals in the most exquisite setting but also highly rated cooking classes. During these immersive small-group Fes cooking classes, you’ll discover the vibrant flavours, aromatic spices and time-honoured culinary traditions of Morocco under the tutelage of their experienced chefs.
This Fes food experience begins with a guided tour of the local souk, where you’ll have the opportunity to handpick the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce to use in your dishes. Back at the restaurant's state-of-the-art kitchen, you’ll learn how to masterfully prepare Moroccan classics such as tagines and couscous while discovering the cultural significance of these beloved dishes.
Whether you opt for a lunch or a dinner session, this Fes cooking class culminates with a shared feast, where you'll savour the fruits of your labor, accompanied by the lively conversation and camaraderie of your fellow culinary enthusiasts. Palais Bab Sahra's small-group cooking classes consistently receive rave reviews, not only for the experience itself but the gorgeous setting.
**Top tip**
If you’re doing a cooking class at Palais Bab Sahra, don’t miss a visit to the rooftop terrace!
"This was by far the best cooking class we have taken anywhere.” - Lyle (read more reviews here)
Best Fes food tours and experiences
For many travellers, the best experiences are not so much tours but genuine cultural connections and that’s exactly what this private cooking class in Fes offers. It’s led by Sufyan and Fatima, who really go above and beyond to offer a welcoming and immersive cultural experience while ensuring you get your hands dirty in the kitchen.
After picking up ingredients at the souk, the class takes place within the colourful confines of a traditional riad, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn secret family recipes from local women. Over the course of three hours, you’ll have the opportunity to make aromatic tagines, flavourful salads and freshly baked bread, all according to your preferred dietary requirements.
Far more than just being one of the best cooking classes in Fes, this is an opportunity to forge genuine connections with locals and gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant culinary culture that is so central to Moroccan identity. It’s perfect if you want an intimate Fes food experience in a relaxed family setting - these really are warm and kind people you’ll never forget!
"Amazing cooking class! Firstly, Sufyan is the best! Very responsive, and so friendly and welcoming!” - Kelly (read more reviews here)
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.