Moroccan cuisine needs no introduction and if you’re a foodie visiting Marrakech, it might be one of the main reasons you’re going in the first place! One of the best ways to discover the aromatic spices, vibrant colours and symphony of flavours is to participate in a cooking class.
A hands-on cooking experience reveals the care and tradition behind Moroccan cuisine - the precise blending of spices, the secrets of slow-cooking meats and how to make fluffy couscous that doesn’t come straight out of a packet. It also offers a fascinating insight into the local culture and the long-established culinary traditions in the country.
A quick search will reveal an abundance of Marrakech cooking schools guided by experienced local chefs, each of which offers a unique take. Whether you’re after an authentic experience in a traditional riad or a high-tech cooking adventure in a five-star hotel, there are Marrakech cooking classes to suit you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choice, I’m here to help with 5 of the best cooking classes in Marrakech. I’ve also included a street food experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a serious foodie!
For more information about visiting Marrakech, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech, which details things to see and do, transport logistics and the best time to visit.
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Most highly-rated Marrakech cooking class
Discover a taste of true Moroccan cuisine and hospitality during this Marrakech cooking class with Chef Khmisa, which has more than 1,000 positive reviews at Viator. With over 25 years of experience as a chef at leading hotels in Marrakech and Rabat, Khmisa knows a thing or two about crafting delectable meals that will transport you into another world. Kawtar, a tourism and hospitality graduate, assists with translating and ensuring you are comfortable every step of the way.
The adventure begins with traditional mint tea and a discussion of the menu, which includes some of Morocco's most iconic dishes. Then comes the fun part - joining Khmisa on a lively walk through the souk to gather fresh, local ingredients. Back in the kitchen of Khmisa’s traditional home, the magic unfolds as together you prepare each component with skill and care. Your selected starters give way to the main event - a rich, complex tajine. Finally, a not-too-sweet pastilla wrapped in flaky pastry completes the experience.
“Absolutely awesome! The chef and her niece are so warm and welcoming, and the food that we helped prepare was totally delicious.” - Ethan (read more reviews here)
Best cooking classes in Marrakech
Best Marrakech cooking class in a five-star hotel
During this Marrakech cooking class, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing flavourful dishes at a five-star hotel, La Maison Arabe. While the pristine kitchen and organised workstations are impressive, the real standout feature of this cooking class is the video monitors at each station. With your own dedicated screen displaying a close-up view of the chef's techniques, you can easily see every step of the recipes.
Cooking classes at La Maison Arabe range from one-hour workshops offering a taste of Moroccan cuisine to comprehensive three-hour sessions. No matter which one you pick, you’ll work alongside a skilled Moroccan chef while making tagines and couscous using fresh, local ingredients. The monitors eliminate any difficulties in following along and ensure you don't miss a single instruction, making this an especially engaging and educational cooking class.
“Trust the reviews, book this experience! Individualized cooking stations where you prepare the dish you'll eat, brilliant! The rooftop's ambiance and views are amazing!” - Shiquise (read more reviews here)
Best cooking classes in Marrakech
Best Marrakech cooking class for a local experience
Chef Hassan receives rave reviews for not only his skills in the kitchen but also his patience and endearing personality. His culinary adventures begin with a visit to the local market to pick up fresh ingredients before returning to his cosy home kitchen where the magic happens. After brewing up a batch of refreshing mint tea, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and let the cooking commence!
Working together as a team, you'll create Moroccan tagines bursting with flavour, with your choice of chicken, beef or meatball tagine. There are also veggie options, making this is one of the best cooking classes in Marrakech for vegetarians! While the aromatic tagine slowly simmers, you'll whip up light, fluffy couscous, plus several other side dishes to complement the main course.
Once ready, gather around the table to enjoy the fruits of your labour with newfound friends. Before you go, you'll receive all the recipes to recreate the dishes at home. Oh, and kids are more than welcome to join in the hands-on fun!
“The cooking class was incredible! Hassan is very friendly and open-minded, he explained to us not only the recipes but also new techniques and some aspects of Moroccan traditions, which made the class an authentic experience.” - Heloise (read more reviews here)
Best farm-to-table cooking class in Marrakech
If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the medina, this farm-to-table cooking class in Marrakech is ideal. It takes place in a beautiful outdoor kitchen on a local farm, surrounded by shady trees in what is a really picturesque setting.
After being picked up from your hotel or riad, you'll embark on an informative walking tour through the medina to a local market where you can see, smell and taste the incredible variety of produce that goes into Moroccan cuisine. On arrival at the farm, relax with traditional Moroccan mint tea and sweets before the cooking begins.
Get hands-on with authentic ingredients and cooking methods as you make a tagine from scratch, together with several side dishes and salads. While the tagine is cooking, you can stroll around the farm or chat with your friendly hosts. By the time you sit down to enjoy your homemade meal, you'll have gained fascinating insights into Moroccan culture and cuisine.
"I couldn’t recommend this place more, the entire day was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The food was amazing and the people were lovely! The highlight of our Marrakech trip.” - Nicola (read more reviews here)
Best cooking classes in Marrakech
Best half-day cooking class in Marrakech
Immerse yourself in the intoxicating flavours of Morocco during this immersive half-day cooking class with Chef Laila at the helm. Affectionately known by her participants as “Mama Laila”, she’s simply a joy to be around, with an unwavering passion for sharing her country’s culinary heritage.
The experience begins with a stroll through the buzzing local market, where you'll discover mounds of fragrant spices, colourful produce and artisanal goodies. Laila will share fascinating tidbits about traditional ingredients as you gather herbs, vegetables and proteins for your feast.
Next, tie on an apron and prepare for a hands-on culinary adventure as you craft a three-course Moroccan meal from scratch. Prepare spicy zaalouk and zucchini charmoula, followed by chicken with preserved lemon and couscous. For a sweet finish, learn the secrets behind orange al la cannelle, with Laila guiding you every step of the way.
“Mama Laila is adorable. Learning to cook with her was fabulous. She’s so passionate and joyous about food that you get swept up. We learned about different spices, all the different olive types and when to eat them. I can’t wait to try and recreate the dishes at home.” - Karen (read more reviews here)
Best street food tour in Marrakech
While not technically a cooking class, this Marrakech street food tour should be high on the “must-do” list of foodies visiting the city. As you’re guided through the winding alleys of the medina, you’ll savour some of the city’s most iconic dishes and snacks at the best hidden eateries (no tourist restaurants here!)
Learn about the complex blending of spices that makes Moroccan cuisine so distinct and gain insight into how the local culture has influenced the country’s culinary traditions. In addition to msemen pancakes and hearty harira soup, you’ll sample slow-cooked beef tagine and chebakiya pastries that will make your mouth water. While the tour isn’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians, allergies are well accommodated.
"If you’re a foodie, this tour is a must-do! The guides were terrific, the food fantastic and we got into areas of town we never would have explored otherwise.” - Sally (read more reviews here)
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