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11 Best Cooking Classes in Marrakech in 2024

Marrakech is a vibrant city with plenty of activities to do. However, you cannot visit the red city without experiencing the incredible food scene. 

I used to live in Marrakech, and doing a cooking class helps you truly indulge in the culture.

I have done 2 cooking classes there myself, and I know exactly what you need to look for to find a quality cooking class. 

So I compiled a list of the best cooking classes in Marrakech to help you book the perfect cultural cooking experience!

My Top 3 Picks

#1 TOP PICK

brown horse and man on green field viewing mountain under blue and white skies

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cooking Course with Berber Family at Atlas Mountains
✔️ Pro/Feature
✔️ Pro/Feature

#2 PICK

sauteed dish served on plate

Full-Day Private Couscous Masterclass
✔️ Pro/Feature
✔️ Pro/Feature

#3 PICK

brown horse and man on green field viewing mountain under blue and white skies

1. Cooking Course with Berber Family at Atlas Mountains

Duration: 8 hours

Location: Berber village near Marrakech 

Included:

  • Transportation
  • Private class
  • Knowledge guide
  • Shopping

This cooking class with a Berber Family at the Atlas Mountains is an experience you will not forget.

Your course starts with a visit to an authentic Moroccan food market where you can purchase fresh ingredients.

The knowledgeable guide is always on hand to help answer any questions you may have on your day trip.

You’ll be taught how to make traditional Moroccan dishes, like tagines and couscous, in the kitchen of a local Berber family. 

This is a great way to learn about traditional cooking techniques and dive deeper into Moroccan culture!

“This was an amazing and very authentic day trip. Youness, our guide, was the best too. He told us all about the history of Morocco and the Berber people, and answered our endless questions as well.” – TripAdvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

Check Prices and Availability!

sauteed dish served on plate

2. Full-Day Private Couscous Masterclass

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Central Marrakech 

Included:

  • Box of Moroccan spices
  • Class available in 4 languages, including English
  • Visit the Souk with a local
  • Taught by a Moroccan certified-chef 
  • Drinks

The Full-Day Private Couscous Masterclass is a must-do if you’re interested in learning to make couscous and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture!

You’ll start by visiting the medina of Marrakech to buy all the ingredients for your couscous.

Then, as taught by a local expert, you’ll learn the traditional method of making couscous from scratch.

After all that hard work, you can enjoy a delicious lunch with your freshly-made couscous. 

To top off the experience, you’ll be treated to a homemade dessert (Pastilla) and tea with mint and seasonal fruits.

“Very warm welcome. Very friendly staff. I finally know how to make couscous….very good couscous!” – TripAdvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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a person eating a bowl of food

3. Traditional Tagine Cooking Class with Market Visit 

Duration: 4 hours

Location: Hôtel Restaurant Café de France, Marrakech 

Included:

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Lunch
  • Visit the Souk with a local
  • Recipe sheet included
  • Learn to Make Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea

If you want to learn how to make tagine, this tour is for you! 

First, you’ll have the chance to explore the local markets before the cooking class begins. 

Then, your experienced local host will guide you through a traditional tagine dish!

 After cooking, you’ll get the chance to enjoy your delicious meal in a typical riad dwelling.

This is one of the best cooking classes in Marrakech for families because it is child friendly, and you’ll leave with a recipe sheet so you can recreate the dish for the family when you get home.

Tagine is one of Marocco’s best dishes, so why not learn to make it yourself?

“Excellent way of learning about Moroccan local life and cuisine! Guide was so friendly and likeable!” -Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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brown wooden containers

4. Cooking with Moroccan Women Morning Class

Duration: 3 hours

Location: Rue Kennaria, Marrakesh

Included:

  • Visit the Traditional Market in the Old City
  • Lunch
  • Preparing Moroccan Food With local women
  • Learn about traditional herbs and spices used all over Morocco 

The Cooking Class with Moroccan Women Morning Class is a great option if you are looking for an experience that doesn’t take up the whole day.

During this morning class, you’ll have the chance to make typical dishes using ingredients gathered from the traditional market in Old City. 

The class has a maximum of 10 travelers and runs from 09:30AM to 12:30PM. So you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the city afterward or even book a traditional Hammam!

You’ll also get insider tips on when, where, and what to buy in the markets to ensure you take home some of Morocco’s best ingredients.

If you are worried about staying safe, consider exploring the market with a local to make your trip much better!

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seven different spices and herbs on gray stainless steel spoons

5. Half-Day Cooking Class Experience (3 Courses)

Duration: 4 hours

Location: 15-minute walk from Jamae El Fna Square 

Included:

  • Tour of the local market
  • Tea break with a panoramic view over the medina
  • Learn to cook 3 dishes meals with a local
  • English and French-speaking guide
  • Lunch and welcome tea

The Half-Day Cooking Class Experience is another great class option for those who only want to spend a few hours in the kitchen.

Your cooking class will start with a tour of a local market. Going to the market with a local chef is a great way to experience a Moroccan food tour around the city!

After browsing the many stalls and discovering new spices, vegetables, and fruits, you will return to the kitchen and learn a traditional way of cooking local dishes.

Not only that, Chef Hassan will also share his knowledge of Moroccan culture and history with you. Before starting your cooking session, you will get to enjoy a traditional mint tea together!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, Chef Hassan will guide you every step of the way. 

“Great experience in a cozy home guided by a friendly local. Can definitely recommend.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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a bowl of soup is sitting on a table

6. Cooking Classes Farm to Table Marrakech

Duration: 5 hours

Location: Farm located 30 minutes outside of the city

Included:

  • Hotel pick-up
  • Local guide
  • Tour of Medina
  • Learn traditional cooking methods
  • Lunch and equipment

This special cooking class is hosted in a beautiful farm location just 30 minutes outside of Marrakesh’s old Medina.

Before you start the cooking portion of this experience, you will explore the Medina of Marrakech with your local guide. 

With only 12 people able to take part at once, it promises an intimate and exclusive experience where travelers will learn all about the local cuisine.

Plus, if you’re staying inside the old Medina or in a nearby hotel, you don’t need to worry about transportation since your guide will pick you up from your accommodation.

The class is led by an incredibly knowledgeable and generous host who will guide you every step of the way.

So if you are looking for the ultimate cooking experience in this stunning outdoor kitchen at a Moroccan farm, book this one!

“This was an excellent experience! From getting food at the market to a beautiful location to cook! Would recommend.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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IMG 4644

7. Moroccan Cooking Lessons in the Medina of Marrakech

Duration: 4 hours

Location: Riad Zitoun Lakdim, Marrakesh

Included:

  • Moroccan mint tea
  • Recipes sent to you
  • Guided tour of the old traditional market 
  • Support, explanation, and help from a Moroccan chef.
  • Lunch on the rooftop

This fun and informative experience will give you a unique insight into Moroccan culture and cuisine that you won’t forget.

The cooking lesson starts with a visit to the traditional market, where you will buy all the ingredients for your cooking lesson. 

Then, Chef Aicha will guide you through the secrets of the Moroccan kitchen in her beautiful, peaceful courtyard.

 Gluten-free and vegan options are also available upon request, so everyone is welcome!

It is a truly special experience you won’t want to miss out on and is highly recommended by many travelers as one of the best cooking classes in Marrakech.

“My family really enjoyed this cooking class—especially the part when we were in the kitchen preparing the dishes. They are delicious and I’m so glad to have the recipes. Everyone was incredibly nice and helpful. I highly recommend this.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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Moroccan tea on a rug at an Amal non-profit event.

8. Traditional Pastries & Tea Class in Marrakech

Duration: 3 hours

Location: Medina, Marrakesh

Included:

  • Different time slots are available
  • Moroccan Pastries with tea and coffee 
  • Learn how to make  Moroccan pastries and tea with an expert
  • Class available in 3 languages 

Learning to bake in Morocco is something everyone needs to experience. So if you are a baker at heart, be sure to book the Traditional Pastries & Tea class in Marrakech.

Not only will you learn how to create some of the best-tasting Moroccan pastries, but you’ll also get to take some home with you.

The best part is that you’ll be using things you can find in your own kitchen, so there is no need for professional equipment, and you can take what you learn home with you.

Plus, your local guide speaks English and will share their traditional techniques with you in their home.

 This experience is truly one of a kind and an absolute treat for anyone who loves baking!

“This was an awesome experience. We made traditional Moroccan pastry cookies and sipped on mint tea.” Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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A plate of cookies and a glass of water on a rug for an amal non profit event.

9. Eat With the Locals Cooking Class 

Duration: 4 hours

Location: Chef Mama Nouzha’s House, Marrakech

Included:

  • Preparation of a 3-Course Meal 
  • All cooking ingredients
  • A local female host
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off within 8km
  • Tea, coffee, and water

This cooking class with Chef Mama Nouzha gives you a unique opportunity to learn about Moroccan food and culture while enjoying a home-cooked meal with the locals!

You can select meals that cater to your taste, so you can be assured there’s something for everyone.

This is a great way to learn about traditional cuisine, and you’ll also enjoy the cooking process with hands-on guidance.

The best part is that you can sit down and enjoy it in the company of your hosts!

“My wife and I love taking cooking classes so I booked this activity for fun. It was very enjoyable and we recommend it to anyone who likes to get their hands dirty and learn new recipes.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read more reviews here)

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pastries on gray bowl

10. 3 Day Private Cooking Class and Tour in Marrakech with Guide

Duration: 3 days

Location: Marrakech 

Included:

  • English speaking driver
  • Breakfast and lunch every day
  • Two nights spent in a luxury property
  • The best sites across the city

With this private tour, you’ll get the chance to explore the city and also learn how to cook traditional Moroccan dishes.

The tour starts with a pickup from the airport or hotel and then takes you around Marrakech’s famous sites.

On the second day of your tour, it’s time to put on your chef’s hat!

Under the guidance of a traditional Moroccan chef, you’ll learn how to make tagine with cooking tips that have been passed down through generations.

After cooking your meal, you’ll enjoy your traditional Moroccan meal on a rooftop terrace overlooking the medina.

This is the best cooking class Marrakech has if you are interested in seeing all the sites in just a short amount of time!

Check Prices and Availability!

food served on table

11. Private Cooking Class With a Local Moroccan Chef (3 Hours)

Duration: 3 hours

Location: Marrakech

Included:

  • Private workshop led by a chef
  • Shopping in the local market
  • Hotel pick-up
  • Class available in the Morning or evening.

This private cooking class with a local Moroccan chef allows you to learn about traditional Moroccan cuisine and experience the process in a more intimate setting.

It’s also perfect for all cooking abilities, so beginners are welcome to join! 

Plus, you’ll even get to go to the local market and buy all the essential ingredients for your tagine!

You’ll learn to cook in a cozy Riad and will be taught by an experienced local chef who will help you create the most amazing flavors.

This cooking class includes everything from hotel pick-up to cooking ingredients, so there are no hidden costs to catch you by surprise! 

Check Prices and Availability!

FAQs

Are cooking courses worth it?

Absolutely! Learning to cook is such an exciting adventure, and you don’t know what you are missing out on in the kitchen until you learn from a professional. Not only do you learn new techniques, but if you choose to take cooking classes while traveling, you will have the amazing opportunity to experience a new culture.

How do I prepare for a cooking class?

To prepare for a cooking class, ensure you have all the right materials and wear appropriate clothing. Wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting messy! Nothing is worse than showing up unprepared.

Do you tip in Morocco?

Generally speaking, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s definitely appreciated across Morocco. Most people show their appreciation by rounding up the bill. However, there is no need to stress about tipping, as Moroccans will never make you uncomfortable.

What food is Marrakech famous for?

L amb tagine, couscous with vegetables, and chicken pastilla are all very popular dishes in Marrakech. The city is famous for its vibrant dishes, a blend of traditional Berber, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Can you eat street food in Marrakech?

Yes, please do! Marrakech is known for its street food scene, with vendors serving up everything from tagine to delicious grilled meats. As with any street food, it’s important to use your judgment and choose a vendor that looks clean and popular with locals.

What time is dinner in Morocco?

Well, the answer depends! If you visit during the holy month of Ramadan, locals will not break their fast until after sunset, so dinner will be later than usual. However, if you visit during other times of the year, dinner in Morocco is typically served around 7:30PM. 

Wrap Up

Whether you’re looking for the best vegetarian cooking class in Marrakech or a private lesson on making tagine, there are always plenty of options.

Morocco has a great climate and friendly locals, so you can easily spend your day relaxing at a Riad or exploring the markets.

However, if you want to experience Morocco at its best, booking a Marrakech cooking course is a fantastic way to experience the culture fully!

I recommend booking this one as it has the best travelers’ reviews!

I hope this guide has helped you find a course that perfectly fits into your itinerary!

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