Marrakech – Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class & Market Visit: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for an opportunity to immerse in Marrakech’s rich culture and learn authentic flavors of a Moroccan cooking class and explore the country’s traditional markets?If so, then you’ll be pleased to find that there are a plethora of options available to help you have the most incredible, unforgettable experience. But to help make your choice easier and get the most out of your experience, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Marrakech’s Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class & Market Visit.

What You Will Learn

Most traditional Moroccan cooking classes in Marrakech start with a tour of the marketplace. Here, visitors get to view and learn about the many ingredients necessary to make traditional Moroccan dishes. This educational experience is a fun and exciting way to dip your toes into Marrakech’s culture.Then comes the cooking part of the class. Depending on what you will be offered to cook, this part of the class can range from preparing traditional appetizers such as Briouats (filo pastries stuffed with vegetables) and vegetables tagine to preparing sweet treats like Baklava and Msemen (Moroccan pancakes). All the cooking is overseen by experienced, attentive chefs who provide guidance every step of the way and are often happy to share some of their secret recipes. For some classes, you don’t need to worry about bringing any ingredients as these can be supplied for you at the start of the class, along with all the necessary utensils and cooking equipment that you’ll need.

Where to Take a Cooking Class

Marrakech is home to many Moroccan cooking classes, each with its unique take on traditional cuisine. To make sure you choose the best option available, read reviews from past participants before deciding on a specific activity. We’ve also rounded up some of our top recommendations below:

• Amal Cooking Workshop – this cooking class specializes in authentic cooking, decorating and presentation of traditional Moroccan dishes. It offers an impressive 3-hour full course menu that includes 6 menu items upon request.
• Maison Artha Darhom – this cooking school offers private classes by a qualified team of professional instructors. Participants will learn how to cook Moroccan pastilles, tajines, couscous and more.
• Morocco Delight Cooking Class – offers an exciting two-hour cooking class with dishes chosen from various parts of Morocco. Participants will learn how to prepare multiple dishes in a short period of time.
• Souk Cuisine – learn about Local food culture and shop for ingredients on an intriguing and exciting tour of Marrakech’s markets. This cooking class offers a variety of options according to participants’ preferences.

How to Book Classes

Once you’ve chosen your preferred cooking class, you can easily book through specific websites depending on availability and price. Here are some of the most convenient websites used to book classes:

• Viator
• GetYourGuide
• Bookeo
• Airbnb Experiences

When booking a class, it is important to consider the date, duration and price point that best fits your needs. Also pay attention to the meeting point (which is usually close to Jemaa El Fna). Keep in mind that some classes require bookings with advanced notice due to popularity or limited seating capacity. Choosing last minute might also increase the cost of a class due to availability or peak season pricing.

Visiting the Markets

Marrakech’s traditional markets offer an incredible insight into the city’s rich culture and its diverse cuisine. Visitors can wander through these markets and explore its colorful produce stands, spices shops and fragrance stores that make up Jemaa El Fna (range of retailers spanning soaps and oils to African geometry scarves). Other popular markets include Souq Sabra, Souq Moulay Abdellah and Souq Smata. While there, visitors can sample traditional treats like soft roasted peanuts, zaalouk (salted eggplant dip), fruits, gazels (Moroccan cookies), msemen (Moroccan pancakes) and baklava (layered sweet pastries).

What Else Should You Know About Traditional Moroccan Cooking Classes & Market Visit in Marrakech?

It is important to note that cooking classes in Marrakech don’t only focus on teaching recipes but also share a wealth of information about Middle Eastern culture – from food customs to anecdotes and even traditional music. They offer an incredible opportunity to learn more about Moroccan culture through its gastronomy and its markets – both institutionalized parts of life in Morocco. What’s more, due to the current situation in Morocco regarding tourism and safety, many cooking classes currently offer smaller groups or private one-on-one instruction with experienced chefs at a discounted rate. This makes it easier for visitors to enjoy their experience in a safe and secure manner while getting more insight into traditional Moroccan cuisine and culture. Overall, a Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class & Market Visit in Marrakech is an incredibly rewarding experience full of delicious flavors, interesting anecdotes and plenty of fun! To book your experience today, visit GetYourGuide. Make sure you read reviews from past participants for a better understanding of what you should expect from the experience and make sure to book with enough advance notice for availability purposes or you might end up having to book last minute at an increased cost due to peak season pricing.