Casablanca: Moroccan Cooking Class & Traditional Dress at Home

Summary

Cook Moroccan food in Casablanca home with family recipes and try on caftans

You’ll step right into a Casablanca family kitchen for a real Moroccan cooking class — from rolling couscous by hand to sipping fresh mint tea while swapping stories. Try on traditional caftans, laugh over mispronunciations, and enjoy lunch on floor cushions. You’ll leave full (and maybe still smelling like cinnamon), carrying new recipes and memories that linger longer than any souvenir.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so instantly at ease walking into their apartment in Casablanca — I mean, it’s not every day you’re invited straight into someone’s kitchen by a mother-daughter team who actually seem excited to see you. There was this warm smell of spices (cumin? cinnamon?) hanging in the air, and I could hear the kettle whistling before I’d even taken off my shoes. Our host, Leila, handed me a glass of mint tea right away — hot, sweet, with that fresh green scent that kind of wakes you up inside. Her mom just smiled and pressed a plate of little cookies into my hand like it was nothing.

We started chopping vegetables for zaalouk and taktouka together at the big table. Leila showed me how her grandmother taught her to roll couscous between her palms (“not too hard or it gets tough,” she said). It was messy — flour everywhere — but nobody cared. At one point I tried to pronounce “msamen” properly and they both burst out laughing; apparently my accent is hopeless. The kitchen felt busy but relaxed, with the radio playing softly in the background and sun coming in through lace curtains. I kept sneaking tastes when no one was looking (the tomato salad was tangy and cold against all those warm spices).

After we’d set everything simmering, Leila brought out these beautiful caftans and helped us try them on. The fabrics were heavier than I expected — soft but structured — and her mom adjusted the sash for me with quick hands like she’d done it a thousand times. We took photos together, awkward at first but then just silly. Lunch was eaten cross-legged on floor cushions; honestly, I lost track of time completely. They sent us home with little spice packets as gifts (I can still smell them in my suitcase), plus an e-book with recipes so I could try not to mess it up back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moroccan cooking and cultural experience

• Arrive at home in Casablanca
• Enjoy traditional mint tea and cookies
• Select classic Moroccan dishes to cook
• Prepare Moroccan food with guidance
• Try on traditional Moroccan clothing
• Enjoy the meal together
• Receive local gifts to take home

Top questions

Is this Moroccan cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegan and vegetarian guests are warmly welcomed.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held in a local family’s home in Casablanca.

Will I get to try traditional Moroccan clothing?

Yes, you can try on garments like caftan or takchita during the experience.

Are children or infants allowed?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized seats are available.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What dishes will we cook during the class?

You’ll prepare options like tajine, couscous or pastilla plus salads and pastries.

Is transportation provided?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

Do we receive anything to take home?

You’ll get local gifts and an e-book of Moroccan recipes after the class.

What’s included

Your day includes homemade mint tea with traditional cookies on arrival, hands-on preparation of classic Moroccan dishes like tajine or couscous guided by your hosts in their Casablanca home, two different salads, fresh mocktails, Moroccan pancakes (msamen), pastries for dessert, bottled water throughout the experience, an e-book of recipes to keep practicing at home, authentic Moroccan clothing to try on for photos if you wish—and thoughtful local gifts to take away at the end.