Essaouira: Moroccan Cooking Class & Spice Souk Tour

Summary

Essaouira flavors hands-on cooking class with souk walk and chef tips

You’ll shop for spices in Essaouira’s lively souk, learn to cook traditional Moroccan dishes with a local chef guiding each step, then share a fresh lunch in a cozy salon. Expect laughter over mispronounced words and new friends around the table — it’s less about perfect technique than feeling part of something real.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t rush the cumin,” our chef said, holding the little spoon over the bowl like it was gold dust. I’d never thought about cumin this much before. The kitchen windows let in that salty Essaouira breeze, and everyone was laughing because someone (okay, me) mixed up coriander and parsley again. You could smell onions softening on the stove, but also something sweet — cinnamon maybe? It’s funny how quickly you start feeling at home when you’re all rolling up your sleeves together.

We started out in the spice souk, which is honestly louder than I expected — vendors calling out, little kids darting between baskets of mint and dried chilies. Our guide (her name was Laila) told us stories about how saffron came from far away, and how her grandmother used to test its quality by rubbing it on her wrist. I tried to say “ras el hanout” properly; Laila grinned and repeated it slower for me. There’s a kind of rhythm to the market that gets under your skin — not just noise, but life.

Back at the kitchen, we got to work on zaalouk (eggplant salad), stirring with wooden spoons while Laila checked our progress. She showed us how to layer dates into the tajine so they melt into the sauce — I didn’t expect that part to matter so much. My hands still smelled like preserved lemon when we finally sat down in their salon for lunch. Eating what you made with strangers who don’t feel like strangers anymore… well, that’s something I still think about.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moroccan cooking workshop and souk tour

• Learn to prepare traditional Moroccan meal
• Tour the spice souk
• Taste dishes in oriental lounge

Top questions

How long is the Moroccan cooking workshop in Essaouira?

The workshop lasts half a day.

Is lunch included in this Essaouira cooking class?

Yes, a two-course lunch is included after cooking.

Do I get to visit the spice souk during the class?

Yes, there’s a guided tour of the spice souk included.

Are classes taught in English or French?

Classes are hosted in both English and French.

What kind of dishes will we cook during the workshop?

You might prepare zaalouk, harira soup, tajine (beef/lamb/sea bream), couscous or pastilla.

Can children join this Moroccan cooking class?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is transportation provided for this activity?

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

Are vegetarian options available during the class?

The menu includes vegetable salads and couscous; ask locally for full vegetarian details.

What’s included

Your day includes expert guidance from a local chef in both English and French, a hands-on Moroccan cooking class using fresh ingredients from Essaouira’s spice souk, plus a two-course lunch enjoyed together in their oriental lounge before you head back out into town.