Fez Cooking Class: Palais Amani Workshop & Souk Tour

Summary

Fez food workshop souk tour and tajine lunch at palace

You’ll wander Fez’s bustling souks with a local chef, gather fresh ingredients side by side, and learn to cook classic Moroccan dishes inside a restored palace kitchen. Enjoy your own chicken tajine and zaalouk lunch in Palais Amani’s peaceful garden—and maybe pick up some new kitchen tricks along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Balancing a basket of mint on her hip, our chef—Fatima—waved us deeper into the Fez medina before I’d even had my first coffee. The alleys were already humming, someone calling out prices for oranges, another shaking a pan of almonds over hot coals. I tried to keep up but got distracted by the smell of fresh bread—honestly, it’s everywhere here. Fatima grinned when I asked about the word for “eggplant” in Arabic; she made me repeat it three times, then just laughed and handed me a glossy purple one from a stall. I didn’t expect to be this involved right away.

Back at Palais Amani, sunlight spilled through stained glass onto the tiled floor. There was this quiet moment while we washed herbs at a big stone sink—just water running and someone outside singing softly (maybe to themselves). The cooking part wasn’t rushed. We learned how to layer spices into the chicken tajine, and Fatima showed us how to mash eggplant for zaalouk with her knuckles instead of a spoon (“more love that way,” she said). My hands still smelled like cumin hours later. Lunch was served under orange trees in the garden—our own food, which tasted better than any restaurant meal because we’d made it together, even if my zaalouk was a bit too salty.

I kept thinking about all those tiny gestures—the way Fatima pinched salt between her fingers instead of measuring, or how everyone greeted each other in the market like old friends. There’s something about sharing food you’ve cooked with strangers that makes you feel less like a tourist and more like you belong here, just for an afternoon. If you’re looking for a Fez cooking class that really pulls you into daily life (and includes a souk tour with lunch), this is it. I still dream about that first bite under the orange blossoms.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking workshop and market tasting

• Explore souks with chef guide
• Taste local delicacies
• Attend hands-on cooking workshop
• Prepare Moroccan Eggplant Caviar
• Cook Chicken Tajine
• Enjoy meal in palace gardens

Top questions

Is the Fez cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Does the Fez cooking school include a souk tour?

Yes, the 4-hour workshop includes a guided tasting visit to local souks.

What dishes will I learn to cook at Palais Amani?

You’ll make chicken tajine and Moroccan eggplant caviar (zaalouk).

Are recipes provided after the class?

Yes, you’ll receive a full set of recipes from your session.

Is lunch included in this Fez cooking class?

Yes, lunch is included—you’ll eat what you’ve cooked in the palace gardens.

Can children join the Fez cooking school experience?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where is the cooking class held in Fez?

The workshop takes place at Palais Amani inside Fez’s medina.

Should I mention dietary requirements when booking?

Yes, please advise any specific dietary needs at time of booking.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided tasting walk through Fez’s local souks with your chef, all ingredients for hands-on Moroccan cooking at Palais Amani, printed recipes to take home, and a relaxed lunch in the palace gardens featuring your own tajine and zaalouk creations.