Marrakech: Cooking Class & Market Walk with Chef Khmisa

Summary

Cook Moroccan classics in Marrakech’s medina kitchen with market stroll

You’ll join Chef Khmisa and Kawtar in Marrakech’s medina for a hands-on Moroccan cooking class—starting with shopping for spices at the local market, then preparing classic dishes together over mint tea in their home kitchen. Expect laughter, new flavors, and an easy pace that lets you soak up every detail of real Moroccan hospitality.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try the olives?” Kawtar grinned at me, already knowing the answer. The souk was full of voices, a kind of humming chaos that somehow made sense once you were in it. I kept losing track of Chef Khmisa as she darted between stalls — she knew every vendor by name, and they greeted her like an old friend. The air was thick with cumin and something sweet I couldn’t place (maybe orange blossom?). I tried to say ‘shukran’ to one of the spice sellers. Li laughed when I tried — pretty sure my accent was hopeless.

Back at Khmisa’s house, which felt more like a home than any “workshop,” we sat around her table and poured mint tea. She showed us how to do it properly — there’s this little flick of the wrist at the end that makes all the difference, apparently. We talked through what we’d cook: tajine (of course), a couple salads, and this dessert called pastilla au lait that I still think about sometimes. There wasn’t really a rush; the afternoon sunlight came in slantwise through patterned windows while we chopped herbs together and argued gently about how much paprika is too much (answer: there’s never too much).

I liked that nothing felt staged or hurried. Kawtar translated jokes between us and Khmisa, but honestly, you could follow just by watching her hands — years of practice in every movement. The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and roasting vegetables by the time we sat down to eat what we’d made. Eating together felt less like a class and more like being invited into someone’s family for lunch. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there, but it sticks with you after you leave — the colors, the laughter echoing off tile walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking class and market visit

• Arrive at Khmisa Workshops
• Discuss allergies and menu choice
• Walk to local souk market
• Buy fresh ingredients in souk
• Return to workshops and drink mint tea
• Learn mint tea ritual
• Prepare Moroccan starter dishes
• Cook tajine main course
• Make pastilla of milk dessert
• Taste the prepared meal

Top questions

Is this Marrakech cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available during the class.

Where does the Moroccan cooking class take place?

The class is held at Chef Khmisa’s traditional house in Marrakech’s medina.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, after cooking together you’ll enjoy lunch featuring all the dishes prepared during the session.

Will we visit a local market during this Marrakech cooking class?

Yes, you’ll walk with Chef Khmisa through a non-touristy souk to buy fresh ingredients before cooking.

Are private sessions available for this Moroccan cooking experience?

Private sessions are offered on request—contact directly for details.

Is pickup included for this Marrakech cooking tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Khmisa’s home in the medina.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What languages are spoken during the Marrakech cooking class?

The hosts speak French and English fluently.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Marrakech’s lively local market to gather fresh ingredients with Chef Khmisa and Kawtar, followed by a hands-on Moroccan cooking class inside their medina home—complete with traditional mint tea on arrival and a full lunch featuring everything you prepare together before heading back out into the city.