Marrakech: Cooking Class & Market Walk with Chef Khmisa

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

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

The experience

“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.

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Ramadan session at 5:30 PM, without market visitGuide in English, French or Arabic · Available from 8 Feb 2027Option without market visit

Moroccan cooking class with a visit to the Marrakech market, led by Chef KhmisaGuide in English, French or Arabic · 10:00, 14:00 and 17:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 14:00 and 17:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Marrakech Cooking Class With Chef Khmisa

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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.