Marrakech: Cooking Class with Chef Laila & Moroccan Tea

Summary

Cook with a Marrakech chef, sip mint tea, share laughter and spice

You’ll start your day in Marrakech meeting Chef Laila, choosing your menu together before learning to brew Moroccan mint tea and cook classic dishes in her kitchen. Expect laughter over spices, hands-on help with every step, and stories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to smell this first,” Laila said, holding out a little bowl of ras el hanout. I didn’t expect the mix to be so floral — kind of peppery but sweet too. We’d just met outside the medina, and she was already teasing me about my clumsy attempts at Arabic greetings. The air was still cool, but you could hear the city waking up: mopeds zipping past, someone calling out for bread. We talked menus right there on the curb — she checked for allergies (I’m vegetarian), then rattled off options like couscous or zaalouk. I just nodded because honestly, I wanted to try everything.

Inside her kitchen, it felt like stepping into someone’s home — not a classroom. There were bright tiles everywhere and a low table set up for breakfast. Laila showed us how to pour mint tea “the real way” (her words) — high from the pot so it foams. She laughed when I splashed some on the tablecloth. Then we got our hands messy with zucchini charmoula and caramelised carrots; she made sure everyone tried each spice before adding it in. There’s something about learning from someone who’s cooked these dishes for decades — she tells stories about her old guesthouse days while chopping preserved lemons one-handed.

I still think about that moment when the chicken tanjia started simmering and the whole room filled up with this warm citrusy smell. It’s funny — I thought I’d be nervous cooking with strangers, but by dessert (orange à la cannelle), we were all sharing photos of our families over sticky fingers and sweet tea. Laila sent us home with leftovers wrapped in paper and a list of spice shops to try if we had time later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking class with local chef Laila

• Meet at nearest point
• Check food allergies
• Choose suitable menu
• Learn to determine produce quality
• Go to breakfast location
• Learn to make Moroccan tea
• Start cooking main course with spices
• Prepare dessert

Top questions

Is this Marrakech cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Chef Laila checks for allergies and offers vegetarian or vegan menu options at the start.

How long does the cooking class last?

This is a half-day activity; plan on spending several hours including breakfast and cooking time.

Are infants or small children allowed in the class?

Yes, infants can attend in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Is public transportation available near Chef Laila’s location?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access.

What dishes might we cook during this Marrakech class?

Dishes include zaalouk, zucchini charmoula, caramelised carrots, chicken preserved lemon tanjia, couscous, and orange à la cannelle.

Does the class include breakfast?

Yes, you’ll have breakfast together before starting the main cooking course.

Will we learn to make Moroccan mint tea?

Yes, Chef Laila teaches how to prepare traditional Moroccan mint tea as part of the experience.

What’s included

Your morning includes breakfast with fresh Moroccan mint tea prepared together in Chef Laila’s kitchen, bottled water throughout the class, coffee or tea as you wish, all ingredients provided for each dish you cook—and plenty of stories along with your meal before heading back out into Marrakech.