Marrakech: Cooking Class with Yassine & Mom, Market Tour & Lunch

Summary

Moroccan flavors in a family kitchen after shopping the Marrakech market

You’ll join Yassine & his mom for a day in Marrakech that starts with shopping for fresh ingredients at a local market, then learning to cook classic Moroccan dishes together in their kitchen. Sip mint tea, share stories around the table, and discover those little tricks you can’t find in any cookbook.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re standing on a street corner in Marrakech and the air smells like fresh bread and cumin? That’s where I met Yassine, right outside Le Notre Patisserie. He waved me over with this big grin — I could already tell he was going to be fun. We ducked into the neighborhood market together, picking through piles of mint and eggplants while his mom haggled (she’s got skills). I tried saying “Zaalouk” out loud — Li laughed at my accent but handed me a taste anyway. It was smoky and soft, kind of like baba ghanoush but with more bite.

Back at their place, Yassine poured glasses of sparkling water while his mom brewed tea with fresh herbs from the market. The kitchen was warm — not just from the stove but from all the chatter. We started prepping chicken tagine (you get to choose your dish), and I’ll admit my preserved lemons looked nothing like hers. She showed me how to mix spices by hand, no measuring spoons in sight. My fingers smelled like coriander for hours after. At one point I got distracted watching sunlight flicker on the tiled wall, which sounds silly but it’s stuck with me.

While our tagine simmered, we sat around their table nibbling little cookies and sipping more tea. There was this easy laughter between everyone — even when I totally fumbled eating with my hands (pro tip: don’t drop the carrot). The whole thing felt less like a formal cooking class and more like being invited into someone’s home for the afternoon. By the time we finally tasted everything — caramelised carrots, that tangy orange dessert — I felt both full and oddly at home here in Marrakech. Still think about that tea sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking class and grocery shopping

• Meet next to Le Notre Patisserie
• Go grocery shopping for ingredients
• Return home and drink Moroccan tea
• Learn to make spices and salads
• Cook main dishes and starters
• Enjoy Moroccan dessert and tea

Top questions

Where does the Marrakech cooking class start?

The meeting point is next to Le Notre Patisserie in Marrakech.

Do I get to choose what Moroccan dish to cook?

Yes, you can choose from options like chicken pastilla, beef or lamb tagine, chicken tagine or Tangia Marrakshia.

Is lunch included in this Marrakech cooking class?

Yes, lunch (or dinner) is included as part of the experience.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan guests are welcome and accommodated.

How long does the whole experience take?

The detailed timing isn’t listed but expect several hours including shopping and cooking together.

Is transportation provided for this cooking class?

No transport is included; guests are asked to book an Uber to reach the meeting point.

Is this class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through a neighborhood market to pick up fresh groceries together with Yassine & his mom, hands-on cooking instruction in their family kitchen where you’ll prepare your chosen Moroccan dish plus salads and dessert, sparkling water, snacks along the way, coffee or traditional mint tea served with sweets while your meal cooks — all wrapped up with lunch or dinner around their table before heading back out into Marrakech’s busy streets.