Marrakech: Medina Market Tour & Riad Cooking Class with Chef

Summary

Moroccan flavors from market to table in Marrakech’s medina

You’ll wander Marrakech’s buzzing medina market with Chef Aicha before returning to her family riad for mint tea and hands-on Moroccan cooking. Prepare classic dishes together—tajine, couscous, salads—and share lunch or dinner on the terrace with new friends. Recipes arrive later so you can relive those flavors back home.

What’s the experience like?

So, I’ll be honest — I got lost finding the riad. The alleys in Marrakech’s medina twist around like a bowl of spaghetti, and my phone GPS just gave up. But then a kid pointed me toward MonRiad, and I stepped through this heavy wooden door into total calm. Mint tea appeared before I could even catch my breath. Our chef, Aicha, grinned at my clumsy “shukran” — she said it was close enough.

We scribbled out our shopping list together (I still can’t spell “taktouka”) and headed out for the market. The Mellah souk is loud, with voices bouncing off tiled walls and the air thick with cumin and orange peel. Aicha seemed to know everyone; she’d haggle over tomatoes one second, then tease the spice seller about his beard the next. I tried not to get distracted by the pyramids of olives but failed completely — they’re everywhere. This part felt less like a day trip in Marrakech and more like tagging along on someone’s daily routine.

Back at the riad kitchen, we chopped vegetables while Aicha explained why you never rush a tajine (“good things take time,” she said). My hands smelled like coriander for hours after. There were other travelers too — a couple from Lyon, a solo woman from Toronto — so we swapped stories while stirring couscous. Lunch was served on the terrace with sunlight bouncing off pink rooftops; honestly, I almost forgot to eat because that view was something else.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a Moroccan cooking class, or to leave with recipes in my inbox (Aicha promised — and yes, they arrived). Sometimes travel is just about food, but sometimes it’s about people letting you into their world for an afternoon. That feeling sticks around longer than any spice scent on your fingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moroccan cooking class and market visit

• Arrive at the riad MONRIAD
• Enjoy Moroccan mint tea greeting
• Prepare shopping list with chef Aicha
• Walk to traditional Mellah market
• Buy ingredients in the souk
• Return to riad to cook Moroccan menu
• Receive cooking support and explanations
• Eat homemade lunch or dinner on terrace

Top questions

Is this Moroccan cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the riad is wheelchair accessible for guests attending the cooking class.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, both vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking.

Where does the Marrakech cooking class take place?

The class is held at MonRiad in the heart of Marrakech’s old medina near Bahia Palace.

Does this experience include a guided market visit?

Yes, Chef Aicha guides guests through the Mellah market to buy ingredients before cooking.

Is lunch or dinner included in this tour?

You’ll enjoy either lunch or dinner after cooking, depending on your booking time.

Will I receive recipes after the class?

Yes, all participants receive recipes by email within one week after their lesson.

Can infants join this Marrakech cooking class?

Infants are welcome; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this Moroccan cooking class private?

No, it’s a group experience—you may cook alongside other travelers at the riad.

What’s included

Your day includes a welcome mint tea on arrival at MonRiad, all ingredients and kitchen materials for your Moroccan cooking class with Chef Aicha, a guided shopping trip through Marrakech’s Mellah market, bottled water (one large per two people), plus a traditional lunch or dinner served on the terrace or courtyard depending on timing. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if you let them know ahead of time—recipes will be sent by email after your experience.