Marrakech: Moroccan Cooking Class & Spice Workshop with Lunch

Summary

Moroccan flavors in a Marrakech home with hands-on cooking

You’ll step into a Marrakech residence for a relaxed Moroccan cooking class led by local chefs. Taste fresh mint tea, learn about spices, prepare bread and classic tagines side by side with your hosts. Share laughter over lunch or dinner of your own creations — and leave with new flavors (and maybe sticky fingers) you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what saffron really smells like when it’s not hidden in a jar? Walking into the LAMAI Chef house in Marrakech, I honestly felt a bit out of place — but then our host greeted us with this easy smile and suddenly it was just… warm. The air was thick with cumin and something sweet I couldn’t place (later found out it was orange blossom). We started with mint tea, poured high from a silver pot — I tried to copy the motion and almost spilled everywhere. Our guide, Fatima, just laughed and handed me another glass.

The spice workshop part surprised me. I’d always thought “Moroccan spices” were just one thing, but Fatima lined up little bowls: paprika from the north, saffron from Taliouine (she made us smell it — earthy, almost grassy), and ras el hanout that tingled my nose. She told stories about caravans crossing the desert, how each brought something new. Then we got our hands messy making bread dough — mine stuck everywhere but she said that’s normal for first-timers.

I still think about chopping preserved lemons for the chicken tagine; my fingers smelled citrusy for hours after. We made two salads (one cold and crunchy, one cooked down till sweet) and watched her demo a vegetarian Berber tagine. Lunch was what we’d made together — everyone passing plates around like family. There was this moment of quiet before we dug in, just steam rising off the couscous and someone’s phone buzzing in the background. The graduation bit at the end felt silly at first but now that little certificate is on my fridge back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moroccan cooking workshop experience

• Arrive at beautiful house
• Presentation on Moroccan spices
• Enjoy mint tea and pastries
• Participate in spice workshop
• Prepare bread and chicken tagine
• Watch vegetarian Berber tagine demo
• Make two Moroccan salads
• Prepare pancakes with honey and almonds
• Taste the prepared dishes
• Attend graduation ceremony

Top questions

Is transportation included in this Moroccan cooking class?

Yes, pickup is included with an air-conditioned vehicle for your comfort.

Will I get to eat what I cook during the workshop?

Yes, lunch or dinner is included featuring all the dishes you prepare during the class.

Are vegetarian options available in this Marrakech cooking class?

Yes, there is a demonstration of vegetarian Berber tagine as part of the experience.

Is this Moroccan cooking workshop wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the cooking class last?

The activity covers several hours including theory, hands-on cooking, tasting, and graduation.

Do I need prior cooking experience to join?

No experience needed — beginners are welcome and guided throughout by local chefs.

Are infants or small children allowed at this workshop?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What traditional dishes will we make during the class?

You’ll prepare bread, chicken tagine with preserved lemon & olives, two salads, pancakes with honey & almonds; plus see a vegetarian Berber tagine demo.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Marrakech, bottled water throughout the workshop, all ingredients for hands-on cooking of classic Moroccan dishes like tagine and salads (with both lunch or dinner served), plus coffee or mint tea shared during your introduction to local spices before returning home with new recipes — and maybe flour on your shirt.