Marrakesh: Cooking Class & Market Tour with Chef Hassan

Summary

Moroccan flavors from market to table with a real Marrakesh chef

You’ll wander Marrakesh’s lively market for ingredients, share mint tea rituals in Chef Hassan’s home, and learn hands-on how to cook classic Moroccan dishes together. Expect laughter over chopping boards, stories behind every spice, and a meal that feels like family by the end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — cumin, fresh mint, something sweet I couldn’t name — drifting through the market just past the pharmacy where we met. Chef Hassan waved us over with a grin, already chatting with the tomato vendor like they were old friends (maybe they are). I tried to keep up as we picked out eggplants and lemons, but honestly I was distracted by the colors and the way everyone seemed to know each other. There was this little boy selling bread who kept sneaking glances at our group; Hassan bought an extra loaf from him “just in case.”

Back at their house (it’s only a few steps from the market but somehow feels miles away), we sat down for mint tea. It’s not just tea — there’s this whole ritual to it, pouring from high up so it foams. I tried it myself and almost spilled half on the table. Everyone laughed, including me. The air inside was cool (thank goodness for that AC), and there was this faint sound of someone playing oud music somewhere nearby. We talked about our favorite foods back home before getting into the real reason we came: learning how to make Moroccan tagine.

Chopping onions made my eyes water, but not as much as when Hassan started telling stories about his grandmother teaching him to cook. He showed us how to layer spices — ras el hanout is more complicated than I thought — and let us taste everything as we went. We worked together on three different dishes: chicken with lemon, veggie tagine, and these little meatballs in tomato sauce that I still think about whenever I see fresh coriander now. There was couscous too (someone in our group had requested it ahead of time), and he made sure everyone could eat what they wanted — even the vegan couple got their own pan going.

By the time we finally sat down to eat what we’d cooked, it felt less like a class and more like a family meal. Someone asked for seconds of the aubergine salad (zaalouk?), and Hassan promised to send us all the recipes later. We lingered longer than planned — nobody seemed in a rush to leave. Walking back out into Marrakesh’s noise after that felt strange; like I’d stepped out of someone else’s kitchen into my own life again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech cooking class and market visit

• Meet at the pharmacy
• Tour local market to buy ingredients
• Go to the cooking house nearby
• Make and enjoy fresh mint tea
• Start cooking tagines and other dishes
• Learn Moroccan cooking techniques and culture
• Taste and eat the cooked dishes
• Receive recipes to take home

Top questions

How long does the Marrakesh cooking class last?

The cooking class lasts around 4 hours.

Is lunch included in this Marrakesh cooking class?

Yes, lunch is included—you eat what you cook during the class.

Where does the cooking class start?

You meet at a pharmacy near a local market in Marrakesh before heading to Chef Hassan's house.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan food can be prepared—just mention your preferences when booking.

Is pickup included for this Marrakesh cooking class?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet at an agreed spot near the market.

Can children join this cooking class?

Children under 7 (including babies) are not allowed for this experience.

Do I get recipes after the class?

Yes, recipes for all dishes made during the class are shared afterwards.

What dishes might be cooked during the class?

Dishes often include vegetable tagine, chicken with lemon, meatball tagine with tomato sauce, zaalouk salad, couscous, beef with prunes, or chicken with raisins.

Is there air conditioning in the cooking area?

Yes, both cooking and eating areas are air-conditioned for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water on arrival, welcome mint tea shared with your hosts before cooking begins, all ingredients sourced fresh from Marrakesh’s local market (with guidance from Chef Hassan), use of an air-conditioned kitchen and dining space throughout your experience, bread served alongside your meal, plus lunch or dinner featuring all dishes you’ve prepared together—recipes sent after so you can try them again at home.