Private Tour
Moroccan cooking class in Essaouira city
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Fluent in French, English, Arabic, and Berber, I enjoy communicating and sharing the values of my Moroccan culture, which is rooted in generosity and hospitality. I offer a variety of menus with a fresh or cooked starter, a main course, and a homemade dessert. I use fresh, high-quality, mostly local products to reduce the carbon footprint.
My priorities are to satisfy my customers, share culinary delight, and create an unforgettable moment in a truly Moroccan atmosphere.
I pay special attention to cleanliness and hygiene throughout my cooking class.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Welcoming participants in a Moroccan setting with immersion in Moroccan tradition and culture. Presentation of the day’s program accompanied by small Moroccan pastries and mint tea, whose preparation secrets you will learn. Introduction to the recipes and spices. Presentation of the selected recipes (tagine, couscous, pastilla, Moroccan salads, etc.). Presentation of traditional spices and condiments, with an explanation of their role in Moroccan cuisine (ras el hanout, cumin, saffron, cinnamon, preserved lemon, olives, etc.). Preparation of the main dish: Participants take part in every step of the process, from cutting the ingredients to seasoning. Specific cooking techniques depending on the recipe: slow-cooked tagine, steamed couscous, crispy pastilla. Preparation of Moroccan salads: Making classic salads such as carrot salad with chermoula, eggplant zaalouk, or taktouka. Participants sit down to enjoy together the dish they have prepared. Discussion about the recipes and Moroccan culture.
Sample Menu
main
Vegetarian tajine
Dish made with seasonal vegetables with Moroccan spices and olive oil.
main
Vegetarian or meat couscous (chicken or lamb)
Wheat semolina couscous with seven vegetables: squash, carrots, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, green cabbage, turnips, chickpeas, with or without chicken.
main
Tajine of sardine balls
A tasty tagine based on tomato sauce and sardines in balls, picked up with Moroccan spices.
main
Moroccan soup (Lahrira)
A complete traditional dish with or without meat, chickpeas, lentils, celery, parsley, coriander, tomatoes, faeces, vermicelli, etc.
main
Chicken tagine with candied lemon and olives
main
Chicken tagine with prunes and almonds
starter
Zaalouk: grilled eggplant puree
starter
Shlada machwiya: Moroccan tomato and roasted pepper salad
starter
Carrots and courgettes with chermoula
main
Kefta tagine: meatballs with tomato sauce
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Participants learn how to make Moroccan mint tea
Recipes in French and English sent after the cooking class
Moroccan cakes
Wifi access
Private transportation
Options
Traditional Moroccan and Berber cooking classes
Reviews
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful!
filippor314,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We participated in a very special cooking class with Khadija, a Moroccan lady from Essaouira very kind, welcoming and very good at cooking. He made us feel immediately at ease, explaining the recipes with simplicity and passion and involving us in every step, from preparations to final cooking. Her husband Mohammed, a person of great culture and humanity, was also with her. With him we shared beautiful moments of conversation, not only during the cooking class but also at dinner, between stories, laughter and sincere exchanges. It was one of those encounters that make a trip truly memorable. The dinner, eaten all together, was delicious and very convivial, in a familiar and authentic atmosphere. It was not just a cooking lesson, but a real sharing experience. I absolutely recommend this experience to those who want to get to know Morocco through the people, traditional cuisine and genuine hospitality of Essaouira. A memory that we will take with us!!😍
Amazing food and even better people!
shanem904,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve been coming to Morocco for several years for work, and over time I’ve completely fallen in love with the food. I had always wanted to take a cooking class, especially because I’ve struggled to recreate Moroccan dishes back home in the U.S. I chose this class because it felt more intimate and personal than many of the larger cooking schools in the Medina, and it absolutely was. We communicated in advance via WhatsApp about which dishes we wanted to prepare, which made the experience feel customized from the start. The location was easy to find, just a short walk from the Medina and not far from the beach. Khadija and Mohammed welcomed us into their apartment, which is filled with books and warmth. Khadija speaks excellent English, and we immediately felt at home as we shared tea before beginning to cook together. She had us actively involved in preparing two tagines and a Moroccan salad, carefully explaining the spices, ingredients, and the process that brings Moroccan cooking to life. The chicken tagine and kefta tagine we made together were absolutely divine. Afterward, we shared the meal in their living room while talking about a wide range of fascinating topics. The food was incredible, but the conversation and connection made the experience truly special. Khadija and Mohammed are wonderful human beings, and I genuinely feel that I left with new friends I will stay in touch with for years to come. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.
A "down home" cooking lesson - Moroccan Style
Shane M,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I’ve been coming to Morocco for several years for work, and over time I’ve completely fallen in love with the food. I had always wanted to take a cooking class, especially because I’ve struggled to recreate Moroccan dishes back home in the U.S. I chose this class because it felt more intimate and personal than many of the larger cooking schools in the Medina, and it absolutely was. We communicated in advance via WhatsApp about which dishes we wanted to prepare, which made the experience feel customized from the start. The location was easy to find, just a short walk from the Medina and not far from the beach. Khadija and Mohammed welcomed us into their apartment, which is filled with books and warmth. Khadija speaks excellent English, and we immediately felt at home as we shared tea before beginning to cook together. She had us actively involved in preparing two tagines and a Moroccan salad, carefully explaining the spices, ingredients, and the process that brings Moroccan cooking to life. The chicken tagine and kefta tagine we made together were absolutely divine. Afterward, we shared the meal in their living room while talking about a wide range of fascinating topics. The food was incredible, but the conversation and connection made the experience truly special. Khadija and Mohammed are wonderful human beings, and I genuinely feel that I left with new friends I will stay in touch with for years to come. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.
An absolute highlight in Essaouira 11/10
L1447RCkims,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We will not forget this experience anytime soon! Our expectations were definitely exceeded. We assumed that 8th is standing in a kitchen with other people and a cook/chef shows us how to prepare the local dishes. However, we have turned to Khadija and her husband's home. Her very friendly husband Mohammed has opened the door and kindly asked us inside. We felt directly welcome. You immediately had the feeling we were at home with our family. The apartment was chic and clean. Then we started cooking in an extra separate room. Everything was nicely on the table and tedious work like peeling pomegranate was already done. First we were served a mint tea, as well as delicious baked goods from Morocco. Then it was time to cook. Everything cut for the salad and the Tajin rides by. After the salad and tajin were ready, we took care of dessert (baklava). We were then allowed to do that independently. Everything was super fresh and delicious. Eating was quite authentic, together in the salon of the apartment. Here, conversations were held again about things you only hear when you talk to locals. At the end Khadija packed us leftovers that we ate in the evening. For us 11/10 stars very clear! Exactly the experience we were looking for. We were also asked beforehand which menu we would like to learn/cook. We recommend everyone to have this experience and would do it right back!
MUST do experience!
382luciep,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience, learning how to prepare delicious food in wonderful company and in a really great setting. All of our questions were answered with so much knowledge, it was really a pleasure and I cant wait to come back!
Amazing Berber Cooking Experiences!
C M,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Khadiji and her husband made our cooking class truly one of the most memorable experiences of our time in Morocco. Their warm hospitality made us feel like welcomed family from the moment we arrived. Khadiji is an amazing cook and teacher—patient, joyful, and so passionate about sharing her Berber traditions. We learned to make authentic Moroccan dishes, from traditional salads to crafting fragrant tagines bursting with flavor. Our traditional Berber cooking class with Khadiji and her husband was truly one of the most memorable experiences of our time in Morocco. Nestled in the peaceful countryside, their warm hospitality made us feel like welcomed family from the moment we arrived. Khadiji is a gifted cook and teacher—patient, joyful, and so passionate about sharing her culinary traditions. She guided us step-by-step as we prepared an incredible meal using fresh, local ingredients. We learned to make authentic Moroccan dishes, from traditional salads and 3 different delicious tagines bursting with flavor. Every part of the process meaningful, and deeply rooted in Berber culture. Their home, surrounded by stunning mountain views and simple beauty, offered the perfect setting to slow down and savor the moment. Lunch together felt like a celebration—delicious, abundant, and made with love. This is more than a cooking class! We left with full stomachs, new skills, and a heartfelt connection to a beautiful family and their way of life. If you’re visiting Morocco, do not miss this unforgettable experience!
Delicious experience!
Marie-Michele L,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the privilege of being welcomed as family by Khadija and Mohammed in their home. They took the time to learn each of our names, show us their beautiful garden and even lend us festive clothes for the day. We cooked a delicious meal that we could enjoy afterwards. A big thank you to particularly endearing hosts.
Ride with your eyes closed
margotb895,,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Go with your eyes closed, wonderful time spent with Khadija. I can't wait to come back to her to learn more recipes. Thank you for everything!
Great human and culinary experience!
852c drics,,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great human and culinary experience! Khadija made us super comfortable during this cooking class. She is a lovely person who is in the sharing. We did not see the time pass and we feasted! Thanks again!
A memorable cooking class in Essaouira
Yasmina R,,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting cooking course we were able to make 2 tagines a Moroccan salad that we shared together with Khadija and Mohammed Really great hosts of a very kindness who received us with great pleasure Beautiful exchanges around an excellent meal A big thank you to both
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