A Taste of Morocco: Our Cooking Class Adventure in Marrakech

There’s no better way to experience Morocco than through its food. Today, I had the pleasure of organizing a special cooking class for one of our wonderful clients here in Marrakech. It wasn’t just about learning recipes—it was about living a true Moroccan experience from start to finish: shopping in the bustling souks, discovering local ingredients, cooking together, and finally sharing a delicious meal.

From the Souks to the Kitchen

The day began with a visit to the traditional souks of Marrakech. Our guests were guided through narrow streets full of colors, sounds, and smells. Fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, olives, lemons, and spices filled every corner. The goal was simple: buy everything needed to cook a real Moroccan lunch.

Our shopping list was short but full of flavor—tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, preserved lemons, and, of course, chicken. Along the way, our guests learned to negotiate like locals and discovered how each spice has its own story and use in Moroccan cuisine. The warm vendors shared smiles, cooking tips.

After gathering all the ingredients, we walked back to our cooking space, ready to start the fun part—the cooking!

Preparing the Starters: Zaalouk and Taktouka

We began with two classic Moroccan starters: Zaalouk and Taktouka.

Zaalouk is a smoky eggplant and tomato salad seasoned with garlic, paprika, cumin, and olive oil. It’s one of Morocco’s most popular side dishes—served warm or cold with fresh bread.

Next came Taktouka, another traditional salad made with roasted green peppers and tomatoes, flavored with olive oil and spices. The combination of the two creates a perfect balance: Zaalouk is deep and smoky, while Taktouka is fresh and slightly tangy. Our guests enjoyed learning how simple ingredients can turn into something so flavorful.

We also prepared a small side of potatoes with carrots, cooked gently with cumin, garlic, and parsley—a comforting dish that perfectly complements Moroccan starters.

The Main Course: Chicken with Lemon

For the main course, we made Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives—a signature dish that represents Moroccan hospitality. We started by marinating the chicken with garlic, saffron, ginger, turmeric, and olive oil. The bright yellow color and the smell of spices instantly brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

As the chicken simmered slowly, the preserved lemons released their unique flavor—salty, tangy, and slightly sweet. The green olives added a beautiful contrast, and soon the entire kitchen was filled with the rich scent of Moroccan tradition.

While waiting for the chicken to cook, our guests asked many questions about Moroccan food culture—how families share meals, how recipes change from region to region, and how each spice reflects Morocco’s diverse history.

The Joy of Cooking and Sharing

When the meal was ready, we gathered around the table like a family. Everyone proudly tasted their creations, dipping warm bread into the sauce and sharing laughter. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the zaalouk rich and smoky, and the taktouka perfectly fresh. It was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of culture, teamwork, and discovery.

Why Cooking Classes Are the Best Way to Experience Morocco

Many travelers come to Morocco for the desert, the architecture, and the markets—but food brings it all together. Cooking classes are the perfect mix of culture, community, and creativity. You don’t just see Morocco; you taste it, touch it, and live it.

Our guests left not only with full stomachs but also with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Moroccan traditions. Some even said they would try to make zaalouk and chicken with lemon once they returned home.

If you’re visiting Morocco, I highly recommend joining cooking experiences. You’ll get to:

Explore local souks with a local guide

Learn traditional Moroccan recipes step by step

Discover the secrets of Moroccan spices

Enjoy a friendly, family-style lunch

Cooking together creates memories that last longer than any souvenir.