Cooking Classes in Morocco: The Solo Traveller’s Edition
In my experience, taking a cooking class in Morocco is one of the most rewarding activities a solo traveller can participate in.
Beyond learning how to prepare iconic dishes like tagine, couscous and pastilla (a layered pastry dish), cooking classes are a fantastic way to connect with other travellers and Moroccans.
I’ve done several cooking classes in Morocco as a solo traveller, as well as being lucky enough to have one-on-one lessons in the kitchen with my mother-in-law (she’s the best!)
Together, they have taught me that preparing food in Morocco is an act of love, not to mention a continuation of centuries-old culinary traditions.
Even when I’m not in Morocco, I love preparing Maghrebi dishes and playing around with different spice combinations. But they always taste sweeter when I’m actually in the country and eating them surrounded by the unique sounds of Moroccan life.
For solo travellers, cooking classes strike the perfect balance between cultural immersion and social connection, without the pressure of joining a full tour. You still get to maintain your independence and craft your own Morocco travel itinerary, all while reaping the benefits of a community activity.
Whether you’re travelling alone to Marrakech, Fes or venturing into the Atlas Mountains, Moroccan cooking classes offer a rare glimpse into everyday life. Plus, you’ll walk away with a collection of recipes that can be prepared throughout your lifetime.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
Why Moroccan Cooking Classes are Perfect for Solo Travellers
Cooking classes in Morocco are naturally social but never (in my experience) overwhelming. They’re a gentle way to immerse yourself in the local culture, without the intensity of being amidst the chaos of the medina (which can be overwhelming for introverts – like me!)
When you sign up for a Moroccan cooking class as a solo traveller, you’ll usually be part of a small group. This makes it easy to chat, ask questions and connect with fellow travellers or local hosts.
It also means you won’t be paying a “solo supplement”, which is sometimes the case with other tours in Morocco.
The best cooking classes in Morocco for solo travellers are well-structured and may include a market visit to purchase ingredients. Higher-end cooking schools boast individual screens that allow you to see the chef’s hands up close and better understand the techniques involved.
Signing up to a Moroccan Cooking Class Means:
- No awkward solo dining – you cook and eat together with your small group.
- Hands-on learning without language barriers – most hosts speak fluent English or translators are on hand.
- A relaxed environment that provides a break from navigating Morocco’s busy medinas.
- Gain cultural insights beyond sightseeing and delve deep into Morocco’s culinary heritage.
It’s a Great Way to Connect with Moroccan Women
Many (but not all) Moroccan cooking classes are run by women, sometimes in their homes or community kitchens. And once you’re in Morocco for a while, you’ll understand that finding opportunities to connect with local women is quite rare.
Most tours in the country are led by men and riad hosts (in my experience) are predominantly men. Moroccan women often play a behind-the-scenes role, sometimes working in housekeeping or riad kitchens.
As a traveller, this means there are fewer opportunities to meet and chat with Moroccan women and gain different cultural insights. Cooking classes are an exception – I think they’re one of the best ways to get a female perspective on life in Morocco!
Another great way to spend a few hours with Moroccan women is during hands-on artisan workshops, particularly in weaving, embroidery and at argan oil cooperatives.
What You’ll Typically Learn During a Moroccan Cooking Class
While every class is different, most Moroccan food tours and cooking classes follow a similar structure, taking you from the market to the kitchen and eventually to the table.
Many cooking classes begin with a guided visit to a local souk. For solo travellers, this is especially valuable – navigating markets with a local removes the stress of bargaining, language barriers and sensory overload.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask all those questions you might feel awkward asking on your own!
During market visits, you’ll learn how Moroccans shop and cultural etiquette in the souks, as well as how to pick out the freshest produce. Trust me when I say that shopping in Moroccan markets is nothing like going to the supermarket back home!
Everything is beautifully presented and you typically purchase different ingredients from different vendors. Plus, the displays are amazing – think colourful spices, olives and dates piled high, alongside ultra-fresh fruits and vegetables (some of which were new to me).
After the market, it’s back to the kitchen where the hands-on part of your Moroccan cooking class takes place. Your host will guide you step-by-step through the preparation of ingredients, all while explaining the cultural significance of each dish.
Common dishes include:
- Chicken, lamb or vegetable tagine
- Traditional couscous (often prepared on Fridays)
- Warm Moroccan salads (zaalouk, taktouka) – these are my personal favourites!
- Homemade bread (khobz)
- Mint tea preparation and pouring ritual
Some specialised cooking workshops in Morocco focus on pastries like briouats or chebakia. Others are dedicated to the rituals of bread-making in Morocco and include a visit to a community oven (this is a really eye-opening experience!)
Best Places in Morocco for Cooking Classes
Honestly, there are Moroccan food experiences and cooking classes held across the country. So no matter where you decide to visit, it’s likely that you’ll be able to get hands-on in the kitchen.
That being said, some destinations offer a greater variety of culinary-focused cultural experiences in Morocco. If you’re a solo traveller “foodie” visiting the country, add these destinations to your Morocco itinerary.
If you’re looking for solo traveller-friendly cooking classes in Morocco, you’ll find heaps of different options at Viator and GetYourGuide. Both feature verified reviews and ratings from previous participants, which provide peace of mind that it’s a safe and worthwhile experience.
Marrakech cooking classes
Ideal for first-time visitors, Marrakech offers the widest range of cooking classes in Morocco. In the “Red City”, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly small-group cooking classes to intimate home-based experiences and high-end cooking workshops at palatial hotels.
I’ve highlighted what I think are some of the best cooking classes in Marrakech in my detailed article here. It includes highly-rated experiences with female chefs, a farm-to-table cooking workshop at an organic property and a small-group class at one of Marrakech’s leading culinary schools.
Fes cooking classes
With this ancient city boasting a cuisine all its own – Fassi – Fes cooking classes are unique. Many focus on family recipes passed down through generations, making them perfect for culturally curious solo travellers.
I’ve highlighted some of my favourite food tours and experiences in Fes in my detailed article here. It includes an intimate cooking experience with Grandma Fatima, a highly-rated culinary workshop at Palais Bab Sahra and an authentic dinner with a local family (that includes time in the kitchen).
Essaouira cooking classes
While Essaouira doesn’t have quite as many food tours and experiences as Marrakech and Fes, it’s a great place to do a cooking class for solo travellers who love seafood. The fish market here is legendary and everything is soooo fresh (it’s pulled from the ocean that morning!)
I’ve highlighted some of my favourite food tours and experiences in Essaouira in my detailed article here. It includes intimate experiences in family homes and cooking classes at one of Essaouira’s best culinary schools – L’Atelier.
Tangier cooking classes
Due to its setting at the meeting point of Africa and Europe, Tangier’s food influences differ somewhat from those in Marrakech and Fes. Spain lies just across the water, leading to the introduction of Andalusian flavours into Tangier cuisine.
Additionally, both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas provide an abundance of seafood right at Tangier’s doorstep. In short, it’s a great place for solo travellers to do a Moroccan cooking class.
I’ve highlighted some of my favourite food tours and experiences in Tangier in my detailed article here. It includes a Moroccan cooking class with a local family and several small-group food tours that allow you to taste regional specialties.
Atlas Mountains & Amazigh Villages
Village-based cooking classes are deeply immersive and are often accompanied by incredible views. You’ll prepare dishes with local families using ingredients grown in their gardens or nearby, offering a meaningful connection to rural life.
Cooking in Moroccan villages often takes place over a fire, adding a new element to the experience. Many elders (who are the holders of culinary knowledge) don’t speak English (translators are on hand), but their warmth transcends language.
Joining a village-based cooking class in the Atlas Mountains or an Amazigh village is a great way to spread your tourism dollars beyond urban centres.
Available as a full-day experience from Marrakech, this Atlas Mountains cooking class with an Amazigh family has amazing reviews. It includes round-trip transportation from the “Red City”, several hours in the kitchen with an Amazigh elder and a three-course meal at the end!
What to Expect as a Solo Traveller
Firstly, you don’t need any experience in the kitchen to join a cooking class in Morocco – it’s intuitive and guided step-by-step. So if you’re a microwave meal kind of person back home, you’ll have no issues!
Hosts are used to working with couples, groups of friends and solo travellers – in my experience, they make a genuine effort to include everyone.
• Group sizes: Usually 4–12 people
• Duration: 3–5 hours (some cooking classes are full-day experiences)
• Language: English, French or Spanish (in northern Morocco); translation is provided and demonstrations are very visual
Dress code: Casual, comfortable, modest
When you finish a traditional cooking class in Morocco, you’ll leave not only with new skills to show off to your family and friends back home, but also with written recipes of the dishes you prepared.
Additionally, you might leave with contacts for new friends created while bonding over Moroccan cuisine. I’m still in touch with people I’ve met during Moroccan cooking classes!
Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Classes in Morocco
Most Moroccan cooking classes can be tailored to vegetarian and vegan travellers – just let your host know at the time of booking so they can prepare ahead of time.
While vegetarianism and veganism aren’t common amongst locals, hosts are respectful and understanding of travellers who don’t want to be exposed to meat or dairy products. Many Moroccan dishes can easily be prepared without meat and most side dishes are vegetarian/vegan by default.
While I have started eating fish again in the last few years, I don’t eat any meat and have never had issues at a Moroccan cooking class.
However, if you are invited into a family home spontaneously for a meal (such as Friday couscous), you might find the dishes aren’t strictly vegetarian/vegan. You can learn more about the cultural significance of Friday couscous and what to expect here.
Safety and Comfort Tips for Solo Travellers
- Only book classes with verified reviews
- Confirm dietary requirements in advance so your host can prepare
- Steer clear of ultra-cheap cooking classes in Morocco – these may be “tourist traps”
- Choose daytime sessions if you prefer not to walk alone at night
- Check where the class takes place (in a home, at a riad or a community kitchen)
Top tip:
Participating in a cooking class that includes a home visit is a wonderful cultural experience and this is quite common in Morocco. But it should only be done if booked through a reputable operator, ideally with an online presence and verified reviews.
Budget: How Much Do Cooking Classes in Morocco Cost?
- Group classes: 250-600 MAD
- Village experiences: 400-900 MAD (some include transport from cities)
While cooking classes aren’t the cheapest activity you can do in Morocco, I think they offer excellent value for the cultural insights gained.
And remember, you will get to enjoy a delicious, multi-course meal at the end of the class, in addition to the skills learned and written recipes you’ll come away with.
Why You Should Add a Cooking Class to Your Solo Travel Morocco Itinerary
As a solo adventurer, it’s easy to rush through Morocco, ticking off landmarks, particularly if you’re travelling on a tight budget or have limited time. A cooking class slows everything down. It creates space for conversation, connection and culinary curiosity.
Morocco’s gastronomic traditions are a big part of the country’s appeal as a travel destination and eating in restaurants provides just one perspective. Once you step into the kitchen and start preparing dishes yourself, you’ll come away with insights (and skills) that will stay with you long after your trip ends.
You won’t just learn how to cook Moroccan dishes. You’ll understand what food preparation means in Morocco and how it shapes daily life.
So if you’re travelling solo in Morocco and looking for an experience that’s social, safe and deeply authentic, a cooking class should be high on your list.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
By purchasing through my links, you’ll be supporting my website at no additional cost to you
-
When to Join a Group Tour (and When to Stay Solo) in Morocco
I think there are three types of solo travellers. Those who want to travel completely independently, those who want to join a multi-day tour for the duration of their trip and those who want to combine both. I would say I’m in the latter group. Travelling independently is usually my preferred option. But I also…
-
Is July a Good Time to Visit Morocco? A Solo Traveller’s Guide
The big question if you’re thinking about visiting Morocco in July is: Can you handle the heat? July is one of Morocco’s hottest months. Inland cities such as Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Ouarzazate regularly see daytime temperatures climbing above 40°C. Sightseeing in the middle of the day can be exhausting and I would recommend against…
-
Are Luxury Riads in Morocco Good for Solo Travel?
When I was younger, I always stayed at budget hotels and hostels – I wanted my money to stretch as far as possible. Then, once I had a steady income and a little cash to spare, I upgraded my accommodation to what most would call “mid-range”. But it took a while longer before I felt…
-
Al Boraq High-Speed Trains: What Solo Travellers Should Know
Since it launched in late 2018, Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed train has transformed how travellers move around the country. I’ve ridden it several times now (from Tangier to Rabat and from Kenitra to Casablanca) and it’s a really fun (and highly efficient) experience! Travelling at speeds of up to 320 km/h, Al Boraq trains are…
-
Why Morocco Is Ideal for Low-Impact Solo Travel
I often look back on the way I travelled in my 20s and realise it was all about me getting the most out of my destination. I wanted to see as much as I could on the limited budget I had available, and have lots of photos as proof of my trip. Fast-forward a couple…
-
Is June a Good Time to Visit Morocco? A Solo Traveller’s Guide
June in Morocco is somewhat special and (dare I say) one of the best months to visit the country. It sits between spring’s mild temperatures and the peak summer heat, leading many travellers to overlook it entirely. But for solo travellers who don’t have to take their annual holidays in July/August and want to avoid…
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
