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Tagine Cooking Class in Marrakech : Our Hands-On Review

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For 17 years, two beautiful Moroccan tagines sat untouched on a shelf in our kitchen—a gift from a neighbour when we moved to France. They looked great, but we had no idea how to use them.

So, when we planned a trip to Morocco, we knew it was finally time to learn. And what better way than by taking an authentic tagine cooking class in Marrakech?

But with so many options, how do you choose? A structured cooking school or a more traditional, home-style experience? After a little research, we booked with Chef Laila and arrived excited to finally master this iconic Moroccan dish.

So, did the class live up to the hype? Or did we leave disappointed? Read on for our honest review—and find out if a hands-on cooking class should be on your Marrakech must-do list!

Why Take a Tagine Cooking Class in Marrakech?

Few dishes represent Moroccan cuisine quite like the tagine. This slow-cooked dish is a staple in Moroccan homes and restaurants, known for its tender meats, rich spices, and aromatic sauces.

But I’ll be honest—I was never a fan. Until we visited Granada in Spain, where we ordered a Chicken and Prune Tagine for dinner. Oh my. I was totally sold. Since then, we’ve always wanted to learn how to make one at home.

The Tagine & Centuries of History

A tagine isn’t just a dish—it’s also the name of the distinctive clay pot it’s cooked in.

The word Tagine is derived from the Berber word ṭajin which means shallow earthen pot.  The pots were traditionally placed on hot coals and open fires where dishes could be slow-cooked. 

This cooking method dates back over 1,000 years when North African Berbers would prepare meals over open fires in the desert. The conical lid traps steam, keeping the food moist and flavorful while requiring very little water—an essential technique in arid regions.

Over the centuries, Moroccan tagines evolved with influences from Andalusian, Arab, and French cuisines, incorporating spices like saffron, cumin, and cinnamon brought in from ancient trade routes.

Why Is The Tagine Still Popular Today?

Despite its ancient origins, the tagine remains at the heart of Moroccan cooking. Walk through the Medina of Marrakech, and you’ll see tagines lined up outside restaurants, filling the air with the scent of slow-cooked lamb, preserved lemons, and fragrant spices.

Originally, tagines were peasant food. Cooking meat slowly at low temperatures made it possible to use cheaper cuts, breaking them down until they became tender. The dish also requires little added liquid or fat, making it an efficient way to cook.

Today, Moroccans still cook tagines daily, preparing everything from meat and seafood to vegetarian versions with chickpeas, lemons, and prunes. And they remain as much a part of Moroccan culture today as they did a thousand years ago.

Why Take a Tagine Cooking Class in Marrakech?

Of course, you can eat a tagine at any restaurant in Marrakech—but learning to make one yourself is an entirely different experience. Taking a tagine cooking class allows you to:

We love to take cooking classes when we travel, it’s not just about the food but also a chance to immerse ourselves in the culture, history, and flavours in a very hands-on way. And you get to enjoy the fruits of your labours after!

Laila’s Tagine Cooking Class

In the heart of the Marrakech medina, Chef Laila and her daughter offer a truly authentic cooking experience. According to the tour details, we could expect to:

With hundreds of 5-star reviews, we figured Chef Laila’s class had to be good—and we weren’t disappointed. After spending a day in her kitchen, we discovered that she’s been cooking professionally for over 30 years. Not only did she teach us how to make incredible dishes, but she also gave us practical tips we’ll be using when we cook our tagine at home.

What’s Included In This Marrakech Cooking Class?

Most Marrakech cooking classes follow a similar format, but here’s what we got with Chef Laila’s class:

The experience felt well-organized, immersive, and fun—it wasn’t just about following a recipe, but really understanding the flavours and traditions behind Moroccan cuisine.  And Laila was always happy to share stories of growing up in the Medina.

1. The Market Visit & Haggling in the Souk

Are you like us? Do you hate haggling in markets? No matter where we travel, we always end up paying too much—even for a fridge magnet.

For this class, we first wandered through the maze of the medina, as Chef Laila guided us through the stalls, pointing out the fresh ingredients we’d need for our tagine. She also introduced us to the spices and herbs we’d be using. If you want to take some home, she’ll even help you buy the best ones.

2. What you’ll Cook

Beyond the iconic tagine, Morocco boasts a treasure trove of flavors. We’re huge fans of North African cuisine, and I probably add Ras El Hanout to way too many dishes at home.

Laila’s class menu changes with the seasons, depending on what’s fresh, and she also adapts it to suit the group’s dietary needs. Our class had two vegetarians and gluten-free options for me, and she seamlessly adjusted the menu to accommodate everyone.

Our feast included:

We also learned how to make traditional Moroccan mint tea and preserved lemons. I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of preserved lemons, but Gerry loves them!

I also discovered that Ras El Hanout can include up to 36 different spices—and any Moroccan chef worth their salt will blend their own!

3. Prepare to Get Hands-On!

This is a proper hands-on class, so be ready to roll up your sleeves!

After shopping and tea, we were handed aprons and put straight to work. First up? Peeling vegetables. Then chopping. We had to cut out the middle of the carrot. I’ve never done that before! Is that a Moroccan thing? Does anyone else do this at home?

The vegetables were for the tagine, but we also prepared several Moroccan side dishes—which were referred to as salads, even though most were warm. These included baby courgettes, carrots, and eggplant.

We also learned how to make Moroccan mayonnaise, which reminded me of Chimichurri sauce, and of course, how to preserve lemons. Turns out, it takes at least 2 months for them to be ready, but they’re best after 5 years!

By the end of the prep, we had:

4. Lunch Is Served

Time flies in this class! As we finished preparing the ingredients, the chefs cooked the meat. Once the tagines were simmering away, we got started on the side dishes and salads.

The class was really well-paced—we were always busy, but it was perfectly timed so that everything was ready for lunch.

And wow—what a feast! We moved into another room, and in front of us was a beautiful spread of dishes we had prepared together. The food was buffet-style, with tea and water readily available.

We sat, ate, and chatted with our fellow travellers, swapping stories and favourite moments from the class. Before we knew it, an hour had passed, and it was time to say goodbye.

The food? Absolutely delicious—and there was more than enough to go around. We left feeling full, happy, and ready to recreate these dishes at home.

Tagine Cooking Class : FAQ

Once you’ve booked your class, you’ll receive joining instructions with everything you need to know before you arrive. All materials are provided, and if you have any questions, you can easily contact via WhatsApp.

Can Vegetarian And Special Diets Be Included?

Yes! Before heading to the market, you’ll be asked if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. However, I’d still recommend mentioning this in advance when booking.

For me, eating gluten-free wasn’t an issue at all. While couscous was on the menu, it was prepared separately, and there was so much food that I never felt like I was missing out.

How Long Is The Cooking Class?

This is advertised as a half-day experience, but ours lasted well over 4 hours—and the time flew!

We met at 9:30 AM, and by the time we had eaten, chatted, and said our goodbyes, it was well past 2 PM. The class never felt rushed, and we loved the relaxed atmosphere, including the tea breaks and conversations with fellow travellers.

Do I Need To Bring Anything?

Are Recipes Provided To Take Home?  

Yes! The recipes were sent to us via WhatsApp while we were still enjoying our meal. If you don’t receive them, Laila is happy to email them to you afterward.

I even contacted her weeks later with a question, and she replied quickly and which was really kind.

Do You Need Prior Cooking Experience?

Not at all! The class is designed for beginners—I mean, Gerry was one of Laila’s star pupils, so that tells you everything! (Sorry, Ger!)

After posting photos from our class on Facebook, a friend messaged me to say she took the same class with her children—so it’s definitely family-friendly.

That said, if you love cooking, you’ll still learn a lot. Bring a smile and a willingness to dive in, and you’ll have an amazing time.

How Much Does The Cooking Class Cost?  

For us, this was a budget-friendly experience—and incredible value for money!

Considering how hands-on and immersive the experience was, we felt this was absolutely worth it.

Is The Course In English?

Oui, bien sûr!

Laila speaks English, French, and Arabic fluently. While we were surprised by how widely French is spoken in Marrakech, we had no issues communicating in English throughout the class.

Language was never a barrier, and the class was conducted entirely in English for our group.

What Other Cooking Classes Are Available in Marrakech?

Marrakech has no shortage of incredible cooking classes! We chose Chef Laila’s class because it felt like a more traditional experience, and we were not disappointed.

But after researching more in-depth, I realised there’s actually very little to separate these classes. The photos of the kitchens might look different, and each chef has their own personal touch, but the overall experience is the same—they all offer a fantastic introduction to Moroccan cooking.

How to Choose the Right Class for You

Four Great Classes in Marrakech

You’re spoiled for choice, but here are four fantastic options that all give you the chance to cook an authentic Moroccan tagine:

1. Half-Day Cooking Class with Local Chef Laila : The one we took

We chose this class because it felt a little more traditional, and the schedule worked perfectly for us. After experiencing it firsthand, we completely understand why Chef Laila has so many 5-star reviews!

2. Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khmisa

Another top-rated choice! Chef Khmisa’s class is very similar to the one we took, and based on the glowing reviews, I have no doubt it would be an equally fantastic experience.

3. Marrakesh cooking class with chef Hassan 

The key difference here is maybe the smaller group size. Otherwise, this is another excellent choice for learning how to cook a classic Moroccan tagine.

4. Moroccan Cooking Class for vegetarians and vegan

While all of these classes offer vegetarian options, this one is exclusively plant-based—perfect if you’d rather attend a class where no meat is prepared. It’s a newer class, but the reviews are already excellent.

Is It Worth Taking A Tagine Cooking Class in Marrakech?

Absolutely! If you love to cook, enjoy eating local food, and like meeting new people, this is a fantastic way to spend your time in Marrakech. We loved this class.

The only other cooking class we’ve taken that matched this experience was our class in Ubud, in Bali… and we’ve taken a few cooking classes over the years!

This was such a great value activity, including:

The rich, flavours of our tagines brought the dish to life—and was everything that we love about North African cuisine. Honestly, it would have been worth it just for the meal, but the fact that we also had hours of hands-on cooking instruction made it even better.

Gerry was the one who really wanted to take this class—and he gave it full marks. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, book your spot, wash your hands, and get ready to cook!

Need More Inspiration for Your Marrakech Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech, there’s so much to see beyond the main squares and souks. Whether you’re dreaming of ancient kasbahs, learning to cook the perfect tagine, or escaping into the Atlas Mountains, we’ve written about it!

Check out these guides to make the most of your time in Morocco :

Which experience are you most excited about? Maybe visit me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know!