Even though it’s quite simple, Moroccan cuisine is delicious. Fresh vegetables and fruits, fragrant spices, a few fresh herbs. After the fun we had at our cooking class in Florence, we wanted to repeat the experience. I had given up on the idea after seeing the prices in Marrakesh, but while walking along the nice quiet streets of Essaouira, we stumbled upon a restaurant offering workshops for half the price, 350 Dh per person, so about 35 euros. True to our foodie side, we couldn’t refuse such an offer!
I liked the concept which allows each person to select their own appetizer and main dish, which meant we could choose vegan options. For this reason, it’s necessary to book at least a day in advance to allow them to go to the market and shop accordingly. Eager to taste everything, we both chose different dishes: Martin opted for a Moroccan soup called Harira and a vegetable tajine, while I went for a zaalouk, a delicious eggplant and tomato salad, alongside a vegetable couscous.
I was surprised to learn that couscous is steamed and not boiled!
i mean how good does this look?
It was rather quiet on the day we went and we were the only ones taking the class, which was a bit disappointing considering that we’d met very interesting people during our previous cooking class in Italy. Our chef Nora was nice but she didn’t really try to fuel the conversation. I’d say it was more a culinary experience than a human one.
To be completely honest, considering the cost of living and the lack of meat on our plates, we feel like we paid a lot more than it was worth. Nonetheless, we had lots of fun learning to cook typical Moroccan dishes and we look forward to having people over for dinner to impress them with our new skills.
And to bring the short afternoon to an end, we enjoyed our creations on the restaurant’s rooftop terrace, view on the ocean included. Our work didn’t disappoint our tastebuds.
colourful and flavourful vegetable couscous
My verdict
If I had to do it all over again, I’d try to ask my Moroccan hosts to show me, but otherwise I wouldn’t hesitate to follow this Moroccan cooking class. Even if Florence had set the bar very high, we still had a lovely afternoon together learning to cook these meals we were gladly enjoying in the town’s restaurants.
And regarding Essaouira, I highly recommend this pretty town! To know more about it, it’s over here.
booking info
Is a cooking class his something that you would like to try? I’m curious!
Pin for later:
I’m drooling just looking at these pictures! Moroccan food is so, so good and I love anything with eggplants – yummy! I ate some of the best food when I was in Morocco (wouldn’t hesitate to go back).
Eggplant is so good right!? I would also love to go back and explore more, it’s such a fascinating country!
All of these dishes look incredible!! I love Moroccan food and my husband and I have actually been cooking it in our house this week. Nothing as involved as what y’all made but still, it’s all so. good. Cute town too! Morocco is #1 on my must-travel list.
Oh I hope you go! We didn’t like the cities but we just loved the country! It’s just so beautiful!! And yup, the food is crazy good and super affordable so that’s always a plus right!?
This is something I have wanted to do for years. I bought a tagine many years ago and used it a lot and I just love the flavours and colors of Moroccan cooking and your pictures make me hungry for both the cuisine and taking a class. I have taken several classes back in Canada but what a dream come true. I am jealous….lol…
Where in Canada are you from?
You should plan a trip to Morocco, I think you would love it! And the food is ALWAYS delicious (and so so cheap!)
Sounds like you had a great lesson! :) Whenever we travel, I aim to have some type of cooking class in new countries :) I prefer those courses where you can choose your own food from menu – in Thailand I ended up eating very very spicy meals because we cooked as a group! I will be taking a food class once we head to Marrakech!
Haha that’s too bad! You can be assured that food in Morocco won’t be to spicy!
Do you already know when you’ll be going?
Even before I read the post I knew I would I would be salivating over this! I think this would be an amazing experience to get to know the local cuisine & culture. I have been meaning to do a Fijian cooking class since arriving here – saving that up for an activity during the stormy season when the beaches are off limits!
Wow!! How long are you staying? It’s my dream to visit the Pacific Ocean islands! <3
You should totally do it!
Moroccan food is sooo tasty! That’s really cool that you got to eat your dishes on the rooftop.
Yes! And we had it all to ourselves, which was even more special!
Some of the best food in the world I’ve eaten was in Morocco. You’re so lucky to have gotten a first-hand lesson on how to make Moroccan dishes. And your food looks delicious.
Thanks Sara! Eating is one of our main hobbies so we just had to do it!!
I have never taken a cooking class while traveling. AIt would be very interesting to learn about regional spices and certain techniques. As you mentioned, this is probably a better deal for meat eaters than vegans.
I highly recommend it! We did it twice and we had lots of fun, especially in Florence.
We also did a private food tour in Ljubljana which we absolutely loved! It’s a good thing we did it before starting to eat vegan! haha
I also have an article about it, if Slovenia is on your list (as it should be! :)
Wow! That vegetable couscous made me hungry! I love your pictures! You make me want to pack a bag and leave!
You should do it! Have you been to Morocco? It can be exhausting, but I would go back in a heartbeat! <3