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Cooking Class in Marrakech with Chef Naima: 3h in the Medina at Riad Vendôme
Cooking class in Marrakech at Riad Vendôme & Spa. Learn to prepare tagine, couscous and pastilla with Chef Naima. Marrakech cooking class for 2 to 25 people, from €48/person. A 2.5-hour workshop in the riad kitchen, Dar El Bacha medina. Direct booking +212 600 608 608.
Learn to cook a real Moroccan tagine in the heart of the Marrakech medina. At Riad Vendôme, our Chef Naima welcomes you for a complete culinary workshop: shopping at the local market, preparing Moroccan starters and traditional tagines, then tasting your dishes on the rooftop terrace with Atlas views. Classes for couples, families or groups of up to 20 people. €48/person.
In brief — Cooking class in Marrakech
- Moroccan cooking class in Marrakech with Chef Naima (5.0/5 on Google): tagine, couscous, pastilla in a private riad. From €48/person.
- 2.5-hour workshop for 2 to 25 people, in the riad kitchen, Dar El Bacha medina.
- Includes souk shopping, hands-on preparation with Chef Naima, and rooftop tasting with Atlas Mountain views.
- Direct booking / WhatsApp: +212 600 608 608
Cooking class in Marrakech — in our medina riad
Riad Vendôme opens the doors of its traditional kitchen for a complete immersion in Moroccan cuisine. Our Chef Naima, who has cooked at the riad for more than 15 years, shares her know-how with patience and good humour. The workshop takes place in the riad’s dining room, a bright space opening onto the central patio, where every guest gets hands-on.
Your workshop programme:
Souk shopping (45 min) — With our chef, you explore the local market 200 metres from the riad. You learn to choose spices (cumin, turmeric, ras el hanout, saffron), seasonal vegetables and meats. A privileged moment to discover the colours and scents of the souk.
Preparing the dishes (2h) — Back at the riad, you prepare your menu from scratch: two Moroccan starters (cooked salad, zaalouk or briouates), then a main course of your choice from our signature recipes.
Tasting — You taste your creations on the riad rooftop, with mint tea and Moroccan pastries, and a panoramic view over the medina rooftops and the Atlas.
Chef Naima’s recipes
Our recipe menu lets you choose the dish you want to learn to prepare:
| Recipe | Description | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken tagine with preserved lemons | The great Moroccan classic — farm chicken, preserved lemons, olives | ⭐ Easy |
| Kefta tagine with eggs | Spiced beef meatballs, tomato sauce, poached eggs | ⭐ Easy |
| Lamb tagine with prunes & almonds | Slow-cooked lamb shank, prunes, toasted almonds, cinnamon | ⭐⭐ Medium |
| Fish tagine chermoula | Conger or monkfish, chermoula marinade, seasonal vegetables | ⭐⭐ Medium |
| Traditional couscous | Hand-rolled semolina, 7-vegetable medley, meat of your choice | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced |
| Chicken pastilla | Filo pastry with chicken, almonds, cinnamon, icing sugar | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced |
Cooking class prices 2026
| Formula | Included | Price / person |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Class | Souk shopping + 2 starters + main course + tasting on the rooftop + mint tea + pastries | €48 |
Rates up to date as of 21 August 2026 · valid until August 2028. Written quote within 24 hours on WhatsApp +212 600 608 608.
(*) Price per person, minimum 2 people. Ingredients, aprons and drinks provided.
For couples, families and groups
Cooking class for couples or families: the workshop is available from 2 people. It is an ideal activity for couples on a romantic weekend or families with children (from age 8). Children love getting hands-on to roll the couscous semolina or shape the briouates. A friendly experience that makes a change from monument visits.
Group cooking class (up to 25 people): a favourite for hen parties, birthdays, team building and corporate seminars. We split the group into cooking stations, everyone prepares, then you all share the feast on the rooftop. Tailored quote on request.
Why choose Riad Vendôme for your class?
A real medina riad, not a cooking school. You cook in a genuine 18th-century riad in the Dar El Bacha district, 7 minutes’ walk from Jemaa El-Fna — patio, zellige tiling, rooftop with Atlas views. Chef Naima (5.0/5 on Google) teaches in a warm, hands-on way, adapting to every level. The class ends with a feast you share together on the rooftop.
Pair it with the spa: combine your class with a hammam and massage for a complete day. Our Cooking + Spa half-day is from €97/person.
Inside an authentic Marrakech riad, not a cooking school
Most cooking classes in Marrakech take place in dedicated schools or apartments outside the medina. At Riad Vendôme, you cook inside a real 18th-century riad in the Dar El Bacha district: a central patio with a fountain, traditional zellige tilework, and a rooftop terrace looking out over the medina roofs, the Koutoubia minaret and the Atlas Mountains. The kitchen welcomes up to 25 people, close enough to Chef Naima to see every gesture — a real Moroccan house, not a lecture hall.
Group workshop or private class: which one to choose?
Group class (10+ guests, from €48/person): convivial and budget-friendly, ideal for hen parties, birthdays and family reunions — everyone cooks together in teams, then shares the feast on the rooftop. Private or couple's class (€48/person; the VIP Cooking + Spa day is €130): Chef Naima's full attention, your own pace, and your choice of recipe — better suited to a romantic weekend or a small group wanting a more intimate, tailored experience. See our group cooking class rates.
Cooking classes for corporate team-building
Riad Vendôme has organised corporate events since 2013 for 9 international clients across 7 sectors, including BNP Paribas, ABN AMRO, AXA, Unilever and Nokia Networks. The cooking class works as a team-building format in its own right — teams split into 2 to 4 stations, cook in competition or collaborative format, then share the meal together on the rooftop — and combines well with a full seminar day. See our corporate seminar packages.
Practical information
| Duration | About 3 hours (45 min souk + 2h cooking + tasting) |
| Times | Morning from 10am or afternoon from 3pm |
| Group size | From 2 to 25 people |
| Languages | French & English |
| Included | Ingredients, aprons, recipes to take home, drinks |
(*) Booking recommended 48h in advance. The class adapts to dietary constraints on request: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other requirements can all be accommodated by Chef Naima — just mention it when booking. Full details on our dietary options page.
The Cooking Class, Hour by Hour
The class runs from 09:30 to about 14:30 and costs €48 per person, souk shopping and lunch included. Here is how the morning actually unfolds with Chef Naima, rated 5/5 on Google. One contact throughout: Éric, owner since 2011 — WhatsApp +212 600 608 608, written quote within 24 hours.
| 09:30 | Meet Chef Naima in the patio. Mint tea, the menu of the day and what each person wants to learn. |
| 10:00 | The souk. Twenty minutes on foot: spices, vegetables, herbs, the olive stalls. You buy what you will cook, and you learn how to tell fresh saffron from safflower. |
| 11:15 | Back at the riad. Aprons on, work surfaces in the patio kitchen. Starters first: zaalouk, taktouka, carrot and cumin salad. |
| 12:00 | The main course. Tagine, couscous or pastilla depending on the day — you shape, you season, you taste as you go. |
| 13:30 | Lunch on the rooftop, with what you cooked, the Atlas Mountains in front of you and mint tea poured from height. |
| 14:30 | Recipes handed over in writing to take home. The class ends here, or continues into the hammam on the Cooking + Spa day at €97. |
They cooked with Chef Naima
Caroline Sancier · ★★★★★
Cours de cuisine le 13 mai 2026 avec Naïma et ses collègues du Riad Vendôme : expérience inoubliable remplie de rires, de partages et de rencontres. On repart avec les recettes et de très beaux souvenirs.
(translation) Cooking class on 13 May 2026 with Naïma and her colleagues at Riad Vendôme: an unforgettable experience full of laughter, sharing and new encounters. You leave with the recipes and wonderful memories.
virginie franck · ★★★★★
Nous avons passé une très belle journée entre filles au cours de cuisine avec Naima, puis ensuite un très bon moment détente au spa du Riad. Je recommande ce lieu !
(translation) We spent a lovely girls' day at the cooking class with Naima, then a great relaxing moment at the Riad's spa. I recommend this place!
Voyageuse (avis Google vérifié) · ★★★★★
Merci Naïma pour ce super moment ! Merci pour ton accueil et ton sourire. On a adoré cuisiner à tes côtés dans un très beau lieu. Le cours est vraiment à faire lors d'un passage à Marrakech !
(translation) Thank you Naïma for this wonderful moment! Thank you for your welcome and your smile. We loved cooking by your side in a beautiful place. The class is really a must when visiting Marrakech!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pair a cooking experience with a Brunch + Spa morning at Riad Vendôme?
Yes. While the cooking class is an afternoon activity, the Riad also offers a separate Brunch + Spa package in the morning (€68/person) and a Brunch + Spa + Pool + Jacuzzi package (€79/person) — both built around Chef Naima's kitchen and the in-house spa. A full day can combine Brunch + Spa in the morning and cooking class later.
Can I do a cooking class during a short break in Marrakech?
Yes. A 3-hour cooking class with Chef Naima fits perfectly into a long weekend or 3-day short break in Marrakech. Many guests book the class on day 2 of a short stay, after a morning at Jemaa El-Fna and the souks. From €48/person.
What is the best value cooking class in Marrakech medina?
Riad Vendôme cooking class with Chef Naima offers excellent value: 3 hours, market shopping, hands-on prep, rooftop tasting, all included for €48/person. Chef Naima 5.0/5 on Google. Affordable authentic experience in the medina.
How does Riad Vendôme's cooking class compare to other cooking schools in Marrakech?
Unlike most cooking schools, which operate in dedicated venues or apartments outside the medina, Riad Vendôme's class takes place inside a real 18th-century riad in the Dar El Bacha district — patio, zellige, and a rooftop with Atlas views. Chef Naima (5.0/5 on Google) has taught here for over 15 years, and the €48/person rate includes souk shopping, hands-on preparation and rooftop tasting, all in one price.
How much does a cooking class in Marrakech cost?
The cooking class at Riad Vendôme starts at €48/person for the 3h individual class. Group rate (10+ guests) €48/person. Cooking + Spa package (half day) €97/person. VIP Cooking + Spa (full day) €130/person. Includes souk shopping, preparation with our chef, and rooftop tasting. Contact Eric on WhatsApp for exact pricing.
How long does a cooking class in Marrakech last?
A full cooking class at Riad Vendôme lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours: 45 minutes shopping at the local market, 2 hours of preparation in the kitchen, then tasting on the rooftop terrace.
Can we do a cooking class with children?
Yes, at Riad Vendôme, children are welcome from 8 years. They love helping prepare briouates, rolling couscous semolina and discovering spices. It's a family-friendly activity that delights children and adults alike.
What do you cook during the workshop?
At Riad Vendôme, you choose your recipe from our menu: chicken and preserved lemon tagine, kefta and egg tagine, lamb prune and almond tagine, fish chermoula tagine, traditional couscous or pastilla. Each workshop begins with the preparation of 2 Moroccan starters (cooked salad, zaalouk or briouates).
Are the classes suitable for beginners?
At Riad Vendôme, absolutely. Chef Naima adapts each workshop to the participants' level. No cooking experience is required. She explains every technique, every spice, and guides you step by step. The simplest recipes (chicken tagine, kefta tagine) are ideal for beginners.
Can you book a cooking class for a group?
Yes, at Riad Vendôme, we welcome groups of 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20 guests. It's an ideal activity for corporate seminars, hen parties, birthdays or family reunions. For more than 12 people, we organise the workshop in 2 parallel teams.
Should I book a group class or a private class?
It depends on your group and goals. Group classes (10+ guests, from €48/person) suit hen parties, birthdays and corporate team-building — convivial, budget-friendly, cook together in teams. Private or couple's classes (€48/person; the VIP Cooking + Spa day is €130) give you Chef Naima's full attention and your choice of recipe — better for a romantic day or a small group wanting a more tailored pace.
The ingredients are they fournis?
Yes, at Riad Vendôme, everything is included in the price: fresh ingredients from the market, spices, olive oil, aprons, cooking equipment and drinks (water, mint tea). You leave with the written recipe and a sachet of spices as a souvenir.
Is it possible to take the class in English?
At Riad Vendôme, classes are given in French by Chef Naima. For English-speaking participants, Eric (the French owner of the riad) provides translation into English. It's also possible to book a fully English-language cooking class.
Why book Riad Vendôme rather than a regular hotel in Marrakech?
Riad Vendôme is more than accommodation — it's a complete experience platform with 11 dedicated activity branches all coordinated by Eric, the owner since 2011. Unlike traditional hotels where you book a room and arrange activities separately, at Riad Vendôme you have a single interlocutor for: (1) private riad accommodation (12 rooms, exclusive hire up to 45 guests), (2) spa and hammam (oriental rituals, rooftop jacuzzi 36°C), (3) Chef Naima cooking classes (5.0/5 on Google), (4) Day Pass without overnight stay (spa + lunch + pool from 60 EUR), (5) yoga retreats (daily rooftop sessions + healthy catering), (6) birthdays and milestone celebrations (30th, 50th, 60th, 70th), (7) corporate seminars (meeting room + team building + gala dinners), (8) golf packages on 11 courses (Royal Golf, Amelkis, Samanah, etc.) + PGA Academy, (9) hen and stag parties (exclusive hire + activities), (10) Morocco circuits (Agafay desert, Atlas, Ouarzazate, Essaouira), (11) direct booking with no platform commission. One contact, one quote, one coordinated experience.
Can guests from the US and Canada join the cooking class?
Yes. The class is led by Chef Naima with full English translation by Éric, the owner, so it suits English-speaking guests from the US and Canada. There are no non-stop flights from the United States; from New York allow about 8 to 9 hours via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc, and Canada has a seasonal non-stop from Montreal to Casablanca. Most North American guests take the class during a few-day stay at the riad.
Where exactly is Riad Vendome located in Marrakech?
Riad Vendome is at 217 Derb El Halfaoui, in the Dar El Bacha district of the Marrakech medina. It is a 7-minute walk from Jemaa El-Fna square, close to the Koutoubia and the souks, so you reach the main sights on foot without needing a taxi. A member of staff meets you at the nearest vehicle drop-off point on arrival.
How do I book, and how quickly do you reply?
You book directly with the riad, not through a platform. Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp at +212 600 608 608 and you receive a written quote within 24 hours. There is no automated booking engine: every stay is confirmed by a person, and the payment terms are set out in the quote you receive.
Can the whole riad be privatised, and for how many guests?
Yes, Riad Vendome can be hired exclusively. The main riad has 12 rooms and goes up to 20 rooms with our second riad 100 metres away, for exclusive hire of up to 45 guests. During an exclusive hire there are no other guests: the pool, hammam, jacuzzi and rooftop are reserved for your group alone.
Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free or allergy diets?
Yes. Chef Naima adapts the menus and the cooking class to vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and allergy requirements. The kitchen is halal by default. What we need is the list of constraints in writing when you book, not on the day, because the shopping is done at the market that morning. For a desert night, Éric passes the same list to the camp 48 hours ahead so the meals are adapted there too. Send the details on WhatsApp +212 600 608 608 and they are written into your quote.
Want a taste before you arrive? Try Chef Naima’s lamb tagine recipe.
🌿 Short supply chain, every day: ingredients are bought fresh each morning at the Lalla Aicha souk, 200 metres from the riad, directly from local market vendors — no wholesale delivery, no imported produce. It's part of our eco-friendly riad approach: local sourcing, a fully local team, and minimal food miles for every class.
See also: Stays & Programmes — every Riad Vendôme itinerary in one place.