Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani

If you’re visiting Fez and want to get a real taste of local life, a baking class at Palais Amani’s Fez Cooking School offers an authentic, hands-on experience that’s both fun and deeply satisfying. Set in a beautifully restored palace within the labyrinthine medina, this class isn’t just about baking—it’s about connecting with Moroccan culture through food, traditions, and community.

What draws many to this experience are three key things: the chance to learn traditional Moroccan bread and pastry recipes, the intimate setting limited to just 10 participants for personalized guidance, and the opportunity to visit a communal oven used by locals. However, it’s worth noting that this experience doesn’t include transport, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. This class caters best to travelers eager to explore Moroccan cuisine in a relaxed, informal setting, especially those who enjoy cooking or want a genuine cultural activity beyond typical sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Moroccan experience with hands-on baking and a communal oven visit
• Limited group size ensures personalized instruction and attention
• Includes bread, pastries, and mint tea, giving a full taste of Moroccan treats
• Held inside a beautifully restored palace with gardens and a fountain
• Price point offers good value for a culturally rich, interactive activity
• No transport included, so plan accordingly

The Setting: A Palace in the Heart of the Medina

Imagine stepping into a restored palatial residence with lush gardens, a fountain, and a sense of calm amid Fez’s bustling medina. The Palais Amani provides an elegant backdrop for this cooking adventure, making it an experience that feels a step above typical cooking classes. The space feels both intimate and inspiring, with an ambiance that blends Moroccan tradition with a touch of luxury.

From the moment you arrive at the address — 12 Derb El Miter Hay Blida Oued Zhoune — you’re transported into a different world. The class begins at 3:00 pm, a perfect mid-afternoon escape from the heat and chaos of the city streets. Guides and instructors, praised for their patience and enthusiasm, make the environment welcoming for everyone.

The Focus: Moroccan Breads and Pastries

The core of the class is learning to make traditional Moroccan bread by hand. According to reviews, the instructors are especially good at explaining each step clearly, making sure everyone gets a chance to knead and shape dough. One guest mentioned, “Our teachers were great and very patient,” which is key since bread-making requires a bit of skill and confidence.

After shaping the bread, the group walks to a communal oven used by locals, a highlight for many. Watching your freshly shaped bread bake in a traditional oven adds a sense of achievement and authenticity. The process isn’t rushed—expect about 2.5 hours of activity, including preparation, baking, and tasting.

Along With bread, you’ll make classic Moroccan pastries — a variety of sweet treats that locals cherish, often made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor. One reviewer shared that they made cookies and a layered custard, which was a real highlight of the experience. These delicacies, along with freshly baked bread, are taste tested with Moroccan mint tea, served during a traditional tea ceremony that adds a social and cultural element to the workshop.

Hands-On Learning and Personal Instruction

The class is intentionally limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience. Reviewers consistently mention how helpful and patient the instructors are, guiding each person through kneading, shaping, and understanding the techniques behind Moroccan baking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, you’ll find the guidance clear and encouraging.

One guest noted, “Our teachers were great and very patient,” emphasizing how much this setting promotes learning at your own pace. This is not a large, noisy cooking factory; rather, it’s a cozy, educational environment where you can ask questions and really absorb the techniques.

The Food and Drink: Morocan Classics

The included bread, pastries, and mint tea are more than just refreshments—they are the heart of Moroccan hospitality. Guests consistently comment on how delicious the products are, often saying they’d love to replicate the recipes back home. The mint tea ceremony is a charming, social moment that allows you to relax and reflect on what you’ve just made.

In reviews, many talk about the “wonderful time” they had making traditional cookies and layered custards, which showcases how versatile and flavorful Moroccan sweets can be. The taste of fresh, warm bread and sweet pastries makes this more than just a class—it’s a taste of everyday life in Fez.

The Authenticity and Cultural Touches

What sets this experience apart from typical cooking classes is its focus on local, communal traditions. Visiting the local communal oven is a rare peek into everyday life, and many reviewers appreciated the glimpse into how Fez residents prepare their bread. One guest mentioned, “It’s an amazing experience,” highlighting how this activity offers more than just cooking—it’s about understanding Moroccan customs.

The garden setting and the atmosphere of Palais Amani also contribute to a sensory experience that is both calming and inspiring. Guests have loved the views of the old city from the rooftop terrace, adding a scenic element to the experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• The experience starts at 3:00 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
• The cost is about $44.08 per person, which includes all ingredients and the tea ceremony. Considering the personalized instruction, the visit to the communal oven, and the authentic environment, this offers good value.
• Remember that transportation isn’t included, so plan your route to Palais Amani beforehand. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or take a local taxi.
• The class is limited to 6 people per booking or up to 10 for grouped workshops, making it suitable for small groups or families.
• The activity is suitable for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
• Be sure to inform the organizers of any dietary requirements at booking for a smooth experience.

What We Love About This Experience

Authentic Moroccan culinary skills: The focus on bread and pastries makes this workshop distinctly local, giving you culinary insights you won’t find in a generic cooking class.

Intimate group setting: With small groups, you get plenty of personal attention and the chance to ask questions, making the experience more meaningful.

Cultural immersion: The visit to the communal oven and the traditional tea ceremony bring you closer to local customs than most tourist activities.

Beautiful setting: The palace interior, gardens, and views of the medina create an inspiring backdrop that elevates the entire experience from ordinary to special.

Who Should Book This?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they crave authentic cultural interactions and culinary skills. It’s perfect for food lovers, small groups, couples, or families looking for a relaxed yet meaningful activity. If you appreciate beautiful surroundings and storytelling through food, this workshop will be a highlight of your Fez trip.

Those with a keen interest in Moroccan traditions, or anyone wanting a memorable hands-on activity, will find this class both educational and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

A baking workshop at Palais Amani’s Fez Cooking School offers a genuine slice of Moroccan life in a beautiful setting. For around $44, you’re not just learning recipes—you’re experiencing the warmth of Moroccan hospitality, the community spirit of the communal oven, and the delight of tasting your own freshly baked creations.

While it doesn’t include transport, the class’s intimate atmosphere, expert guidance, and delicious results make it a worthwhile addition to any Fez itinerary. This experience suits those eager to connect with local culture through food, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Palais Amani.

What is the starting time?
The class begins at 3:00 pm.

How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the cost per person?
The price is around $44.08, which covers ingredients, guidance, and the tea ceremony.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people can join the class?
A maximum of 6 people per booking or up to 10 for grouped workshops.

What is included in the workshop?
You’ll learn to make Moroccan bread and pastries, and enjoy Moroccan mint tea. All baked goods are included.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, please advise at the time of booking.

Is the setting formal or casual?
The environment is cozy and welcoming, set inside a beautifully restored palace with lush gardens and a fountain.

Would you recommend this experience?
Absolutely—if you want an authentic, hands-on cultural activity that’s both fun and delicious, this is a great choice.

A hands-on Moroccan baking class at Palais Amani is a memorable way to engage with local traditions, enjoy a serene setting, and walk away with new culinary skills—and a full stomach.