Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani Experience

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (94 reviews)

Location: Fez, Morocco

Price: $100.03 per person

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Supplier: Fez Cooking School

Recommended by 100% of reviewers, with bookings opening around 39 days in advance

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

This cooking class in Fez isn’t just about learning how to make a Moroccan dish; it’s an all-encompassing cultural experience. We love the fact that it starts with a guided visit to a lively local souk, giving you a real taste of everyday Moroccan life. The chance to cook in a restored palace with panoramic rooftop views adds an extra layer of magic. Plus, the meal is enjoyed outdoors in lush gardens, making it an ideal way to unwind after a market stroll.

Three things that truly impress us are the authentic market experience, the detailed recipes you’ll take home, and the engaging, friendly guides—especially Lubna, who gets high praise for her bubbly personality and humor. That said, a possible consideration is the tour’s price point; while it’s excellent value given the experience, some travelers might prefer a more flexible itinerary or optional alcohol purchases.

This tour is perfect for travellers craving a hands-on Moroccan experience, food lovers, or anyone wanting a meaningful cultural exchange in a stunning setting. If you enjoy exploring markets, cooking, and eating in gorgeous surroundings, this class is right up your alley.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Visit: Guided shopping for ingredients in a traditional souk, with tastings and local treats.
• Cultural Immersion: Learn about Moroccan food and customs from knowledgeable guides.
• Beautiful Setting: Cook on a rooftop with views over Fez medina, then dine in lush garden surroundings.
• Full Recipes & Enjoyment: Take home a full set of recipes to recreate your favorites.
• Value for Money: For around $100, you get a complete experience combining market tour, cooking, and lunch.
• Limited Group Size: The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Fez Cooking School Experience

Starting Point: The Market Tour

The adventure begins with a guided visit to the bustling souk, where you’ll walk through narrow alleyways lined with colorful stalls. The reviews highlight this part as a fun and informative introduction, with guides like Fatima showing her knowledge and friendliness. Expect to sample some local treats, which helps set the mood for the cooking ahead.

One reviewer, Cormac, mentions arriving to tea and cookies in the gardens before heading out into the medina, while others appreciated the chance to pick their own vegetables and spices. A common theme is the authenticity of the market experience, which gives you a real taste of Moroccan daily life—not just a touristy snapshot.

Learning about Moroccan Cuisine

The core of the experience is the hands-on cooking class in the restored Palais Amani. The kitchen is situated on a rooftop, offering stunning views of Fez rooftops—a backdrop that elevates the entire process. The chef, often praised for her humor and patience, guides you through traditional recipes like chicken tagine, eggplant appetizers, and desserts.

One reviewer, Roberto, describes his Heaping spoons of spices amusingly—highlighting how even culinary mistakes can turn into delicious results. The recipes are comprehensive, with a full set provided so you can recreate dishes at home. This practical takeaway is a big plus, especially for those who want more than just a quick cooking demo.

The Meal and Setting

After preparing your dishes, you’ll sit down to enjoy your meal outdoors, in the beautiful gardens of Palais Amani. The atmosphere here is relaxed yet elegant, with some reviewers emphasizing the panoramic views and lush surroundings that make the meal feel special.

Guests often comment on the deliciousness of their creations, with multiple reviews mentioning how impressed they were with their own results. The sense of achievement, combined with the scenic setting, makes this a memorable culinary experience.

Guides and Personal Touches

The guides and chefs are frequently praised for their warmth and expertise. Lubna, in particular, is mentioned as a fun, bubbly translator who makes the experience lively and entertaining. Several reviewers, including those celebrating special occasions like anniversaries, appreciated the thoughtfulness and personalized attention.

This sense of genuine hospitality is what transforms a cooking class into a meaningful cultural exchange. The maximum group size of 10 ensures everyone gets individual attention and feels comfortable asking questions.

Practical Information and Value

Cost and What’s Included

At just over $100, this experience offers excellent value. It includes a guided souk visit, a full set of recipes, and a meal, making it a comprehensive package. Since hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation, but the meeting point at Palais Amani is easily accessible.

Duration and Group Size

Clocking in at about four hours, the tour is a well-paced experience that balances shopping, learning, cooking, and eating. The limited group size (up to 10 people) means you’re unlikely to feel rushed, and you’ll get plenty of personal guidance.

Dietary Options and Accessibility

Vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to advise at booking. No explicit mention of accessibility, but the pace and setting suggest it’s suited for most able travelers, especially those comfortable with walking and standing during the market portion.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re seeking an authentic, hands-on introduction to Moroccan cuisine, this class hits the mark. The combination of market visits, engaging guides, scenic rooftop cooking, and garden dining makes it a well-rounded cultural activity. It’s particularly suitable for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers who appreciate beautiful surroundings.

The reviews reveal that many guests leave not just with new recipes but with a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture and hospitality. While it’s priced slightly higher than some mass-market cooking classes, the quality, setting, and personalized experience justify the cost.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy cooking or want to learn authentic recipes in a beautiful setting. It suits travelers wanting a more meaningful connection with Moroccan culture beyond typical sightseeing. Foodies, couples celebrating special occasions, or solo travelers eager for a memorable activity will find it rewarding.

If your trip to Fez includes exploring the medina and you’re keen to bring home culinary skills, this is a perfect match. Just keep in mind that it involves some walking in the souk area and a bit of a group setting, so if you prefer private or very flexible options, consider whether this experience fits your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Palais Amani.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately four hours, including shopping, cooking, and dining.

Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to advise at the time of booking.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, making it suitable for families with kids who enjoy cooking or cultural activities.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 10 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable attire suitable for walking and kitchen activities is recommended.

Do I get to keep the recipes?
Yes, a full set of recipes is included, so you can try making your favorite Moroccan dishes at home.

Is alcohol available?
Alcoholic or other drinks are not included but are available for purchase separately.

Final Thoughts

The Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani offers a rare chance to combine culture with culinary discovery. The combination of lively souk visits, expert guides, scenic rooftop cooking, and outdoor dining makes it more than just a cooking class—it’s a memorable experience that captures the essence of Moroccan hospitality and flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for an enriching activity during your stay in Fez, this tour provides excellent value for money and authentic insight. It’s especially perfect for those who want to take home more than souvenirs—recipes, memories, and a new appreciation for Moroccan cuisine.

In short, if you’re after a genuine, engaging, and beautiful culinary adventure, this experience is worth every dime. Expect delicious food, friendly guides, and a taste of Moroccan life that you’ll carry with you long after your trip ends.