Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local

Rabat , Morocco

Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local

Active

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Meet your local host Tarik at his apartment and walk together to the open neighborhood market where locals shop every day. Explore regional spices, fruits and vegetables used in Moroccan cooking as you discuss the menu for the day and purchase a few ingredients that you will later use during your cooking lesson.

After the tour, join Tarik in his kitchen and learn to cook a traditional Moroccan meal from recipes that he learned from his mother. Your hands-on cooking class will last about two hours, and you will cook 2-3 dishes, such as a tajine (a Maghrebi dish which is named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked) or pastilla (a traditional sweet and savory pie) and zalouk (an eggplant and tomato salad), from scratch. Acquire Moroccan cooking tricks and techniques, before you sit down at the table to share the delicious meal you helped prepare with Tarik.

Available options

Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local

What's included

Private market tour and cooking class with your host Tarik

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Non-alcoholic beverages

Lunch

homecooked meal

Gratuities

What you'll see

Tarik learned to cook when he lived alone for three years as a teenager in college. He remembers how horrible the first meal he cooked for himself was and was determined to improve. With help from his mother, Tarik learned to cook delicious and healthy, balanced meals for himself. On the phone with his mother he noted down phone family recipes passed down through generations in their family!

Tarik now loves cooking for friends and is an expert at making traditional Moroccan tajines. In addition to cooking, Tarik is passionate about music - he is a member of the choir, and cares about living a well-balanced life. He used to work in insurance and now invests his time in activities that help his community and environment. He looks forward to hosting travelers at home to showcase traditional Moroccan cuisine and culture!

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

AR EN FR

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Menu may vary depending on the season

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Private, personalized experience

Important notes

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Tarik at +212 (0) 660 943 751, or by email at tarik.elmekhfi@gmail.com

Address: N° 47, Rue Abou Mouslim Kharasani

Meeting Instructions: Meet your host at his apartment in the Massira 1 Temara neighborhood of Rabat. His apartment is on the second floor and is a 10 minute drive from Aswak Salam, a popular supermarket in the Hay Riad neighborhood. The apartment building is on the same street as Olas Café, close to the golf course in the Hay Riad neighborhood. Here is a google maps link to his apartment: https://goo.gl/maps/32SJ66jrb732 The co-ordinates are 33°55'50.9"N 6°53'30.0"W
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

About Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, offering a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. As a coastal city on the Atlantic, it boasts beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a relaxed atmosphere compared to more touristy Moroccan cities.

Top Attractions

Kasbah of the Udayas

A stunning 12th-century fortress with beautiful gardens and views of the Atlantic and Bou Regreg River. The blue-and-white buildings and narrow streets offer a picturesque setting.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free to enter the Kasbah, 10 MAD for the museum

Hassan Tower

An unfinished 12th-century minaret that was intended to be the largest in the world. It stands as a symbol of Rabat and offers insights into Moroccan history and architecture.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to view from the outside, 10 MAD to enter the mausoleum

Chellah Necropolis

A 14th-century medieval necropolis with ruins, gardens, and stork nests. It's a peaceful and historic site with a mix of Roman and Islamic influences.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Rabat Beach

A long stretch of sandy beach along the Atlantic coast, offering a relaxing escape from the city. It's popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day or more Free

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

A modern art museum showcasing works by Moroccan and international artists. The building itself is an architectural marvel with a striking design.

Museum 1-2 hours 50-100 MAD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew made with meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), vegetables, and spices, cooked in a conical clay pot.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Couscous

Steamed semolina grains served with vegetables and meat, often cooked in a spiced broth.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Pastilla

A savory-sweet pie made with layers of thin pastry, filled with spiced pigeon or chicken, almonds, and powdered sugar.

Main Course Contains meat and nuts.

Harira

A hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and lamb or chicken, flavored with spices and served with lemon.

Soup Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Surfing and water sports at Rabat Beach Exploring historic sites and ruins Sunbathing and swimming at Rabat Beach Enjoying a mint tea at a seaside cafe Strolling through the Andalusian gardens in the Kasbah of the Udayas Exploring the medina and its markets Visiting historic sites like the Hassan Tower and Chellah Necropolis

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

These seasons offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the city's attractions. The crowds are moderate, and the city is lively with cultural events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: French, Berber
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Western European Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Rabat is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Be cautious at night, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi services or app-based taxis
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Rabat-Salé Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Rabat-Ville Station

By bus

Rabat City Center Bus Station, Salé Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is modern, efficient, and affordable. It's a great way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Careem, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Medina of Rabat Ville Nouvelle (New Town) Salé

Day trips

Salé

2 km from Rabat • Half day

Salé is connected to Rabat by the Bou Regreg River and offers a mix of historic sites, beaches, and local markets. It's a great place to experience authentic Moroccan culture.

Chefchaouen

160 km from Rabat • Full day or overnight

Known as the 'Blue Pearl' for its blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen is a charming mountain town with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views.

Casablanca

80 km from Rabat • Half day or full day

Morocco's largest city and economic hub, Casablanca offers a mix of modern architecture, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

Festivals

Rabat Festival • June to July Mawazine Rhythm and Blues Festival • May to June Ramatoulaye • July

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Visit the medina early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Use the tram and bus systems for affordable and efficient transportation around the city
Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist spots, as pickpocketing can occur