At the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum (MCAM)

At the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum

A new museum has recently opened in the Medina of Marrakech. The Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum is a place that allows you to discover an ancestral and lively cuisine in an exceptional setting. With its ambition to enhance, preserve and transmit the traditional culinary art, the MCAM is aimed at Moroccans and foreigners. And if you like immersive experiences, it is possible to book a cooking class there.

An out of time moment

The museum is located right next to the Bahia Palace. It is a huge Riad dating from the 17th century, long closed and patiently renovated according to the rules of the art. It is a haven of peace, a real contrast to the crowded and buzzing street. Passing through its huge doors, you step straight into the traditional art of living: The life that is organized around the patio, the murmur of water at the fountain, the shade of olive trees and the smell of bread.

A delight of flavors and colors.

The visit takes place in large rooms decorated with zelliges, where dishes emblematic of Moroccan culinary heritage are presented.

Typical spices used in Moroccan cuisine, the various flours necessary for bread making, and traditional methods for preserving food such as khlii, butter, olives, and preserved lemons are also discovered.

A few traditional utensils are on display, essential and minimalist.

Everything is beautifully presented, with simple explanations, and tastings are offered along the way.

A privileged meeting with the Dadas.

In the large houses of the Kingdom, the Dadas were responsible for taking care of the children and ruling over the kitchen. They are the memories of our culinary traditions and play an essential role today in their transmission.

The Dadas who work for the museum are dedicated to keeping these traditional skills alive. During the visit, they invite us to a demonstration of their techniques. We are fascinated by the beauty of their skilled, precise, and sensual gestures. We are also fascinated by their way of weighing, measuring, composing, and evaluating the cooking process without any measuring tools, books, or timers. With them, cooking is a true art, passed down from generation to generation in the secrecy of homes.

A cooking class to perpetuate the culinary art of Morocco

If you have some free time, book a class at the museum. The kitchen located upstairs is superb, fully equipped and you are very well received.

The Dadas share their recipes, their tricks of the trade, and even a few little secrets that give that extra soul to Moroccan cuisine.

We finish the session by tasting the dishes made in a very friendly atmosphere on the terrace, with a view of the Medina.  We feel fulfilled to have received a small part of the heritage.

We also appreciate this museum, which actively supports small local producers, the solidarity economy, and helps women in difficult situations through formations.

You can have lunch or a pastry at the museum’s restaurant, located on the terrace, and access its local products shop.

Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum Rue El Bahia, Riad Zitoun Jdid (opposite to the Post office) right next to the Bahia Palace

Open from 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week (special hours during Ramadan)

Different classes are available by reservation: Tagines, Couscous, salads, pastries.

https://www.moroccancam.com/