Moroccan Food

Find out all you need to know about the best Moroccan food and drinks before your trip.

The exotic and sensuous Morocco has no shortage of unique tastes when it comes to the culinary scene. Moroccan food is colorful and eclectic by all means. It is a blend of Berber, Arabic, French, and Jewish traditions. But, you will see a rich variety of recipes and methods across the diverse lands of Morocco from the Sahara to the coast. Moroccan cuisine makes use of local spices to season the largely vegetable-based meals. You will have no difficulty selecting the must-try dishes among a sea of tantalizing street food and main courses with our Moroccan food guide. Before you begin your tour, keep in mind these Morocco food tips:

  • Moroccans eat about five times a day, and dinners are often very late and includes after-meal rituals like tea serving. Eat at a family restaurant if you can—they offer the best authentic experience when it comes to meals.
  • Exercise caution when buying refreshments in markets and bazaars, as tap water may upset your stomach if you are not used to it. We recommend bottled water unless tap water is clearly stated to be safe to drink.
  • If you are traveling during Ramadan, dinner hours may change in some restaurants. Morocco gives alcohol a low profile, but bars and restaurants in tourist areas serve tasty alcoholic beverages till late hours.

Must-Try Moroccan Foods

Here are the top dishes of the Moroccan food scene that will help you eat like a local:

Moroccan food
Tagine

Tagine is by far the finest Moroccan dish, taking its name after the traditional clay pot it is cooked in. It is a stew that comes in many recipes depending on the region. But mainly, it is a flavorsome mix of meat, vegetables, and spices. The kefta (meatballs) variety is among the most favorite, served with fresh bread. As you travel across the Atlas Mountains, do try the original Berber tagine. It consists of seasonable vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, and peas towering over meat.

Moroccan food
Couscous

The authentic Moroccan couscous is a compliment made to semolina grain. Traditionally, the grains are hand-rolled through a tedious process and boiled. It is among the most loved bowl dishes you will find in Morocco. Seven locally grown vegetables complement it in a spicy, delicious topping, including pumpkin, aubergine, and courgette. Ask for some leben (fermented milk) on the side for the ultimate traditional experience. Aside from its austerely tantalising taste, couscous is a signature meal in Moroccan cultural events such as weddings, holy Fridays, and Ramadan.

Moroccan food
Harira

Imagine all the quintessential Moroccan ingredients—lentils, chickpeas, Moroccan chicken, tomatoes, turmeric—thrown into a delicious soup seasoned with spices. It is harira, a traditional Berber soup that is much more than a starter. It is the main dish for breaking the fast during Ramadan. You will find vegetarian varieties as well as those cooked with lamb or chicken.

Sardines

From elegant fine dishes to tasty street food, sardines find their way to every Moroccan food. The food stalls in Marrakech and Fes’ medinas offer deep-fried sardine sandwiches with chermoula paste and an exotic mix of spices. It is among the best Moroccan street food and perfect for a quick bite. Fresh sardines also replace the meat in the iconic tagine. In the breezy Essaouira, they come in a more mediterranean style, grilled and served with fresh salad.

Moroccan food
Baghrir

Prepared with the delightful semolina, baghrir is pancake made Moroccan. It will capture your heart with familiarity at first sight. Having these sweet, holed pancakes for breakfast or as a snack is truly rewarding. Locals usually eat baghrir soaked in honey and butter, but you will find varieties at different food stall across Morocco.

Moroccan food
Chebakia

Chebakia is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, as locals consume it at nearly every meal as a side dish or snack. It is a rose-shaped dough deep-fried and coated with honey, orange blossom water, and sesame. It is the number one pastry in Morocco. Locals eat chebakia alongside harira—an unusual combination of salty and sweet that is truly delicious. Check out the bakeries in Morocco’s medinas, especially during Ramadan, for the finest chebakias.

Must-Try Moroccan Drinks

Moroccan Mint Tea

Tea is an essential part of Moroccan daily life, a tradition that has been inherited across continents and all the way to Morocco. It consists of Chinese green tea sweetened with large amounts of sugar. As a sign of hospitality, tea serving is a ritual in itself across Morocco. The host places fresh mint leaves inside the glasses and pours the tea from a silver teapot. The thicker the foam, the better the tea is brewed.

Local Beer

Morocco’s alcohol scene is different for locals and visitors. As a Muslim country, Morocco doesn’t encourage alcohol consumption with its facilities. However, it follows a liberal policy when it comes to travelers. You will find wines and other beverages at leisurely bars. Try local beers such as Casablanca, Flag, and Stork.

Casablanca beer

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