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From the sweeping sands of the Sahara to the streets of historic medinas, Morocco offers an array of compelling experiences, adventures, and discoveries. Part of that array is, of course, its food. (Just ask Collette team member Jason, who enthusiastically shares his Moroccan food experience in this piece.)
Known for aromatic spices—like cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and saffron, just to name a few—Moroccan food has been shaped by various influences and tells the story of a rich cultural heritage. From the savoury warmth of its tagines to the dreamy sweetness of its pastries, Morocco’s food may just be one of your favourite parts of travelling to this corner of North Africa (although with all the experiences to be had, there’s certainly some tough competition).
Before we dive into some mouthwatering options to look for, keep in mind this isn’t an exhaustive list. It can’t be when there are so many beloved dishes and drinks in Morocco, some of which have meanings that extend beyond flavour profiles. A lesser-known meal served by friendly hosts could steal your heart—that is, after all, the magic of travelling and tasting for yourself. That said, these options are a good place to start.
3 Popular Moroccan Dishes to Try
Packed with flavour, Moroccan cuisine offers a tantalizing selection of dishes, with tagines and couscous being some of the most popularly recognized.
Tagine
Tagine, a North African Berber dish, is a delicious must-try staple. Its name comes from the special ceramic or clay pot in which it’s traditionally made. Slow-cooked and bursting with flavour, tagine is usually made with meat, fish, or poultry with vegetables or fruit.
Couscous
While couscous is now found in kitchens around the world, it’s a longtime Moroccan staple believed to have originated with the Berbers. These little balls of wheat flour are a light, fluffy, and chewy delight to eat. You can find it served in various ways, such as with meat, vegetables, and a fragrant broth served over top.
Rfissa
Traditionally, Rfissa is a celebratory dish meant for sharing. The base of the dish is made of shredded pastry or breads, such as msemen, a traditional flatbread/pancake. It’s topped with a stew that typically contains lentils, chicken, onion, and fragrant spices.
3 Moroccan Street Foods and Snacks to Try
In Morocco, a simple walk can turn into a memorable gastronomic experience. Street food is an integral part of the culinary culture and offers a variety of options, from soups and filling proteins to quick bites perfect for snacking.
Brochettes
Brochettes are tasty skewers of meats such as chicken, lamb, or beef that have been marinated in flavourful spices and cooked over flame or charcoal. They might come with Moroccan bread, sauce, or other sides.
Breads
From khobz (a flat round bread) to msemen (a buttery pancake or flatbread), there are a variety of delicious breads to try in Morocco. Depending on what you get, a vendor might serve it with toppings or fillings like honey, butter, or savoury combinations.
Bissara
Soup may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “street food,” but in Morocco, you can find it at various stalls. Bissara, a creamy soup made from fava beans, is one hearty option. If tomato-based soups are more your style, you might opt for harira, which is typically made with legumes (like lentils and chickpeas) and sometimes meat.
3 Moroccan Desserts and Sweets to Try
From flaky pastry creations to rich cakes and delectable cookies, there’s no shortage of Moroccan sweets, which make a mouthwatering anytime treat or post-meal dessert.
Baklava
Layers upon layers of pastry dough, sweet, sugary syrup, and crunchy nuts—are you drooling yet? This is the essence of Baklava. If you’re a fan of the dessert, be sure to try Morocco’s version, which differs from, say, the Greek take. Common variations include the use of orange flower water and other nut blends.
Gazelle Horns (Kaab el Ghazal)
A classic Moroccan treat, Kaab el Ghazal are crescent-shaped cookies that somewhat resemble a gazelle’s horns. They consist of a sweet almond filling encased in pastry dough and might be dusted in sugar or dipped in orange flower water.
M’hanncha
Baked in a coiled, snake-like shape, M’hanncha (also referred to as “snake cake”) is another almond-based sweet. Thin pastry dough is filled with almond paste, which can include flavourings such as sugar, orange flower water, and cinnamon. You might find it sprinkled with sugar or coated in sweet, gooey honey.
3 Moroccan Drinks to Try
Moroccan cuisine isn’t all about food, of course. Moroccan mint tea, freshly-pressed orange juice, and spiced coffee are just a few Moroccan drinks to try.
Moroccan Mint Tea
In Morocco, you might enjoy a hot cup of mint tea with or after meals. Typically made from mint, sugar, and a type of green tea, mint tea is more than just a drink; from preparation to enjoyment, it’s rooted in tradition and ritual and is a gesture of respect, generosity, and hospitality.
Fresh Orange Juice
With the amount of citrus crops grown in Morocco, this must-try drink may come as no surprise. There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice made from sun-ripened citrus.
Spiced Coffee
A combination of bold, aromatic coffee and warm spices makes for a fragrant coffee-sipping experience. The blend of spices might include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper and other add-ins like ginger. You might add sugar to sweeten.
Savour Moroccan Flavours on Your Journey
At Collette, we know that exploring a destination’s cuisine is an integral part of any travel journey. Our tours to Morocco offer a taste of Moroccan food, alongside a variety of other memorable experiences.
With Colours of Morocco, you can explore Fes, venture into the Sahara, see the UNESCO site of Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, learn how to make Moroccan food with an interactive cooking class in Marrakech, and more. Or, discover Morocco alongside Spain, starting in Madrid and ending in Casablanca with our Spain & Morocco tour.
Discover Morocco’s Culture and Cuisine on Tour
If you’re ready for your Morocco travel adventure, culinary experiences included, explore our Morocco tours and contact us to learn more.
