Foods & Drinks

A Culinary Journey Through Moroccan Cuisine

🍵 Moroccan Foods & Drinks

Renowned for its diverse and delicious dishes, Morocco was ranked second in the 2017 list of the best global destinations for food lovers. The kingdom promises an exceptional culinary experience for visitors. Cities like Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, and Rabat are among the most enticing culinary hotspots. Over 15 Moroccan restaurants are featured among the top 1,000 restaurants worldwide. Indulge in the finest Moroccan culinary delights, such as mint tea, tajine, couscous, and pastilla, all waiting for you to enjoy!

Moroccan Dishes

Starters

Typically served at the beginning of meals, Moroccan starters accompany main dishes and vary by region. They often include a Moroccan salad made from either raw or cooked vegetables, briouates stuffed with chicken or minced meat, a ratatouille of peppers and tomatoes known as Tektouta, and the famous Zaâlouk, an eggplant puree. Each recipe features unique seasonings that enhance its flavor and color.

Moroccan Tajine

One of the most sought-after dishes in Morocco, tajine offers a unique cooking method and a variety of versions that never fail to delight even the most discerning gourmets! Ingredients such as fish, chicken, meat, and vegetables are steamed with spices, sometimes accompanied by nuts, plums, and apricots, enhancing their flavors to create a truly memorable meal.

Moroccan Harira

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup renowned for its nutritious blend of pulses, tomatoes, pasta, and flour. Typically enjoyed during the month of Ramadan, it is also a popular choice in many restaurants throughout the country.

Moroccan Couscous

Originating from Amazigh tradition, couscous is a staple dish in Morocco! Served in homes and restaurants alike, this versatile and communal dish is traditionally enjoyed on Fridays. Depending on the region, it can be paired with meat, vegetables, fish, or chicken, and sometimes even sweets. It is often accompanied by a flavorful vegetable broth known as "marqa" to enhance its taste.

Moroccan Pastilla

Pastilla is a delightful dish served in the form of puff pastry, filled with options such as fish, chicken, pigeon, or almonds. This finger-licking pastry is light and delicate, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy both sweet and savory flavors.

Moroccan Méchoui

Originating from Turkish culture, Méchoui is a traditional method of cooking a whole lamb or sheep, typically roasted in a clay oven. This flavorful preparation results in tender, succulent meat that is a favorite in Moroccan cuisine.

Moroccan R’fissa

Also known as "Trid," R’fissa hails from Casablanca and is a deeply rooted traditional Moroccan dish. This flavorful meal features Moroccan flaky pancakes, or msemmens, combined with chicken cooked in an onion broth, along with coriander, ras el hanout, lentils, and fenugreek. Rich in flavor and beautifully aromatic, R’fissa is a delightful representation of Moroccan culinary heritage.

Moroccan Tanjia

Traditionally prepared with lamb or veal in a terracotta jar, Tanjia is a staple dish of Marrakech. It requires long hours of cooking in a local oven, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that delights even the most discerning gourmets.

Moroccan Bread

Bread is the main staple of Moroccan cuisine and is typically served with all traditional main dishes. Whether it’s white bread, wholemeal bread, or sourdough, there’s a variety to suit every taste.

Moroccan Sweets & Cookies

Chebakia

As the second staple of Moroccan cuisine, chebakia is the most popular and beloved cake in the country. It is commonly served alongside Moroccan soup or as a delightful accompaniment to tea. Traditionally, chebakia is prepared during the sacred month of Ramadan, making it a special treat during this time.

Gazelle Horns

It's hard to discuss Moroccan pastries without mentioning the famous Gazelle Horns. These delightful treats are made from crushed almonds, perfectly wrapped in a thin pastry infused with the fragrant aroma of orange blossom. Gazelle horns make the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing cup of green mint tea.

Ghriba

Ghriba tops the list of pastries originating from Maghreb and Oriental cuisine. You can find these delights in various pastry shops as well as small establishments in the medinas. Made from almonds and semolina, ghriba are often sprinkled with sesame seeds for added flavor.

Moroccan Drinks

Fruit Juice

The Jemaa El-Fna square in Marrakech is bustling with small stalls selling fresh fruit juices that you can customize according to your taste! This vibrant place is home to over twenty vendors offering fruit juices, water, and sodas, all organized in charming horse-drawn carriages.

Mint Tea

More than just a beverage, green mint tea is a ceremonial drink deeply rooted in Moroccan traditions. This refreshing tea is served in small, colorful glasses and is traditionally poured from one meter high, whether in the city or the countryside. Mint tea is often used to welcome guests, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.