Few cuisines transport you to a different world in the way Morocco’s does. While all food allows valuable insight into a country’s culture, an authentic Moroccan meal is an experience in and of itself. As an added bonus, many of the classic dishes are also healthy! Here are some of our favorite food and drink options in Morocco.
Couscous at Nomad | Marrakech
This delicate wheat pasta originated in Northern Africa and is an important part of Moroccan culture. On Fridays cooks nationwide go about the rigorous process of preparing the couscous along with a flavorful vegetable stew. Once it is ready, families throughout the country sit down together and enjoy. Nomad offers a modern twist on Moroccan cuisine and has quickly gained a reputation for their fresh ingredients and creative recipes. It is the perfect choice for the vegetarian as well as the meat-lover. Try couscous as a main dish or a side.
B’stilla at Al Fassia | Marrakech
If looking to try something completely new, a slice of B’stilla pie is one to go after. B’stilla is a savory pie filled with pigeon and egg and seasoned with saffron, ginger, and cinnamon. For an unusual twist, the paper-thin pastry is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Few places offer better B’stilla than the warm and inviting Al Fassia. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and run solely by women. You can try other classic dishes here while enjoying a candlelit dinner.
Harira Soup at Chez Hassan | Marrakech
This lentil soup is may seem simple yet it is packed with flavor. It is usually served at the beginning of a meal and is paired with dates or Chebakia, a honey sesame cookie. For a bowl of traditional Harira, stop by a hole-in-the-wall favorite among locals, Chez Hassan. The small restaurant is popular with the locals and is a great way to sample this dish.
Brochettes at Jemaa el Fna | Marrakech
Moroccan marketplaces are full of tempting foods. You can easily eat a full meal just from wandering through the market. Be sure to sample a delicious Brochette, or kebab, served hot off the grill. The meat is perfectly seasoned with a distinctly Moroccan spice rub. Balance your meal with some other Moroccan specialties such as dates, pistachios, and olives. The UNESCO listed market Jemma el Fna is the perfect place to sample these Moroccan treats while taking in some local entertainment. To ensure high-quality ingredients, be selective in your choice and look for stands where locals are eating.
Zaalouk at La Maison Arabe | Marrakech
Most meals are started with several salads that are eaten with fresh bread. One of the most popular is Zaalouk, a cooked salad consisting of pureed eggplant, tomato, garlic. You can try this salad as well as an assortment of others at La Maison Arabe. After the salad, move onto some of their other excellent Moroccan dishes. The exquisite dining hall is fitted with dreamy Arab-Andalusian décor and is complete with live music. You can also learn how to make your own Moroccan salad by taking one of the hotel’s cooking classes.
Mint Tea throughout Morocco
While “Moroccan Mint” is a popular tea outside of Morocco, the prepackaged tea bags are a far cry from an authentic cup. True mint tea is made with fresh mint leaves, green tea, and sugar cubes. It is considered the national drink of Morocco and is enjoyed all day long. If you are in Morocco, a cup of fantastic mint tea isn’t far off and is available at most restaurants and cafés.
Fresh Juice at La Sqala | Casablanca
Morocco’s climate is perfect for orange trees. They manage their surplus by producing plenty of fresh squeezed orange juice. Make sure to stop at one of the many street vendors and enjoy a refreshing cup. Other popular sweet drinks include fresh pomegranate juice or panache fruit sec. If you are looking for a particularly scenic place to enjoy a refreshing glass of fresh juice, a visit to La Sqala is a must. This garden café is set in a historic 18th century bastion. They also serve traditional Moroccan dishes.
Gazelle Horns at Patisserie Bennis | Casablanca
These dainty crescent-shaped cookies are filled with orange-blossom almond paste and topped with powdered sugar or crushed pistachios. Patisserie Bennis, a small family-owned bakery, makes these beloved treats as well as other classic sweets. While you are there be sure to also pick up some sesame cookies.
Sardines at Port de Pêche | Casablanca
The prolific number of sardines along Morocco’s coast makes them a popular snack. Even if you normally stay far away from sardines, you should give them a second chance when visiting. Try them grilled, stuffed, or in a sandwich. If sardines really aren’t for you, be sure to sample Morocco’s abundance of other fresh fish with a tasty Chermoula marinade. Located in the midst of the fishing harbor, Port de Pêche is the place to go for extremely fresh fish cooked to perfection.
Tagine at Restaurant Dar Tajine| Fez
This beloved dish is a classic example that good things really do come to those who wait. Various combinations of meat, vegetables, and even fruit are slowly cooked in a clay pot with a distinctive domed-lid. Instead of traditional utensils, this dish is typically eaten with tasty Khobz bread. At suggested by the name, Restaurant Dar Tajine has plenty of options for tajines. Be sure to try the lemon olive chicken.
Morocco offers a unique fusion of flavors unlike anywhere else. Don’t miss the chance to sample amazing cuisine from this exotic destination!
Ready to experience the flavors of Morocco? Contact Gavel International for more information about travel incentives and corporate meeting planning in Morocco, North Africa.
