Cuisine in Morocco
The cuisine in Morocco is a delightful amalgam of flavors, textures and aroma. From the top dishes to the best drinks, eat your way through Morocco with our travel tips.
The cuisine in Morocco cuisine is considered by many experts to be among the finest in the world. It is synonymous with the use of the tagine and is characterized by its fragrant and colorful plethora of spices, including coriander, cinnamon, cumin, saffron, dried ginger and paprika.
Common dishes include the versatile couscous, a type of steamed semolina. In Morocco it is tradition to mix this with raisins or nuts, and a little pinch of spice. It usually accompanies roasted chicken with lemon and olives, and harira, a thick tomato-based soup with chickpeas and meat, traditionally served during Ramadan.
You must try the fantastic flavorful stews called tagines that are found everywhere; although each cook has his or her own secret recipe, the basic ingredients are meat or fish, vegetables and/or almonds, apricots or prunes. The word ‘tagine’ is also attributed to the cone-shaped terracotta pot that is used in making such succulent stews. The air circulation in a tagine cone helps cook the ingredients while evenly retaining the moisture.
If you’d like a tasty meal and a spectacle, you should try the mechoui. This is a whole goat or lamb, seasoned with cumin powder and slow-roasted until the meat is tender and the skin crisp, usually accompanied with a fresh salad. Pastilla is a very popular sweet and savory Moroccan pie and consists of a rich combination of layers of meat and filo pastry, coated with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It’s delicious at any time of the day.
For those with a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. Try the popular pastry khab el ghzal (“gazelle’s horns”), a pastry stuffed with almond paste scented with orange flower essence. It’s extraordinary! Most desserts do not revolve around heavy doses of chocolate and more often than not contain plenty of sugar, honey, almonds, sesame seeds, and filo dough instead. Crème caramel or ‘flan’ is served in most restaurants.
Fruit is often eaten after a meal, along with a glass of mint tea (spearmint and sugar). There is a very prevalent tea culture in Morocco and sugar is the name of the game, so be sure to let your server know if you’d rather have your sugar on the side. And how best to drink this delicious beverage? Hold your glass by the base and the rim with the finger and thumb and wrap a tissue around the teapot handle – they can be very hot.
Sample some delicious traditional cuisine in Morocco
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Popular Trips to Morocco
Delve into Morocco’s fascinating history and culture on this lovely self-drive tour. Explore the fabled port city of Casablanca, and marvel at the architectural wonders of three of Morocco’s Imperial Cities – Rabat, Fes and Marrakesh. Walk through quaint neighborhoods, soak in the ambience of bustling markets, and sample the irresistible local street food. Experience…
Go off the beaten track and explore some of Morocco’s hidden gems on this guided tour. Soak in the rich history and culture of Tangier. Stroll through the turquoise alleys of Chefchaouen, a fortress town. Experience life in the countryside at Akchour, admire the picturesque scenery at Talassemtane National Park, and unwind at one of…
Live your Arabian Nights dream on this luxury Morocco desert tour! Look forward to charming riads and heritage hotels done up in authentic local style, enjoy white-glove service, and embark on guided activities that are tailored to your wishes. Start your trip in Marrakech and explore the sights of the ‘Red City’ on a privately…
This week-long custom Morocco tour is your ideal introduction to the rich culture that thrives in the country’s ancient, Imperial cities. Explore cosmopolitan Casablanca with its bustling Central Market and the beachside suburb of Ain Diab on a private tour. In Rabat, marvel at the architectural grandeur of landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, along…
On this tailor-made Morocco vacation, discover beautiful southern towns, seaside villages and age-old customs on the Atlantic Coast. Beginning in Marrakech, take a private tour of the red city with an experienced local, exploring its busy souks and Arab and Jewish architecture. Visit the fortress city of Taroudant in the fertile Souss Valley, and discover…
Discover the many shades of Morocco, from the splendor of the Imperial Cities of Fes and Marrakesh to the rugged beauty of the countryside. Admire Casablanca’s neo-Mauresque architecture and the Hassan II Mosque, Africa’s largest mosque. Get a glimpse of life in the desert at Merzouga, where you can also enjoy a leisurely camel ride…
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Morocco Travel Guide
ViewHistory
Morocco is a unique blend of ancient Berber nomadic traditions, Islamic and Arabic history and French influence. Discover this rich diversity and heritage firsthand, with tips from our experts.
Culture
Founded on the indigenous Berber customs and Islamic traditions, Morocco is an artistic powerhouse boasting historical architecture, contemporary art, museums, galleries, Sufi music, festivals and cinema. Discover Moroccan culture with our travel tips.
Best Time To Visit
Moroccan weather can be unpredictable from October through February and can vary from one year to the next; some winters are moderate and others are wet and cold. Discover the best seasons to visit, month by month highlights, climate and what to pack for Morocco.