It’s like drugs! Watch out! you’ll never get enough of these!
Tajine, couscous, tangia, well guess what? There’s a lot more to add to your favorite Moroccan dishes to try list! And what better place to get those unique flavors than their mother land: Morocco!
Moroccan cuisine, one of the best cuisines worldwide, according to very famous international chefs like Gordon Ramsay and tourists from all over the world. From the various natural spices to the dish’s presentation, Morocans pay attention to every little detail so that they can give you the best dish. The food selection is very much diverse thanks to the multiple cultures of different parts of Morocco. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or pescetarian, don’t worry because you’ll definitely find something to choose from on the menu as the Moroccan cuisine is based on vegetables and whole grains not only meats.
Moroccans were always known for their delicious food that seduces tourists from all over the world.
Due to its colonization history, Morocco’s cuisine has been influenced by French and Spanish cuisines but Morocco never lost its identity inherited from berbers, Morocco’s first ethnic group but also from arabs. Berber’s food making practices are still very much vivacious such as the slow cooking technique, their preserving methods, they mostly used local natural ingredients as Morocco’s regions each have a rich collection and they introduced the use of the tajine utensil as well. On the other hand, arabs brought a new amalgamation of flavors, such as the sweet and sour combinations and some new spices. After Jewish people started migrating to Morocco, they influenced Moroccan culture and cuisine and brought new aromas and cooking techniques to Morocco.
Moroccan cuisine is at the top rankings in Africa but also worldwide. In early 2022, it was given the 16th position, according to “THE TOP TEN” site. No surprises here! When even duchess Meghan MARKLE and duke Harry expressed their appreciation of Moroccan food prepared by popular Moroccan Chef Moha FEDAL.
Some DMC organize cooking classes by professional chefs to introduce you to the basics and help you build a dish from scratch. It is truly a special experience that upgrades your cooking skills but also gives you the opportunity to meet new people with shared interests.
Here’s a list of the most popular moroccan dishes you need to try in Morocco:
Couscous: a meal made with steamed semolina, vegetables, red meat or chicken and caramelized onions (sometimes), usually eaten on Fridays, a dedicated worshiping day formuslims.
Bastilla: a meat or seafood pie with a special made dough that can be sweet or salty depending on your taste.
Tajines: there are a lot of types of tagines, from vegetables to fish to meat tagines with dried fruits and nuts, each and every one is tastier than the other!
Beef With Prunes: the sweet and salty flavor at the same time gives this dish a special taste. It’s all in the choice of spices.
Rfissa: a sophisticated dish to make: they put a base of shredded msemen and stewed chicken, onions and lentils on top.
Harira: A rich soup full of lentils, chickpeas, beans, legumes and even meat sometimes. You’ll find Harira on every moroccan’s table on ramadan
Msemen: Not your usual crepes, Msemen: the Moroccan flatbread. You can eat it as it is or you can add a topping according to your preference.
A large amount, if not the majority of Moroccan dishes are mostly eaten with bread that comes in different shapes, colors, and using different flours and seed grains. It just goes with everything and people in Morocco love it and consider it a big part of Moroccan culinary.
Some DMC organize cooking classes by professional chefs to introduce you to the basics and help you build a dish from scratch. It is truly a special experience that upgrades your cooking skills but also gives you the opportunity to meet new people with shared interests.
What tourists think of moroccan cuisine:
Tourists from all over the world love Moroccan food that most of them even visit Moroccan restaurants when they go back to their countries as they miss eating the delicious Moroccan meals. They enjoy the mixture of rich tastes, the diversity of ingredients and textures.
We gathered below some reviews of tourists who visited Morocco and fell in love with its cuisine:
Moroccan cuisine is a rich blend of Berber, Arab, French, Spanish, and Jewish influences, creating a unique fusion of flavors, spices, and cooking techniques. The combination of sweet and savory, slow-cooked dishes, and the use of aromatic spices make it stand out globally.
Some of the most famous Moroccan dishes you should try include:
Harira – A hearty soup with lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes, traditionally served during Ramadan.
Moroccan food is rich in spices, but it is not necessarily spicy in terms of heat. The cuisine focuses on aromatic spices like cumin, saffron, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, which add depth and complexity to dishes rather than extreme heat.
Absolutely! Moroccan cuisine is very accommodating for vegetarians and vegans. Many traditional dishes, like vegetable tajines, lentil-based harira, and couscous with vegetables, are naturally plant-based. The cuisine heavily relies on legumes, grains, and fresh produce.
Bread is an essential part of Moroccan meals and comes in many forms, including:
Baghrir – A spongy pancake-like bread with tiny holes, often served with honey and butter.
Yes! Many Destination Management Companies (DMCs) organize cooking classes with professional chefs. These classes allow you to learn the basics of Moroccan cuisine, prepare traditional dishes from scratch, and gain hands-on experience with local ingredients.
Moroccan cuisine has been shaped by various cultural influences throughout history. Berbers introduced the slow-cooking techniques and tajine, Arabs brought new spices and sweet-savory combinations, French and Spanish influences added European flair, and Jewish migrants contributed preservation methods and unique seasonings.
Tourists worldwide praise Moroccan food for its rich flavors, diversity, and unique blend of traditional and modern elements. Many visitors enjoy Moroccan meals so much that they continue seeking out Moroccan restaurants in their home countries after their trip.
For the best experience, it’s recommended to dine at local Moroccan restaurants, food markets, or even book a culinary tour with a trusted DMC. This allows you to learn about local ingredients, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of each dish.
You can book a customized culinary tour with a trusted DMC, where expert guides will introduce you to local chefs, traditional markets, and hidden food gems. These tours provide an immersive experience, allowing you to taste, cook, and enjoy Morocco’s culinary heritage firsthand.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure through Morocco’s rich flavors and traditions?
Book your exclusive culinary tour today and savor the authentic taste of Morocco!
Need help choosing your perfect adventure? Speak to one of our dedicated Travel Advisors now.
Hear about our new adventures before anyone else.
Be the first to hear about exclusive Originally morocco offers.
Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.
Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.
©Copyright 2019 Originally Morocco, by web agency Marrakech