Morocco was full of flavors that were new to us. We were serious newbs. We didn’t even know what a tagine was before we went on our Contiki trip.
Moroccan dishes are influenced by Berber, Jewish, Arab, and French cultures. We’ve put together a list of foods we think is worth trying while visiting Morocco.
1. TAGINE
We had tagine multiple times while in Morocco. It’s a clay cooking pot with a conical lid with multiple types of dishes slow cooked inside (beef, lamb, chicken, veggies, etc). You can get it anywhere (a roadside stop, cafés, nicer restaurants to name a few places).
2. COUSCOUS
Couscous is originally from Morocco and typically served with meat or vegetable stew. Traditionally it’s prepared on the Muslim holy day (Friday) and for special occasions, but you can find it at most restaurants and cafes.
3. ZAALOUK
Zaalouk is a common side dish and typically served with crusty bread. It’s a spread made with eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and spices.
4. FISH CHERMOULA
Chermoula is a mix of herbs and spices used when grilling or baking fish and seafood. Depending on the mix, you’ll get flavors of onion, coriander, chili peppers, or saffron. Often times you’ll see it as a dipping sauce too!
5. HARIRA
This is basically a Moroccan lentil soup usually served as a starter or used during Ramadan to break the fast at dusk.
6. PASTILLA (CHICKEN OR PIGEON PIE)
If you love the mix of sweet and salty flavors than you definitely need to try pastille. This flaky pie is traditionally made with pigeon, but more commonly served with chicken now.
7. MAKOUDA
Who doesn’t love deep-fried foods? Makouda is a deep-fried potato ball dipped in spicy sauce and definitely a street food staple.
8. KHOBZ
This crusty bread is typically baked in communal wood-fired ovens and served with a lot of meals. Also, be sure to check out all the other breads in Morocco, like the harcha (a buttery bread), rghaif (a flaky flat bread), or baghira (spongy crumpet).
9. STEAMED SHEEP HEAD
During the festival of Eid al-Adha, everyone slaughters a sheep then steams the head for hours. You can typically purchase a half or whole head and enjoy it with cumin, salt, and chili. The whole head is edible, but the best parts are the tender cheek meat and tongue.
10. SPICY SARDINES
Morocco is the world’s largest exporter of sardines. Naturally, they also serve it all over the country. Stuffed and cooked with a spicy chermoula sauce, they deep fry the fish for a tasty snack.
11. MINT TEA
Everyone has his or her own version of mint tea, which is the drink of choice in Morocco. It’s a green tea base with lots of mint leaves and sugar.
12. BROCHETTES
These tasty kebabs are rubbed in salt and spices and can be found in a lot of the markets. You can get chicken, lamb, or beef and the enormous clouds of smoke make for great photos.