Moroccan cuisine is one of the great pleasures of any trip — a rich blend of Berber, Arab, Andalusian and Mediterranean flavours, fragrant with spices, herbs and slow cooking. Here are the Moroccan dishes you should try, and how to enjoy them.
Must-Try Moroccan Dishes
Tagine
The iconic slow-cooked stew, named after the conical clay pot it's cooked in. Common versions include chicken with preserved lemon and olives, lamb with prunes, and vegetable tagines.
Couscous
Traditionally eaten on Fridays, fluffy steamed semolina is topped with tender meat and vegetables — a comforting Moroccan classic.
Harira
A hearty tomato, lentil and chickpea soup, especially popular for breaking the fast during Ramadan, and served year-round.
Pastilla (B'stilla)
A remarkable sweet-and-savoury pie of flaky pastry, traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken and dusted with cinnamon and sugar — a festive speciality.
Brochettes & Kefta
Grilled skewers of marinated meat (brochettes) and spiced minced-meat kebabs (kefta) are staples of Moroccan street food and grills.
Moroccan Salads & Zaalouk
Meals often start with a spread of cooked and fresh salads, including zaalouk, a smoky aubergine and tomato dip eaten with bread.
Street Food
Look for maakouda (potato fritters), msemen (flaky pan-fried bread), sardines, and the famous food stalls of Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Moroccan Sweets & Pastries
Don't miss chebakia (sesame and honey pastries), kaab el ghazal (almond 'gazelle horns'), sellou and an abundance of dates — often served with mint tea.
Moroccan Mint Tea
Sweet green tea with fresh mint is the national drink and a symbol of hospitality, poured from height into small glasses. You'll be offered it everywhere.
Tips for Eating in Morocco
Try a cooking class or a street-food tour to go deeper, use bread as your utensil in traditional settings, and don't worry if you're vegetarian — vegetable tagines and salads are plentiful. Reputable restaurants and busy stalls are your safest bets.
Final Thoughts
From a bubbling tagine to a glass of mint tea, Moroccan food is a highlight of the country. Come hungry, be adventurous, and let the flavours become part of your travel memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morocco's national dish?
Couscous and tagine are both considered national dishes. Couscous is traditionally eaten on Fridays, while tagine is served across the country in many varieties.
Is Moroccan food good for vegetarians?
Yes. Vegetable tagines, couscous, salads and dips like zaalouk mean vegetarians eat well in Morocco, though it helps to say you don't eat meat when ordering.
Is street food safe in Morocco?
Busy stalls with high turnover are generally safe and delicious. Choose freshly cooked, hot food and popular spots, and drink bottled water.
What is Moroccan mint tea?
Sweet green tea brewed with fresh mint, the national drink and a symbol of hospitality, served in small glasses throughout the day.
