It’s no secret that one of the main reasons to come to Morocco is to enjoy the amazing food.
(Not really – there are any other compelling reasons to come to Morocco like culture, history, weather, the Sahara desert and more…)
On your private tour, you’ll try some amazing dinners at your riad and in different restaurants. However, it is important to realize that some of the most memorable meals in Morocco aren’t served in a fancy sit-down restaurant or a five star riad.
Be sure to be brave and try different street foods on your trip – you’ll find that they might be some of your favorite treats!
1. Khobz
It’s impossible (unless you are gluten free) to come to Morocco and not try the delicious bread. Khobz is the silverware with which tajine and Moroccan salads are eaten. If you get hungry while you are wandering around the medina, stop and buy yourself a fresh loaf! Often there will be little stalls on the side of the street that will slather it with cream cheese (Kiri) or honey. It’s perfect for a quick filling snack. There are lots of different types of khobz (bread): wheat, white, fluffy, flatter and other variations such as Malawi (a bit greasier) or Kharsha (more like cornbread).
2. Harira
This is a great idea for a cheap dinner or a cheap lunch. Harira is a tomato based soup that you can get in a little hole-in-the-wall restaurants for less than a dollar. It’s usually filled with chickpeas, lentils, noodles and spices. It’s served traditionally to break the fast during Ramadan, but you can get it all year round.
3. Brochettes
Brochettes (like shish kebabs) are another wonderful street food that you should take advantage of. You can stop at a small stall and order them there by choosing from the different meats available. If you know what type of spices you like, you can go to the butcher and get a selection of meat spiced the way you like it. Bring it back to the small shop and have them grill it for you! Delicious. If you want, you could make a sandwich with the khobz.
4. Orange Juice
Moroccan orange juice tops every list of foods to try – for a good reason! You’ll see stalls with piles of oranges by the side of the road. Stop for a few minutes and you’ll have a freshly squeezed glass of frothy orange juice – for less than 50 cents.
5. Snails
If you base your expectations of taste off of the smell of snails cooking, you will be pleasantly surprised. The flavor is much less strong than the quite distinctive smell. The vendor will give you a small pottery bowl full of hot snails and broth, as well as a safety pin with which to take out the meat. Sip the broth at the end to finish off your snack! Don’t forget to take a few pictures for social proof.
6. Nougat
If you are deep in the Fes medina, near the shrine of Moulay Idriss, you will start to see carts of colorful nougat. Pink, green, white with nuts, or one that looks like peanut brittle – they are all delicious! Buy a small collection so you can try each of the flavors. The nougat is quite sweet, so you might need to eat them in small quantities.
7. Shawarma or Sandwiches
Shawarma is one of those foods that people try in Morocco and wonder why it isn’t universally recognized as one of the greatest sandwiches around. Smell the seasoned meat cooking right before your server shaves off enough to fill your sandwich. Sometimes they will add a spicy sauce or vegetables in the shawarma. Other types of sandwiches sold on the side of the street include a type of bologna sandwich or egg sandwiches.
8. Sugared Peanuts
Another sweet snack that people love in Morocco is the sugared peanuts. These peanuts are coated in a red sugary shell that crunches perfectly as you snack. The smell of warm sugar cooking is enticing. The stall owner will give you a small paper cone filled with them – trust me, it won’t last you long.
9. Maakouda (Potato Patties)
If you stop at a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant, you are sure to see Maakouda (potato patties) in the glass display. These patties are made of mashed or grated potato and spiced with garlic, cilantro, onions and cumin. They are then fried. Eat them in a sandwich as a filling or as an appetizer!
10. Sardines
These small fish are served at the same small restaurants as the Maakouda. They are usually fried and served with little lemon slices. They are often stuffed with a spicy tomato flavored filling. Watch out for bones as you eat this cheap dinner!
11. Loubia / Lentils
Moroccan dips are a final street food that you should try. Loubia is white beans cooked in a red, slightly zingy sauce. Moroccan lentils can be seasoned in a manner of different ways but are always tasty no matter how they are cooked!
12. Olives
Choose from one of the many different flavors available. Bright and colorful, Moroccan olives are both pleasing to look at and eat. You can get them with a lemon flavor or with a spicy flavor…either way, you may be tempted to pack some in your suitcase to take back.