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What Food To Try in Rabat and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Rabat for 2025.

National currency: Moroccan Dirham, symbol — (international currency code MAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Rabat cafes and restaurants
$3.6 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.04
$29.5 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20.36
$5.3 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.58

What to Try in Rabat

Must-try Dishes
Roti Khorchk - Breakfast Flatbread - This soft wheat dough flatbread is cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown, often enjoyed warm with local honey or olive oil. Locals typically eat it for breakfast, and it's common to share fresh bread at sunrise.

Brochettes - Grilled Meat Skewers - Tender pieces of marinated lamb or chicken grilled over open flames, often served with a side of flatbread and spicy harissa. You can find these delicious skewers at street vendors, especially during busy lunch hours when the aroma fills the air.

Tagine - Moroccan Stew - A rich slow-cooked stew, usually featuring chicken or lamb, vegetables, and preserved lemons, all simmered in a cone-shaped pot. It's a staple for dinner at family gatherings, often shared among friends, and paired with crispy bread to soak up the amazing broth.

Chakhchoukha - Local Specialty - This dish consists of shredded bread topped with a spicy meat and vegetable sauce, creating an inviting mix of textures. Traditionally enjoyed during special occasions, it’s often shared communal-style, with everyone digging in together.

Harira - Traditional Soup - A hearty soup of lentils, chickpeas, and tender pieces of meat, spiced with cilantro and cumin. Often served during Ramadan to break the fast, it’s a beloved comfort food enjoyed by families after long days of fasting.

Meat B’stilla - Savory Pie - A unique combination of pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices, all wrapped in delicate pastry layers and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. While some might find the sweet-savory combination a surprise, it's a culinary staple at fancy gatherings.

Fennel Salad - Salade de Fenouil (seasonal dish) - This refreshing salad featuring thinly sliced fennel, citrus, and a drizzle of olive oil is perfect during the warmer months. Enjoyed as a light lunch in the summer, it contrasts beautifully with heartier meals, highlighting local produce.

By the way, it’s common to eat with your hands here, especially with tagine, so embrace the mess!

Desserts & Drinks
Mint Tea - Thé à la Menthe (sweet mint tea) - This traditional beverage is made with green tea and a generous handful of fresh mint leaves, often sweetened to taste. Locals sip this all day long, especially during social gatherings, and it's a common sight to see families enjoying it after meals.

Freska - عصير فا ري (fresh fruit juice) - A vibrant blend of seasonal fruits, like oranges, pomegranates, and lemons, crushed and served over ice. It's a hot weather favorite, especially in outdoor markets, where you can instantly feel refreshed from the Moroccan sun. By the way, avoiding the pre-packaged fruit juices is a wise choice; nothing beats fresh!

Berger - بُرجر (local beer) - A light lager, typically brewed with barley, is a relaxing choice after a long day. You’ll find it served in chilled glasses at cafés, especially during lunch or weekend evenings while socializing with friends.

Baklava - باقلوة (layered pastry) - This rich dessert, made of thin layers of phyllo dough, walnuts or almonds, and drenched in honey syrup, is heavenly. It’s commonly enjoyed during festive occasions or family celebrations, often with mint tea to balance the sweetness.

Sahlab - سحلب (creamy hot drink) - A warm, fragrant drink made with milk, ground orchids, and often topped with nuts and cinnamon. It’s a winter comfort found at local cafés, and there's something magical about enjoying it during a cozy gathering with friends on chilly evenings.

Food and Groceries in Rabat

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $0.54
Bananas $1.26
Oranges $0.63
Potatoes $0.56
Apples $1.41
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.58
0.5L Local Beer $2.25
Imported Beer $2.72
Wine Rating >4.0 $10.18
Milk 1L $0.83

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $8.9
Chicken $5.72
Cigarettes $3.87
Rice $1.59
Local Cheese $8.59

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Around lunchtime in Rabat, the streets buzz with energy as locals flock to nearby cafés and food stalls, a daily ritual that showcases Morocco’s vibrant culinary culture. In the Hassan district, you’ll often find people enjoying a hearty tagine or a fresh sandwich filled with spiced meats. This is a city where lunch commonly happens between 1 PM and 3 PM, while dinner typically starts around 8 PM, reflecting a laid-back approach to mealtime.

Typical meal prices can vary significantly by area. In local cafes around the medina, a delicious whole grilled chicken may set you back around 100 dirhams, while a similar meal in one of the city’s upscale restaurants could easily reach 250 dirhams. On the budget side, you can grab a filling plate of couscous for about 30 dirhams from a street vendor, making it clear Rabat's food scene caters to all wallets. Seasonal changes can also impact prices, with fresh produce becoming more expensive in winter months.

In terms of payment customs, you’ll find that cash is still king in most establishments. Do keep some dirhams on hand, as many small vendors do not accept cards. It’s common to see people paying with notes, and if you happen to go to a café with table service, be prepared for a small service charge included in your bill. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; leaving change is sufficient in most cases.

One customary local eating habit is enjoying a hot mint tea after meals, a staple that embodies Moroccan hospitality and relaxation. However, many tourists mistakenly think they need to tip extravagantly; a casual 5-10% is often more than enough in most situations. And remember, if you plan on dining in popular spots during the weekends, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make reservations—those bustling local favorites fill up quickly.

The medina and Agdal are popular dining districts, showcasing varying atmospheres, from casual street dining to more formal eateries. The medina is particularly lively in the evenings, while Agdal offers a more modern twist on traditional cuisine. As the weather starts to cool during the fall, you'll see more locals gathering in outdoor settings to enjoy warm dishes, highlighting how climate often influences dining habits here.

Overall, Rabat's food scene reflects a delightful blend of traditional and modern influences, revealing the city's character through its unique eating patterns and local customs.