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.