Magnificent Moroccan Food You Need to Try on Your Next Trip
Each country we visit is a new opportunity to discover an exotic culture through its cuisine. Moroccan food is another gastronomic delight we couldn’t wait to explore more of. Morocco’s signature meals consist of delicious slow-cooked meats, bold spices, and an interesting mix of sweet and savory flavors. Join us on this epic Moroccan food tour as we try to eat all the signature meals in what definitely is not enough time.
1. Tagine
The undisputed champion of Moroccan cuisine is without a doubt Tagine. The word “tagine” is a versatile term for the clay vessel AND the slow-cooked stew of meat. The classic tagine is the chicken with preserved lemon but there are a variety of options including lamb, beef, kofta, and shrimp. This is the most iconic meal in Morocco and a quintessential part of every food tour. The blend of contrasting flavors means each type of tagine will leave your tastebuds surprised every time.
2. Couscous
This famous dish is so good, one cous wasn’t enough. Couscous is renowned as Morocco’s national food and is kind of like rice’s exotic cousin. It consists of a mountain of steamed, fine-grained semolina topped with an assortment of vegetables and your choice of meat. Prepare yourself for the serving size, its an abundant plate that is difficult for 1 person to eat.
3. P’astilla
Pastilla is an eclectic culinary paradox that is simultaneously the perfect savory snack and sweet desert. This pastry is an atypical meat pie stuffed with chicken (or pigeon) and topped with pistachios and sweet spices like cinnamon and saffron. There are lots of other flavors including seafood ones so be sure to try as many as possible! Reminds me of the empanadillas in Puerto Rico.
4. Briouat
French colonial influence exposes itself in the pronunciation of this fried pastry. Briouat (pronounced bree-wats) is another delectable snack filled with a variety of fillings from meats to cheese. While the triangular shape is similar to Pastilla, it can also be cylindrical and is served with many flavors at once.
5. Zaalouk
This signature Moroccan food claims to be a salad, but I know a dip when I see one. Zaalouk is the North African version of Egypt’s Baba ghanoush, an eggplant/tomato dip seasoned with spices and garlic. It makes for an excellent side dish or appetizer.
6. Fish Chermoula
I know what you’re thinking, fish in a desert?? Marrakesh might be just 30 minutes from the Agafay Desert, but it also is surrounded by coastlines so the seafood is surprisingly good. Fish chermoula is a marinade made with fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and warm spices atop a perfectly roasted fish. We had a decadent one at the infamous Comptoir Darna restaurant.
7. Harira
Although harira is typically served during the Ramadan season, it is a traditional Moroccan food that is available at some restaurants. Harira is a hearty tomato based soup consisting of chickpeas, lentils, tender meat, and a variety of spices, fresh cilantro, and parsley. Wait are we really going to eat a hot soup in the middle of the desert like Marrakech? Yes and you won’t regret it.
While Moroccan food doesn’t get much attention on the international food stage, it is a gastronomic culture worth exploring. Each signature dish uses such a wide variety of spices and flavors while harmoniously blending sweet and savory. The closest cuisine in comparison is probably Arabic food, but there are still vast distinctions. Our favorites included chicken & kofta tagine and briouat! For more tips on preparing the perfect trip to Morocco, check out this travel guide. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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