To travel to Morocco is to embark on a culinary journey. It's a symphony of spices, a blend of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean traditions, and a culture where every meal is an act of hospitality.
If you're planning your first trip, the sheer diversity of the food can be as dazzling as the souks. Where do you even begin? We've narrowed it down to the 7 best foods to try in Morocco that offer the perfect taste of the country's rich culinary heritage.
Quick Links: The Best Moroccan Foods
1. Tagine: The King of Moroccan Dishes
You cannot go to Morocco without eating tagine. It's not just a food, it's a cooking method named after the conical earthenware pot it's cooked in. This slow-cooking process traps steam and infuses all the ingredients with a rich blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, ginger, and saffron.
The results are incredibly tender and flavorful. Popular versions include lamb with prunes and almonds, chicken with preserved lemons and olives, and a vegetable-only (khodar) tagine. It's served bubbling hot, usually with khobz (fresh bread) for dipping.
Why You Have to Try It:
- It's the most iconic and authentic Moroccan dish.
- The slow-cooking makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.
- The blend of sweet and savory (like lamb with apricots) is a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine.
2. Couscous: The Friday Tradition
Couscous is more than just a side dish; it's a weekly celebration. Traditionally prepared on Friday (the Muslim holy day), this dish consists of fine semolina granules, painstakingly steamed over a flavorful broth until light and fluffy.
It's then served on a large communal platter, piled high with stewed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, turnips) and tender meat (often chicken or lamb). It's frequently topped with a sweet, caramelized onion and raisin mixture called tfaya. Eating this in a local home or a traditional restaurant is a true cultural experience.
Why You Have to Try It:
- To participate in a beloved weekly tradition.
- The fluffy, hand-steamed texture is nothing like instant couscous.
- It's a complete, balanced, and deeply satisfying meal.
3. Pastilla (B'stilla): The Ultimate Savory Pie
Pastilla is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly showcases Morocco's love for sweet and savory flavors. Originating from Fes, this is a complex pie made with layers of paper-thin warqa pastry (similar to phyllo).
The traditional version is filled with shredded pigeon meat, almonds, and an egg-and-onion sauce spiced with cinnamon. The entire pie is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. While it might sound unusual, the combination is absolutely divine. More common (and tourist-friendly) versions with chicken or seafood are also widely available and just as delicious.
Why You Have to Try It:
- It's a unique and complex flavor combination you won't find elsewhere.
- The contrast of flaky pastry, savory meat, and sweet topping is addictive.
- It's a true celebration dish, often served at weddings and special occasions.
4. Harira: The Heartwarming Soup
Harira is the quintessential Moroccan soup, a rich and hearty comfort food. While recipes vary, it's typically made with a tomato base, lentils, chickpeas, and sometimes small pieces of lamb or beef. It's thickened with a bit of flour or vermicelli and seasoned with ginger, turmeric, and cilantro.
This soup is traditionally used to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, you can find it in restaurants and cafes year-round, often served with a hard-boiled egg, a sticky-sweet chebakia pastry, and a slice of lemon.
Why You Have to Try It:
- It's the ultimate Moroccan comfort food.
- The perfect, inexpensive, and filling lunch or starter.
- The traditional pairing with sweet pastries is a unique taste experience.
5. Zaalouk: The Addictive Eggplant Salad
Moroccan meals almost always begin with a variety of "salads," which are more like cooked vegetable dips. Of these, Zaalouk is the crowd-pleaser. It's a smoky, delicious dip made from cooked eggplant (aubergine) and tomatoes, mashed together with garlic, olive oil, and spices.
It's served as a starter or side dish and is used to scoop up with fresh khobz. It's so flavorful that it can easily become the highlight of the meal. Look for it as part of a "Moroccan salad" assortment, which may also include taktouka (cooked peppers and tomatoes).
Why You Have to Try It:
- It's a flavor-packed introduction to the meal.
- The smoky, garlicky taste is incredibly moreish.
- It's a perfect example of how Morocco elevates simple vegetables.
6. Mechoui: The Art of Slow-Roasted Lamb
Mechoui is all about one thing: incredibly tender, slow-roasted lamb (or sometimes sheep). In its most traditional form, a whole animal is roasted on a spit over an open fire or in a deep pit in the ground, similar to a barbecue.
The meat is rubbed with spices like cumin and paprika and cooks for hours until it's meltingly soft. You'll find mechoui alleys in cities like Marrakech, where you can buy it by weight, served simply with salt and cumin for dipping. It's a must-try for any meat lover.
Why You Have to Try It:
- It's a spectacular display of traditional cooking.
- The meat is unbelievably tender and succulent.
- Eating with your hands, dipping in cumin, is a fun, primal experience.
7. Mint Tea & Pastries: A Ritual of Hospitality
This isn't just a drink; it's a ceremony. "Berber whiskey," as it's affectionately known, is a strong green tea brewed with handfuls of fresh mint and a large amount of sugar (it's often very sweet).
It's served in small, colorful glasses, poured from a height to create a frothy head. Accepting and drinking tea is a sign of respect and friendship. Pair it with Moroccan pastries like kaab el ghazal ("gazelle's horns," an almond-paste-filled crescent) or briouat (honey-soaked pastry triangles) for the perfect afternoon break.
Why You Have to Try It:
- To participate in Morocco's most important social ritual.
- It's the perfect, refreshing end to a rich meal.
- Moroccan pastries are delicate, fragrant, and delicious.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
From the bustling food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna to the quiet ceremony of mint tea, Morocco offers a journey for all your senses. Each of these dishes tells a story about the country's rich history, land, and people.
The best advice? Come hungry, be adventurous, and try everything. You might just discover your new favorite dish.
Which Moroccan dish will you try first?