11 Best Dishes to Try in Morocco: A Foodie’s Guide
Morocco is a paradise for food lovers, a country where centuries of Arab, Berber, Mediterranean, African, and Andalusian influences blend into one vibrant culinary identity. Whether you’re wandering the souks of Marrakech, exploring the coastal streets of Essaouira, or dining in the medinas of Fes, Moroccan cuisine offers an unforgettable journey of spices, aromas, and authentic flavours. In this foodie’s guide, we explore the best dishes to try in Morocco, from iconic classics to hidden gems that only locals know.
Table of Contents | Dishes to Try in Morocco.
1. Tagine – Morocco’s Most Iconic Dish
If there’s one dish that defines Moroccan cuisine, it’s the tagine. Slow-cooked in a cone-shaped clay pot, tagines capture the essence of Morocco with tender meat, warm spices, and aromatic sauces. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco.
Popular Varieties:
- Chicken with preserved lemon & olives – tangy, savoury, and incredibly comforting.
- Lamb with prunes – sweet and rich, often served at celebrations.
- Kefta tagine – spiced meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, sometimes topped with eggs.
Where to try: Traditional riads, souk-side eateries, and home-style kitchens across the country.
2. Couscous – A Friday Tradition Across Morocco
Couscous is one of the most beloved dishes to try in Morocco and is traditionally prepared on Fridays. Steamed to fluffy perfection and topped with vegetables, chickpeas, and slow-cooked meat, it’s comfort food at its best. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco.
Must-Try Versions:
- Couscous tfaya – caramelised onions and raisins on top.
- Seven-vegetable couscous – colourful, nutritious, and perfect for vegetarians.
A warm plate of couscous is the heart of Moroccan hospitality.
3. Harira – The Perfect Moroccan Soup
A rich, hearty soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and herbs, harira is especially cherished during Ramadan but is enjoyed year-round. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco. It strikes a perfect balance between tangy, spicy, and savoury – ideal as a starter or a light meal. Pair it with a warm chebakia (a honey-coated sesame pastry) for the full Moroccan experience.
4. Pastilla – Sweet, Savoury, and Absolutely Unique
Pastilla (or bastilla) is a flaky pie traditionally filled with pigeon meat, almonds, eggs, and spices, wrapped in warqa pastry and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco.
Why it’s special:
- Combines sweet and savoury flavours beautifully.
- Crispy outside, rich and soft inside.
- A must for adventurous foodies!
Chicken versions are popular today and easy to find in restaurants across Fes and Marrakech.
5. Moroccan Mint Tea – The Drink of Hospitality
You can’t talk about dishes to try in Morocco without mentioning the country’s favourite drink: mint tea. Known as “Moroccan whisky,” this sweet, fragrant tea is a cultural symbol. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco.
Expect:
- Generous amounts of fresh mint
- Lots of sugar
- A graceful pouring ritual that creates a foamy top
It’s served everywhere, from homes and riads to market stalls and beach cafés.
6. Zaalouk – The Beloved Eggplant Salad
Zaalouk is a smoky, flavourful salad made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. It often appears as a side dish or mezze with bread. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco.
Why you’ll love it:
- Packed with flavour
- Healthy and vegan-friendly
- Served warm or cold
Perfect to enjoy before your main tagine.
7. Bissara – A Simple Yet Delicious Fava Bean Puree
This humble dish is a favourite among locals. Bissara is a thick soup or dip made from fava beans, garlic, olive oil, and cumin. It is one of the dishes to try in Morocco.
You’ll find it:
- At breakfast stalls
- In markets
- In northern towns like Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Tetouan
It’s warm, nourishing, and budget-friendly, ideal for backpackers.
8. Rfissa – A Traditional Dish for Special Occasions
Rfissa is a celebratory dish usually served after childbirth or during family gatherings. It features shredded msemen (layered flatbread) soaked in broth with chicken, onions, lentils, and fenugreek.
The flavours are deep, comforting, and rich, Moroccan home cooking at its finest.
9. Seafood Dishes – Fresh from the Atlantic & Mediterranean
Coastal cities like Essaouira, Agadir, and Casablanca are heaven for seafood lovers. Morocco’s waters offer some of the tastiest fresh catches.
Must-try seafood dishes:
- Grilled sardines – a Moroccan specialty
- Seafood tagine – aromatic and spicy
- Calamari or shrimp chermoula – marinated in garlic, herbs & spices
Seafood stalls at local ports are an unforgettable foodie experience.
10. Msemen and Baghrir – Morocco’s Fluffy Breakfast Favourites
Moroccan breakfasts are a treat, and these two dishes stand out:
- Msemen: square, flaky pancakes often served with honey or cheese.
- Baghrir: spongy “thousand-hole pancakes” drizzled with butter and honey.
Both pair perfectly with mint tea or coffee.
11. Kaab el Ghazal & Moroccan Sweets
Moroccan pastries are delightful, especially kaab el ghazal (“gazelle horns”), almond-filled cookies flavoured with orange blossom water.
Other must-try sweets:
- Chebakia
- Ghriba cookies
- Sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts)
A sweet ending to your Moroccan food adventure.
Tips for Foodies in Morocco
1. Eat Where Locals Eat
Small family-run restaurants and street stalls often serve better food than tourist-heavy spots.
2. Follow the Spices
Ras el hanout, saffron, cumin, paprika, and ginger are essential to Moroccan flavours, don’t be afraid to try dishes rich in spices.
3. Try a Moroccan Cooking Class
Many riads and tour operators offer hands-on culinary experiences.
4. Bread Comes with Everything
Don’t be surprised, you will eat a LOT of bread!
Final Thoughts: A Culinary Journey Like No Other
Exploring the best dishes to try in Morocco is more than tasting delicious meals; it’s an immersion into the country’s culture, traditions, and warm hospitality. From hearty soups to sweet pastries and flavour-packed tagines, Moroccan cuisine guarantees an unforgettable food journey. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, Morocco’s culinary landscape will leave you craving more.
1. What are the must-try dishes in Morocco?
Some of the top dishes to try in Morocco include Tagine, Couscous, Pastilla, Harira, Mechoui, Zaalouk, and Moroccan mint tea. Each dish has regional variations and unique flavors.
2. What is Morocco’s national dish?
Morocco has two national dishes: Tagine and Couscous. Tagine is a slow-cooked stew prepared in a clay pot, while Couscous is a steamed semolina dish traditionally served on Fridays.
3. What is the best street food to try in Morocco?
Popular Moroccan street foods include Msemen (layered flatbread), Brochettes (skewered meat), Sfenj (doughnuts), Harira soup, and Bissara (fava bean soup), especially in souks and medinas.
4. What Moroccan dessert should I try?
Top Moroccan desserts include Chebakia (sesame honey cookie), Sellou, Kaab el Ghazal (almond crescent cookies), and M’hanncha (serpent-shaped almond pastry).
5. Are Moroccan dishes expensive?
In most cities, Moroccan food is affordable. Street food and local eateries are budget-friendly, while riad restaurants offer mid-range to fine-dining experiences.
