Morocco is a food lover’s paradise. From flavorful tagines to aromatic couscous, there is no shortage of delicious dishes to try in this North African country. To help you navigate the culinary landscape of Morocco, we’ve put together the ultimate foodie guide to Morocco, complete with must-try dishes and restaurants.
Moroccan Cuisine: A Brief Overview
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fragrant spices, which are often used to create complex and layered dishes. The country’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography, climate, and history, with many of its signature dishes incorporating ingredients like olives, preserved lemons, saffron, and harissa, as well as a wide variety of meats, grains, and vegetables.
One of the most iconic dishes in Moroccan cuisine is the tagine, a slow-cooked stew named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked. Tagines are typically made with meat (such as lamb, chicken, or beef), vegetables, and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, ginger, and saffron. The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that is usually served with couscous or bread.
Another staple dish in Moroccan cuisine is couscous, a type of semolina pasta that is typically served with meat or vegetables, and sometimes both. Couscous is often steamed and fluffed several times during the cooking process, resulting in light and fluffy grains that absorb the flavors of the ingredients with which they are served.
Moroccan cuisine is also famous for its use of pastries and sweets, such as the pastilla, a savory pastry filled with meat (usually chicken or pigeon), almonds, and a blend of spices. Another popular pastry is the briouat, which is filled with ground meat, vegetables, and spices, and then fried until crispy. For something sweet, try the chebakia, a honey-soaked cookie that is often served during Ramadan.
Must-Try Moroccan Dishes :
Tagine
No foodie’s visit to Morocco is complete without trying a traditional tagine. This slow-cooked stew is a signature dish of Moroccan cuisine and is available in a variety of flavors and preparations. One of the most popular is the lamb tagine, which is typically made with tender chunks of lamb, onions, garlic, and a blend of fragrant spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and saffron. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that is usually served with couscous or bread.
Couscous
Couscous is a staple dish in Moroccan cuisine and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The dish typically consists of steamed semolina grains served with meat (such as chicken or lamb) and vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas. The couscous is usually seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and is often topped with a savory broth.
B’stilla
B’stilla is a sweet and savory pie that is typically made with shredded pigeon or chicken meat, almonds, and a blend of spices, including cinnamon and saffron. The filling is wrapped in phyllo dough and then baked until crispy. The result is a delicious and indulgent pastry that is often served as a starter or appetizer.
Now that you know about some of the must-try dishes in Morocco, let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants to visit while you’re there :
Le Jardin
Located in the heart of Marrakech, Le Jardin is a stunning restaurant that is set in a lush garden. The menu features a mix of traditional Moroccan dishes as well as international cuisine, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the roasted lamb with couscous, which is a customer favorite.
Cafe Clock
Cafe Clock is a funky and eclectic restaurant located in the heart of Fez’s medina. The menu features a mix of Moroccan and international dishes, but the standout items are the camel burger and the camel milkshake. Yes, you read that right – camel milkshake!
La Maison Arabe
La Maison Arabe is a luxurious restaurant that is known for its high-end Moroccan cuisine. The menu features a range of classic dishes, such as chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives, as well as some more innovative options. Be sure to try the lamb shank with prunes and almonds, which is a customer favorite.
Al Fassia
Al Fassia is an all-female-run restaurant that is known for its delicious and authentic Moroccan cuisine. The menu features a range of tagine dishes, as well as some vegetarian options. Be sure to try the pastilla, which is a sweet and savory pie that is typically filled with chicken and almonds.
Dar Moha
Dar Moha is a beautiful restaurant that is set in a stunning 19th-century palace in Marrakech. The menu features a range of traditional Moroccan dishes, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the lamb tagine with prunes and almonds, which is a customer favorite.
Conclusion
Morocco is a foodie’s paradise, with a range of delicious and unique dishes to try. Whether you’re sampling street food in the medina or dining in a high-end restaurant, you’re sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Morocco today and start exploring the country’s vibrant culinary scene!
Read also : Things you should Know about Morocco
