Moroccan food is a delightful blend of flavors and spices that will transport your taste buds to a world of culinary delight. From aromatic tagines filled with tender meats and vegetables to fluffy couscous dishes bursting with colorful ingredients, each bite is a symphony of taste. The bold use of spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron adds depth and richness to the dishes. Moroccan cuisine also offers a variety of savory pastries, sweet treats, and refreshing mint tea that will leave you craving for more. With its vibrant colors, exotic aromas, and diverse flavors, Moroccan food is a true feast for the senses that will leave a lasting impression. Here is 10 foods for you to try during your first visit to Morocco.
10 Moroccan foods to try for first time visitors
Tajine (Lamb and Vegetable)
Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish named after the clay pot it is cooked in. It consists of tender lamb meat, slow-cooked with a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. The flavors of the spices and herbs used, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and saffron, infuse the dish, creating a rich and aromatic stew-like consistency. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables absorb all the delicious flavors. Tajine is typically served with fluffy couscous or crusty bread.
Here is my Lamb Tajine recipe for you to try
Lamb Tajine Recipe- How to make best Lamb tajine.
Moroccan Pastries
Moroccan pastries are a delightful treat that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. Common types include “baklava” (layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup), “chebakia” (deep-fried dough strips coated in a honey and sesame glaze), and “kaab el ghzal” (almond-filled crescent-shaped pastries). These pastries are often served during special occasions or as an accompaniment to mint tea.
Fresh Orange Juice
Morocco is famous for its juicy and flavorful oranges. Squeezed right before your eyes, fresh orange juice is a popular street beverage found in many Moroccan cities. The oranges used are incredibly sweet and tangy, resulting in a refreshing and revitalizing drink. It’s a perfect choice for quenching your thirst and enjoying a burst of citrus flavor.
Olives
Morocco has a wide variety of olives, and they play a significant role in Moroccan cuisine. From small green olives to larger purple or black ones, you’ll find an assortment of colors, sizes, and flavors. Moroccan olives are often marinated with herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and lemon, giving them a distinctive taste. They are served as a part of the traditional Moroccan salad or as a standalone snack. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample these flavorful olives during your visit.
Bissara (Fava Bean Soup)
Bissara is a popular Moroccan soup made from dried and peeled fava beans. The beans are simmered with onions, garlic, cumin, and olive oil until they become soft and creamy. The soup is traditionally served hot and garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of cumin, and sometimes fresh herbs. Bissara is often enjoyed with Moroccan bread and is a comforting and hearty dish, especially during the winter months.
Fresh Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea, also known as “Maghrebi mint tea” or “Berber whiskey,” is a staple drink in Moroccan culture. It’s made by steeping green tea leaves with fresh mint leaves and then sweetening it with sugar. The tea is poured from a height into small glasses, creating a frothy layer on top. The combination of mint and tea creates a refreshing and aromatic beverage that is enjoyed throughout the day. Mint tea is often served as a gesture of hospitality and is an essential part of Moroccan social gatherings.
Harira (Traditional Soup)
Harira is a hearty and flavorful traditional Moroccan soup often served during Ramadan and other festive occasions. In Morocco, they make it with a base of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a combination of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and saffron. The soup may also contain lamb or beef, although vegetarian versions are also common. Restaurants serve Harira typically thickened with flour or broken pieces of vermicelli pasta, and it is served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. This warming soup is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it a beloved Moroccan comfort food.
Jben
Jben is a traditional Moroccan cheese that holds a special place in Moroccan cuisine. Made from cow’s or goat’s milk, it is known for its distinct texture and flavor. Jben is a soft, crumbly cheese with a slightly tangy taste, reminiscent of yogurt. It is often seasoned with herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, or black pepper to enhance its flavor. Jben is enjoyed in various ways, from being spread on bread or crackers to being used as a filling in pastries and savory dishes. It pairs wonderfully with olives, honey, or fresh herbs, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or incorporated into a dish, Jben offers a unique taste of Moroccan culinary heritage.
Briwate
Briwate, also known as Briouat, is a delicious Moroccan pastry that is typically served as an appetizer or snack. It consists of a triangular or cylindrical-shaped pastry filled with various savory fillings. Most common filling is a combination of ground meat, such as beef or lamb, mixed with herbs, spices, and onions.
The pastry is then fried until golden and crispy. Briwate can also be filled with cheese, vegetables, or seafood, providing a range of flavors to cater to different preferences. These bite-sized treats are often served at Moroccan celebrations and gatherings, adding a touch of flavor and elegance to the culinary experience.
Shakshuka
Moroccan Shakshuka is a popular and flavorful dish that has gained popularity worldwide. It is a hearty and comforting breakfast or brunch option consisting of poached eggs in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce. Moroccans with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of Moroccan spices such as cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Additional ingredients like bell peppers, chili peppers, and herbs like parsley or cilantro are often added to enhance the flavor. Later the eggs are gently cracked into the simmering sauce and cooked until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny. The dish is often served with crusty bread or flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce. Moroccan Shakshuka is a satisfying and flavorful meal that showcases the vibrant and exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
Here you have it: 10 Moroccan foods to try for first-time visitors. From the rich flavors of tagine and the comforting warmth of couscous to the refreshing Moroccan mint tea and the hearty goodness of harira, Moroccan cuisine offers a delightful journey for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to step outside your culinary comfort zone and savor the diverse flavors of this vibrant North African country.
