Before my solo trip to Morocco, my knowledge of Moroccan cuisine was limited to tagine. But as I started my research to prepare for the foodie aspect of my travel, I discovered much more variety in the cuisine, especially the pastries.
In this blog, I’ll share the list of local must-tries I put together, along with recommendations for the best souks in Marrakech and the top souvenirs to bring home.
🫖 Must Eats
🍹 Drinks
- Mint Tea: A staple Moroccan beverage.
- Orange Juice: Morocco is known for its delicious oranges.
- Avocado Smoothie
🥭 Fruits
- Dates: Morocco produces a variety of dates.
- Clementines: Known for their juicy sweetness and vibrant colour.
- Pomegranates: Commonly used in Moroccan cuisine and enjoyed fresh or as a garnish.
- Fig: Morocco is home to a variety of figs, ranging from dark purple to golden yellow.
🍲 Dishes
- Tagine: A signature Moroccan dish cooked in a clay pot with a conical lid. Typically consists of tender meat (such as lamb, chicken, or beef) cooked with vegetables, fruits, and aromatic spices.
- Couscous: A staple of Moroccan cuisine, made from semolina grains and is typically served with a stew of meat (often lamb or chicken) and vegetables.
- Pastilla (B’stilla): A savory-sweet meat pie filled with shredded chicken or pigeon, almonds, eggs, and spices, all encased in layers of thin pastry dough and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
- Mechoui: Slow-roasted lamb or goat cooked over an open fire until tender and flavorful, often seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs before being roasted.
- Harira: A hearty Moroccan soup made from a base of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and onions, flavored with spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon.
🍰 Snacks & Pastries
- Moroccan Bread
- Baghrir: Small and spongy pancakes made with semolina or flour.
- Basbousa: A sweet, syrup-soaked semolina cake that originated in Egypt but is popular in Morocco.
- Moroccan Olives: Morocco is renowned for its rich-flavour olives.
- Maakouda: Moroccan potato fritters.
- M’hanncha (Snake Cake): A traditional Moroccan pastry made from layers of almond paste rolled into a spiral resembling a snake, often flavored with orange blossom water and cinnamon.
- Chebakia: A deep-fried pastry shaped like a flower and coated in honey syrup.
🛍️ Shopping in the Souks
Exploring the souks (markets) is an essential part of the Marrakesh experience. Here are some recommended souks:
- Souk Semmarine: One of the oldest and busiest souks in Marrakech, known for its variety of goods, including textiles, leather goods, and traditional Moroccan clothing. It’s a great place to start your souk exploration.
- Rahba Kedima Square: Here, you’ll find vendors selling a variety of goods, including spices, herbs, and traditional remedies.
- Souk El Kebir: Known for its selection of traditional Moroccan crafts and artisanal products, such as ceramics, pottery, rugs, and textiles.
- Souk des Teinturiers: This is the dyers’ souk, where you can see fabrics being dyed in vibrant colors using traditional techniques.
- Souk Smata: This souk is dedicated to traditional Moroccan footwear, such as babouches (slippers) and leather sandals.
What to Buy as Souvenirs?
- Spices: Moroccan spices are famous for their rich flavors and aromas. Consider purchasing a selection of spices such as Saffron and Ras el Hanout to bring home and recreate the flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
- Argan Oil: A prized Moroccan ingredient, look for pure argan oil or argan oil-based skincare products like soaps, lotions, and hair treatments.
- Handwoven Rugs: Known for their craftsmanship and intricate designs.
- Moroccan Lanterns: Popular decorative items, adding a touch of Moroccan style to home.
- Handcrafted Pottery: Consider handcrafted ceramics such as tagines, plates, bowls, and decorative tiles to bring a piece of Moroccan craftsmanship home with you.
Remember to negotiate prices when shopping in the souks while staying alert with your personal belongings, and enjoy the experience of exploring Marrakesh’s vibrant markets!
📚 Related Posts
- 🇲🇦 Marrakesh Travel Guide – Recommended Local Eats and Buys
- 🇲🇦 5-Day Solo Travel in Marrakesh, Morocco (Part 2)
- 🇲🇦 5-Day Solo Travel in Marrakesh, Morocco (Part 1)
- 🇲🇦 Marrakesh Travel Guide – Things to Know Before Planning
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🍽️ Local food & restaurant recommendations
💰 Expense tracker (with dirham conversion)
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