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Kingdom of Morocco
Placeholder image: seafood and fishing boats on the Moroccan coast

Culture

Moroccan cuisine

Moroccan food is fragrant, patient and social: dishes are built in layers and placed at the centre of the table.

Signature dishes

Tagine, couscous, pastilla, harira, rfissa, tanjia and mechoui are the dishes most visitors seek out.

  • Tagine: slow-cooked stew in a conical clay pot
  • Couscous: steamed semolina with vegetables and meat, traditionally on Fridays
  • Pastilla: layered pastry with spiced meat or seafood, dusted with sugar and cinnamon
  • Harira: tomato, lentil and chickpea soup, especially in Ramadan
  • Mint tea: green tea with fresh mint and sugar, a symbol of welcome

Regional specialities

Fes is known for pastilla, Marrakech for tangia, Safi and the coast for sardines and fish, Essaouira for grilled seafood, and the south for dates, saffron and medfouna.

Etiquette

Eat with your right hand when sharing from a communal dish, and share bread rather than using forks. It is polite to accept at least one glass of tea.