Marrakech offers a thriving culinary scene with plenty of bustling food markets and award-winning restaurants. With Arabic, Andalusian, sub-Sharan and Mediterranean influences, authentic Moroccan cuisine features hearty dishes, aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. To learn more about the local food culture in North Africa, Amanda from Marrakech Food Tours shares highlights from her book titled Marrakech Food Guide.
Photo by Zoltan Tosi
How long have you been giving food tours in Marrakech?
My husband, Youssef, and I started our tour company in April of 2014 and have been doing tours ever since!
What are some of your favorite Moroccan dishes? And, can you describe the flavors?
My favorite dish is rfissa, because it always reminds me a bit of Thanksgiving stuffing (I’m from the US). It’s usually made for new moms because it has a lot of protein and nutrients needed after giving birth. The base is shredded bread similar to msemmen, a layered flaky bread. Then chicken is cooked with lots of onions, turmeric, fenugreek, ginger, ras al hanout and brown lentils. This is put on top of the bread, and the sauce is drizzled over as well. It’s the ultimate Moroccan comfort food.
My husband’s favorite Moroccan dish is a sardine meatball sandwich, which may sound strange. Sardines are very popular in Morocco because they’re affordable. To make the meatballs, the meat is removed from the bones and ground with spices like onions, cumin, salt, and pepper, but everyone makes them a little differently. They’re made into little patties and grilled over charcoal. The meatballs are then put into Moroccan bread along with smen, an aged butter, fresh chopped onions, fresh pureed tomatoes, green olives and hot sauce.
Is there one dish that every visitor should try while in Marrakech?
Visitors shouldn’t leave Marrakech without trying tangia. This is THE dish of Marrakech and we make it the best here! It’s a really simple dish made with mutton that’s slow cooked along with garlic, olive oil, saffron and cumin. But make sure you eat it by scooping it up with bread and not a knife and fork or you’ll lose a lot of the flavor.
Courtesy of Marrakesh Food Tours
What is a tagine? And, can you recommend a traditional tagine dish?
Tagine is the word for the vessel that the dish known as tagine is cooked in, as well as the dish itself. There are dozens of tagine recipes that change based on the region and the family. The most common tagine people will see on a menu is likely to be chicken with preserved lemon and olives but that’s just one variation. Our favorite is a beef tagine with prunes and almonds. The mix of sweet and savory is really delicious!
What might surprise travelers about the food culture in Morocco?
One thing that might surprise travelers is that Moroccans don’t typically go out to eat Moroccan food. They go out to eat other things, so most of the Moroccan food you’ll find is made specifically for tourists, and often times it’s not that great. This can sometimes lead to people feeling disappointed in their food experience.
Do you have any food-related tips for visiting the souks?
While visiting the souks, look where the locals are eating. They’re not ordering 150dh tagines in a flashy place. In fact they’re probably eating in places you wouldn’t even think were a restaurant. Be adventurous, watch what they’re doing and give it a try. Of course you can mix it up and try things in restaurants too, but don’t be scared away!
Courtesy of Marrakech Food Tours
What do Moroccans typically drink with their meals?
They don’t! Usually when people are eating, they don’t have something to drink. They prefer to drink when the meal is finished. Then, it could be water, but usually the drink of choice is mint tea.
Are there any social errors that visitors should avoid when dining out in Marrakech?
It isn’t really an error but I see people eating tagines with a fork and knife all the time, and I think you’re really missing out on the dish. Tagines are meant to be eaten by using bread to scoop up the sauce and meat. At least try it, even if you’re not comfortable eating the whole meal that way. If there isn’t enough liquid in the dish to do this it’s also a sign that the tagine isn’t that great.
Can you name a few of your favorite restaurants, cafes and/or street food vendors in Marrakech?
One of my favorites is Henna Art Café. It is a great place to have lunch, and they also offer fixed prices and organic henna application (so it’s safe!). Another one of my favorites is L’Mida, a new restaurant that offers modern Moroccan dishes and some really yummy mocktails. +61 is another great option. It is my go-to for a mix of international dishes. They also have a cocktail menu for those that want a drink with their dinner. Lastly, I would recommend Le Trou au Mur, which offers traditional Moroccan dishes (international too) in a lovely medina setting.
Moroccan bread – photo courtesy of Marrakech Food Tours
Have you noticed any recent food trends in Marrakech?
It seems like there are always new places that are popping up. Lately, there has been quite a few places that are doing Moroccan food a bit differently, more of a modern twist. Also, brunch culture is become more of a trend in the dining scene.
In addition to the food, what do you enjoy most about living in Marrakech?
Sunshine! Seriously, I love that the sun shines almost every day!
Thank you, Amanda! To learn more about eating in Marrakech, check out Amanda’s complete food guide.
About Marrakech Food Tours
Since 2014, Marrakech Food Tours has been owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Youssef and Amanda. Their mission has been to bring the real food of Marrakech to those visiting the Red City. Tour options include Evening Street Food, Summer Street Food, the Medina Mix Walking Tour, Ramadan Iftar Dinner, Essaouira Food Day Trip, Ijoukak Valley Day Trip with Lunch and Shopping Tour. They also have private tours available upon request.
Website: https://marrakechfoodtours.com/
Email: [email protected]
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