About Cuisine

Moroccan Cuisine

Morocco has many culinary delights and the food is appreciated on an international level. Moroccan dishes are rich of spices, notably cumin, coriander, saffron, chillies, dried ginger, cinnamon, and paprika. It is extremely common to find all these herbs and spices in households throughout Morocco. A common concoction of flavours that many people use is called Harissa, and this compliments most dishes. It consists of a paste of garlic, chillies, olive oil, and salt, and it results in a fiery dish that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Meat

Lamb is the principle meat in Morocco. It is delicious on its own, or compliments other Moroccan delicacies. Moroccan roasted lamb is one of Morocco’s true delights and when cooked until its tender the meat can be pulled apart right from the bone. Often the meat is topped with raisin and onion sauces and quite often an apricot puree. Lamb is definitely the king on the Moroccan table and when in Morocco it’s a must to try this piece of heaven.

A shish kebab is braised meat served on skewers and is an extremely popular dish throughout Morocco. A kefta is a lamb or beef which has been lavishly spiced with a mixture of rich herbs and then the meat is rolled into the shape of a sausage, placed on a skewer and boiled when it is rolled into meatballs.

Nuts

Nuts are very prominent in Morocco, primarily pine nuts, almonds and pistachios. It’s very common to find these nuts in several dishes – if you are allergic to nuts then make sure you double check at the restaurant to ensure that there are none in the particular dish you have ordered.

Moroccan delicacies

Salads

In Morocco the main meal usually starts with a serving of a succulent salad. If you are intrigued as to how tasty salads can be, then you must try a Moroccan salad. Common combinations include tomato and green pepper salad, an eggplant salad or even a mixed herb salad. The salads are rich in taste and the sure way to open the palet before the next delight comes along.

Bisteeya

If you are a savoury person there Morocco’s culinary treats will delight you. Moroccans serve an excellent dish called a Bisteeya and it is a layer of shredded chicken that is topped with eggs and which are curdled in a lemony onion sauce and further topped with a dusting of sweetened almonds. The whole is enclosed in tissue-thin pastry called warka and topped by a layer of cinnamon and sugar.

Couscous

Couscous is a quintessential part of Moroccan cuisine. Couscous is served in many ways, it can be served as the last dish of a main meal, and traditionally, couscous is served for Friday lunch or for special occasions. Another traditional way to serve couscous is with a combination of seven vegetable: onions, pumpkin, zucchini, turnips, chilli peppers, carrots and tomatoes. This combination leaves a lasting sensation that lingers in the mouth for hours after eating.

Fish

Fish is very popular in Morocco. Fish can be served stewed, fried, grilled or even stuffed and no doubt of course cooked with many herbs and spices! You’ll have a choice of both fresh water and salt water fish. A popular fish is called tagine, which is prepared with potatoes, tomatoes and green peppers.

Poultry

Chicken is also a staple part Moroccan cuisine. The chicken is cooked in a variety of forms including steamed, boiled or fried and is often accompanied with vegetables. A classic chicken dish involves chicken with lemon and olives while a chicken tagine cooked with butter, onions, pepper, saffron, chick-peas, almonds and lemon is also popular.

Tea

Green tea is extremely popular in Morocco, and is often considered desert. The Moroccans have an interesting way of brewing green tea which is steeped and then laced with sugar and fresh spearmint. The tea is very sweet, and not to everyone’s liking!

Nightlife

The nightlife in Morocco is lively and truly enchanting. There are numerous good bars dispersed throughout the main cities. As the night approaches, the streets fill up and many people gather in the central plazas to eat and drink. The tourist and nightlife carries on; street performers put on spectacular performances for the tourists. You'll see everything kind of performance: musicians, acrobats, snake-charmers and healers etc. There is never a dull moment in the lively streets of Morocco.

When you pass by the restaurants in Morocco you’ll find them thoroughly enchanting and exotic. Delight in Marrakesh's spectacular folklore, exotic music and belly dancing, you’ll never cease to be amazed in Morocco.