To eat in Marrakech is the only way to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Morocco and Moroccan cuisine.
Wind your way through the animated food markets of Marrakech and the thickly scented plumes of spices and you’ll find a street-style buffet of Moroccan cuisine and Marrakeh dishes in every shape, size and color.
From dried fruits and nuts, to dates, pastries and meat platters, there’s everything you could want and more.
Take your time wandering the souk’s food stalls, eating at laidback cafes or dining in gourmet restaurants – each one is an entirely unique experience.
When visiting Marrakech, we urge you to be daring. To step out of your comfort zone and try everything once.
Because while the dishes may look unfamiliar, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the incredible tastes and flavors that await.
Visiting Morocco for the first time and wondering what to eat?
Read on for our beginner’s foodie guide to eating out in Marrakech to experience Moroccan cuisine and the best Marrakchi dishes
Table of Contents
Tangia
One of Morocco’s famous lamb dishes, you cannot visit Marrakech without trying Tanjia. Named after the traditional clay pot it’s roasted in, this dish is a strictly meat-only dish.
The meat is flavored with preserved lemon, spices, butter and olive oil and baked over the ashes of a fire for over four hours.
The result? Soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb that will have you coming back for more.
Tagine
Tagine is one of Marrakech’s most popular dishes and for good reason – it’s delicious! it is also cooked in a traditional clay pot .
You can find many tagines options on the menu : classic options are chicken with preserved lemons and olives, meatballs in a rich tomato sauce topped with a sizzling eggs ,lamb with prunes and almonds also vegetarian one.
Mechaoui
Mechoui is an authentic Moroccan dish. Traditionally, Moroccans prepare mechoui by roasting lamb or half lamb in a pit in the ground or by roasting the lamb on a spit over a fire. Moroccans enjoy feasting on this dish with salt and cumin as dip.
Kebab (brochettes)
The overpowering smoke ascending from various food stalls on the Djemma el Fna at night is from brochettes of chicken , lamb or beef.
The meat is rubbed with salt and spices, such as paprika and cumin. Spiced ground lamb or beef (kefta) is impaled on a skewer and grilled.
Brochettes are served with khobz(Moroccan bread), harissa (red pepper sauce), red onion, cumin and sal
Couscous
Couscous dishes are one of the most regular dishes you can find on the menu of Moroccan restaurants worldwide.
Couscous is essentially tiny balls made from wheat semolina that is similar to rice and served the same way.
Moroccan couscous is traditionally layered with a meat and vegetable stew topped with raisins and served a side dish of buttermilk.
If you’re looking for a hearty meal to enjoy in Marrakech, this is the one to try!
Harrira
If you’re visiting Morocco during the holy month of Ramadan, you simply cannot leave without trying Harira.
While it is served all year round, it is one of the most popular dishes used to break the fast.
The soup is made from lamb, chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes and noodles – and sometimes even contains meat.
Harira is served in little cups or bowls and while it is a famous Moroccan breakfast dish, it is a great pick-me-up at any time of the day.
B’stilla or Pastilla
Another must-try Moroccan favorite is the B’stilla, or Pastilla, a pie pastry filled with meat, almonds and eggs and served with saffron, cinnamon and sugar.
Traditionally, the dish came from the city of Fez where it was prepared with pigeon meat but since the dish has made its way to Marrakech and many other cities in Morocco, it’s now more commonly found with fillings of shredded chicken or fish.
The meat is slow-cooked in a spicy broth, covered by thin layers of pastry and baked with a sprinkling of sugar and spices.
Snails
For the daring, snails is a popular dish that can be found throughout Morocco.
Snails simmered in a citrusy, herb-filled broth This traditional dish is believed to aid digestion and soothe the symptoms of the cold and you can eat it either at a local’s home or at a street food stall in the souk.
How do you eat it? You’ll use a toothpick to pick out the snail shells and then drink the broth itself out of the bowl.
Shebakia
Shebakia, also called Chebakia, is a tasty pretzel-like Moroccan dessert.
Strips of pastry are layered in the shape of a rose and then baked before being drizzled with a syrup made from honey and rosewater and scattered with sesame seeds.
This local pastry can be found anywhere in Marrakech and goes perfectly with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
Stuffed Dates
For those with a sweet tooth, Moroccan stuffed dates are sure to please. Filled with an almond paste and flavoured with cinnamon and orange blossom water, these sweet treats are the perfect after-dinner splurge.
Mint Tea
In Marrakech, the traditional cuisine is not limited to food. Mint tea is a firm favorite and is a wonderful way to end off a belt-cinching meal. Mint tea, which is also a form of green tea, is believed to help with digesting a big meal.
Moroccan mint tea is prepared with fresh mint and sugar and one of the most important parts of the tea drinking tradition is the way the tea it is served.
You’ll be presented with a beautiful silver tray with a gorgeous Moroccan berrad (teapot) and small glasses covered in intricate hand painted designs.
Marrakech, and Morocco as a whole, is famous for its delectable food and tasty cuisine. Which of these unusual dishes will be first on your Moroccan foodie bucket list?