Morocco is a gastronomic destination in its own right. Every city, every region and every medina alleyway holds culinary treasures that tell the story and culture of the country. Whether you are planning a trip to Morocco or simply wish to explore the riches of its cuisine, here are the 20 Moroccan specialities you absolutely must discover.
1. Couscous
Couscous remains the most famous Moroccan dish in the world. Fine steamed semolina, slow-cooked vegetables, tender meat and a fragrant broth: it is the Friday dish, the dish of family and sharing.
2. Chicken tajine with preserved lemon
The chicken tajine with preserved lemon and olives is one of the most representative dishes of Morocco. The tenderness of the chicken, the acidity of the lemon and the bitterness of the olives create a memorable balance of flavours.
3. Pastilla
A crispy pastry combining chicken or pigeon, almonds, cinnamon and icing sugar, pastilla perfectly illustrates the Moroccan art of sweet-savoury.
4. Harira
A traditional Ramadan soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and vermicelli, harira is a comfort dish inseparable from Moroccan culture.
5. Rfissa
A celebratory dish of crumbled msemen, chicken and a fenugreek broth, rfissa is traditionally served to celebrate a birth.
6. Tanjia
The iconic speciality of Marrakech, tanjia is undoubtedly the city's most emblematic dish. Meat cooked slowly in an earthenware jar placed in the ashes of a hammam oven, flavoured with preserved lemon, cumin and saffron.
7. Brochettes
A street food staple, Moroccan brochettes are marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal. Their aroma fills the souks and bustling squares.
8. Méchoui
A whole lamb roasted slowly in a traditional clay oven, méchoui is reserved for grand occasions. The meat is so tender it falls apart by hand.
9. Zaalouk
A warm salad of aubergines and tomatoes cooked with garlic, cumin and coriander, zaalouk is a classic of Moroccan kémias.
10. Taktouka
A preparation of peppers and tomatoes slow-cooked with spices, taktouka is another essential kémia that pairs perfectly with Moroccan bread.
11. Briouates
Small crispy pastries filled with chicken and almonds, minced meat or cheese, briouates are perfect as a starter or to accompany an aperitif.
12. Msemen
A square, golden layered flatbread, msemen is a staple of Moroccan breakfast. Enjoyed with honey and melted butter, it is irresistible.
13. Baghrir
Known as the thousand-hole pancake, baghrir is loved for its airy texture and tiny holes that absorb butter and honey.
14. Snails
In Moroccan souks, snails are served in a broth flavoured with herbs and spices. It is a surprising and flavourful street food speciality.
15. Grilled sardines
Morocco is one of the world's largest producers of sardines. Grilled over charcoal and served with lemon and cumin, they offer a simple and authentic pleasure, especially in Essaouira.
16. Cornes de gazelle
Crescent-shaped pastries filled with almond paste scented with orange blossom, cornes de gazelle are one of Morocco's most refined desserts.
17. Chebakia
A traditional flower-shaped pastry, fried then dipped in honey and sprinkled with sesame, chebakia is particularly associated with the month of Ramadan.
18. Amlou
A smooth paste made from toasted almonds, argan oil and honey, amlou is Morocco's Nutella. It is a speciality of southern Morocco often enjoyed at breakfast.
19. Dates
Moroccan dates, particularly the Medjool variety, are among the finest in the world. They are eaten as dessert, as a snack or to break the fast during Ramadan.
20. Mint tea
More than a drink, mint tea is a symbol of hospitality and togetherness. Prepared with green tea, fresh mint and sugar, poured from a height to create foam, it punctuates every moment of the day.
A journey through flavours
These 20 specialities represent only a fraction of Morocco's immense culinary wealth. Each region has its own treasures and each family guards its secret recipes. The best way to discover Moroccan cuisine remains sitting around a table, sharing a dish and letting the flavours tell their story.
Finding these flavours at Choukran
At Choukran, we are dedicated to bringing the most authentic flavours of Moroccan cuisine to the heart of Paris. From couscous prepared according to tradition to slowly simmered tajine, through our generous kémias and mint tea served the traditional way, every visit is an invitation to travel.
FAQ
- What is the most famous dish in Morocco?
- Couscous remains the most famous Moroccan dish in the world, closely followed by the tajine.
- Which speciality should you absolutely try in Marrakech?
- The tanjia is undoubtedly the most iconic speciality of Marrakech.
- Which Moroccan desserts should you try?
- Cornes de gazelle, chebakia and many almond pastries are among the must-tries.
- What is the best food city in Morocco?
- Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca and Essaouira are among the most renowned destinations for discovering Moroccan cuisine.
- Why is Moroccan cuisine so popular?
- Thanks to its richness, its spices, its history and its culture of sharing that transforms every meal into a true experience.
