Street Food in Morocco: 21 Dishes You Have to Taste

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to sample different dishes from all over the world. Trying all the delicious street food Morocco offers is a great way to get acquainted with northern African culture. 

Taking influence from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa, there is a great representation of flavors all over the country. Plus, each region of Morocco offers something unique and delicious to try. From the bustling markets in the medinas of Marrakesh to the seaside stalls of Essaouira and Tarfaya, you will come across colorful food stands with warm, welcoming vendors offering their specialty.

So, are you wondering what are some traditional Moroccan foods? Look no further! We have compiled a list of all the street food you must try during your trip.

Let’s get tasting…

Best street food in Morocco for meat eaters

Kefta

If you enjoy grilled meats, you absolutely have to try some kefta. These are ground lamb or beef skewers seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander and grilled on an open flame, leaving the meat with an irresistible smokey flavor. 

Briouat

Briouat is a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables. Vendors stuff phyllo pastry dough with the fillings of your choice, fold the delicious creations into a triangle or square, and deep fry them until they are crispy. 

You’ll find this snack in stalls all across the country. 

Merguez

These are long, thin North African sausages made from ground beef, lamb, or a combination of the two. They add harissa sauce, paprika, and other spices for a distinct flavor. 

You can eat a merguez on its own or inside a khobz (Moroccan flatbread). 

The best part of this dish? It is served with the most amazing spicy tomato dipping sauce.

Shawarma

You’ve probably heard of this Middle Eastern classic before, but it’s worth noting that the Moroccan version is exceptionally tasty. 

Choose a meat and add different toppings like onions, hummus, and even french fries. You can have it on a plate, in a sandwich, or wrap. Top it with hummus and tahini; it is the best lunch for people on the move.

Kalinti

Morocco’s take on pizza is called kalinti. These amazing savory pies are served by the slice in northern areas of the country. 

It is made with chickpea flour, olive oil, eggs, cheese, and spices such as garlic, salt, cayenne, and paprika. You can also add the meat of your choice, typically lamb or chicken.

Best seafood options for street food in Morocco

Babbouche (ghlal)

One of Morocco’s most famous street food dishes is snail soup. 

This spicy stew, known as babbouche or ghal, is a mix of snails and a blend of over 15 different savory spices. Vendors serve up snails in their shells alongside a toothpick so that you can easily extract the snaily goodness. 

This was once a Marakkech street food original, but you can find it nationwide now. Ghal is an absolute must-try on your food tour. It is the most flavor-packed and unique snack you can order.

Grilled sardines

Did you know Morocco exports more sardines than anywhere else in the world? 

That explains why you can find grilled sardines across coastal cities throughout the country. 

The fish is usually marinated in a chermoula sauce of parsley, cilantro, garlic, and citrus. It is then deep-fried or grilled. You can eat them alone or stuff them in a sandwich for an easy, on-the-go meal.

Oysters

If you visit a coastal town, such as Casablanca or Agadir, you must stop for oysters. Stalls sell fresh oysters caught the same day, with a dash of lemon. You can also order them deep-fried. 

No matter how you get them, they will be exceptionally fresh and delectable. 

Bocadillo

A bocadillo is a popular sandwich served in Tangier. 

It’s a long, thin bread roll stuffed with tuna, carrots, tomatoes, onions, olives, fries, and a spicy harissa sauce. You can even make this sandwich vegetarian or vegan by customizing your fillings.

Best street food in Morocco for vegetarians and vegans

Sfenj

Sfenj is a fried donut served hot with honey or jam. It is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and downright delicious! This is a breakfast staple across the country. 

Bissara

This popular soup made from fava beans or split peas is eaten in Morocco during the chilly winter months. It is made by pureeing the beans with garlic and olive oil, then topping it with cumin, salt, and paprika. It is a hearty and nutritious breakfast often served with crusty bread and olive oil.

Harira

Harira should be at the top of your list of dishes to try.

It is a soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, a variety of spices, and sometimes lamb or beef for extra protein. 

It is often served to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, but you can find vendors offering this up throughout the year. 

Lentil soup

Another dish served all over Morocco is lentil soup. 

This is a hearty and filling option, perfect for lunch or dinner. It is made by cooking lentils in a sauce with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices and is truly delicious.

Hammas kamoun

Hammas kamoun literally translates to chickpeas with cumin, and that’s precisely what it is. 

Street food stalls roast chickpeas with salt and sprinkle cumin on top, sending you on your way with a paper cone filled to the brim. 

It’s a perfect snack to take on the go while you shop at the markets or to help you stay full until dinner.

Maakouda

Who doesn’t like fried potatoes? 

Maakouda are deep-fried potato patties that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are made with mashed potatoes seasoned with cumin, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Then, these delicious discs are coated with eggs and breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. 

You’ll find these all over the country — the best ones usually in a hole-in-the-wall shop.

Msemen

Msemen is a flatbread, similar to a crepe or pancake. These are cooked on a griddle and served with honey, jam, and cheese.

Pick one of these up for breakfast or a tasty afternoon snack.

Zitoun — Moroccan Olives

So many olives and not enough time. But you need to try them all. Olive vendors sell their specialty by the bag, and they expect you to sample their product — no hardship there.

Be like the locals and try a few different types. You’re certain to find a new favorite!

Best sweet street food in Morocco

Nougat

Also called halwa, this candy comes in many forms and colors. It is made with sugar, egg whites, nuts and seeds. There are so many options, but any choice will help satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Look for the colorful shapes stacked on a vendor’s cart. They can be found in most markets.

Chebakia

Chebakia is a sweet, crispy pastry that is always sold during Ramadan. However, you can usually find it any time of year. 

The dough is stuffed with cinnamon, star anise, and sesame seeds and then deep-fried. Once made, the treat is drizzled with a hot honey syrup that has been flavored with orange blossoms and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Yum!

Fresh fruit & juice

You are pretty much guaranteed to run into a fruit vendor during your journey. They typically sell seasonal fruit and can make fresh juice right on the spot. If it is in season, try hendia or prickly pear. 

You can also find almond milkshakes and sugar cane juice as popular choices.

Sugar-coated peanuts

Another popular sweet snack is peanuts that have been roasted with sugar. They are crispy, delicious, and the perfect snack to take with you as you window shop and look around the markets.

You’ll need to do a lot of walking to make room for all the delicious delicacies. However, it won’t break the bank. Morocco street food prices are incredibly reasonable, with most items costing less than €1-2 ($0.91-1.80).

Map of Morocco

Popular food destinations are Marrakech in central Morocco, Casablanca along the west coast, and Tangier in the north. Fez and the capital city of Rabat are also great places to try new, delicious dishes.

Weather in Morocco

A common misconception is that Morocco is all desert. That’s not the case at all! 

While the Sahara does make up a large portion of the country, coastal cities often experience all four seasons. 

Cities like Tangier, which lie along the northern coastline, have a Mediterranean climate pattern of warm summers and cool winters. Temperatures generally do not exceed 30°C (86°F), even on the hottest days.

However, the further you move inland, the more you notice arid, desert-like climates. Temperatures can soar to over 40°C (104°F) in places like Oujda and Figuig. Additionally, areas in the High Atlas Mountains, like Tafrout, can get pretty chilly in the evenings. 

Marrakech is technically in the coastal lowlands, but because it is inland, temperatures can skyrocket. Summer here lasts from June to August, with temperatures averaging 37°C (98°F) during the day and cooling off to a pleasant 29°C (69°F) in the evenings. 

March to May and September to November are the best months for pleasant weather. Temperatures average 27-28°C (81-83°F) during the day and 13-15°C (55-60°F) in the evenings. It gets rainy between November and December, so keep this in mind if you don’t fancy carrying an umbrella.

Winter lasts from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) during the day to a brisk 7°C (45°F) at night. 

Casablanca and Tangier have similar weather patterns but are much more mild. You can expect high temperatures of 17-27°C (62-81°F) throughout the year. Low evening temperatures range from 10-18°C (50-65°F).

Packing list essentials for Morocco

Planning a city break to sample Moroccan street food is a breeze when you have a packing list in your hands. You’ll want to throw the following things in your bag to ensure you’re comfortable during your trip.

• Comfortable clothing–think loose linens with some give. You’ll be eating a lot and want room to grow. More importantly, Morocco is a conservative country, so being covered up is a must.
• Great walking shoes
• Camera
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Slash-proof cross-body bag. Pickpocketing is common in places like Marrakech, so a sturdy bag with good zippers is necessary!
• A sweater or light jacket for the evenings
• Change for tipping

How to get to and around Morocco

Getting to Morocco is easy. Casablanca is a main travel hub, with daily direct flights from the US and Europe. It is also possible to take a ferry from France, Spain, and Gibraltar. 

Marrakech also has a large international airport. 

Traveling around Morocco is not as easy as going from city to city in, say, Europe, but its increase in popularity is making it much more convenient for visitors.

Once you’re there, there are several travel routes to ensure you get to see and taste everything your heart desires.

For example, ONCF Voyages offers train routes from Casablanca to Tangier with hourly departures. The journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes. There is a similar train to Marrakech. Alternatively, you can take a three-hour bus ride from Casablanca to Marrakech to save some money. 

Based in Rabat? There are great transfer options to Marrakech, which take about three and a half hours. Rabat to Fez, Tangier, and Casablanca are also viable options. 

No matter where you are in Morocco, you can easily explore new food and experiences in different cities. 

Final thoughts on street food in Morocco 

Morocco is an exotic destination that should be at the top of any foodie’s bucket list. Whether you plan your own trip or go on a Moroccan street food tour, your tastebuds will delight with all the new dishes you get to sample. 

You’ll undoubtedly want to come back for more!

Looking to explore more? Plan your trip around a Moroccan music festival. Or check out all the national parks. Then your trip will be complete: food, culture, and nature. What more could you want in an adventure?

FAQ