A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO EATING OUT IN MARRAKECH. The Best Street Food You Must Try In Marrakech,
The Best Street Food You Must Try In Marrakech, Morocco
In every city of Morocco, day and night, visitors can find all kinds of street food, from sandwiches and pastries to freshly squeezed juice and more unusual affairs. Marrakech is no exception. Here we explore its best street food.
Snail soup
Particularly popular in Marrakech, snails can be found everywhere in the Jemma el Fna square. This flavorsome broth is supposed to have restorative and digestive benefits. This is almost reason enough to try. If that weren’t tempting enough, however, these distinctive chocolate brown snails are tender with a delicious savory taste. They are served in a broth bursting with flavors and spices.
Orange juice
Morocco’s oranges are famous worldwide, so it’s no surprise that you can find some of the best orange juice on the streets of Marrakech. They are sourced from the countless orange trees in the city’s limitless alleys and courtyards. You can get a full glass of this refreshing, tangy juice, perfect for recovering after a long day’s exploring in the sun. It’s a must while in the wide Jemma El Fna square to keep you going while you keep wandering.
B’stilla
Originating from Fes, but also plentiful on the streets of Marrakech, b’stilla is a special pie with layers of paper-thin pastry. It is traditionally stuffed with pigeon meat, almonds, eggs, and lots of fresh spices. Nowadays, you can also find this pastry stuffed with fillings such as chicken or fish. Often eaten as a starter, b’stilla offers a combination of sweet and salty, crisp texture as well as doughy. For a taste of authentic Morocco, be sure to pick up one or two of these little pastries from a street seller.
Harira
This traditional Moroccan soup can be found all year round, but is particularly popular during Ramadan and is often one of the first things eaten to break the fast. This flavorsome golden colored soup is rich with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and some noodles, and sometimes even contains meat. You can find this being served in little cups or bowls on the street. It is a popular option sure to please even the fussiest eaters.
Sheep heads
Although many people may be a little repulsed by this at first, try to be open minded and sample something which is very popular delicacy on the streets of Marrakech. Try a mixed plate of offal, tongue, head scrapings, and a bit of the rest of the sheep. The whole head costs a little bit more, but makes quite a meal. Not a roadside snack you’d find in Western countries, in Marrakech you’ll find more than one stall offering this delicacy. Unusual yet delicious, sheep’s head is a definite recommendation for the more adventurous foodie.
Ma’qooda
Little deep-fried potato balls, these are the perfect, carby, moreish snacks for a quick hit of energy. Almost anything can be added to these potato balls; a popular option is spicy harissa sauce for an extra kick, or even a fried egg. This delicious combination is then stuffed into a sandwich and squashed together. This popular and very filling snack is easy to find, and incredibly cheap.
Chebakia is a Moroccan sesame cookie, molded into a flower-like shape, fried, and coated with masses of syrup or honey. Extremely sweet and extremely addictive, these delicious sugary delights are a must-try. It’s a favorite during Ramadan and households often hand make buckets full of these treats. Buying some from the streets is recommended – the factory-made versions simply don’t compare.
