A trip to Morocco is an experience that has to be lived at least once in a lifetime, although the ideal would be many more, both because of its multiple attractions and its proximity to Spain. The North African country has always had a very special relationship with the Iberian Peninsula, receiving mutual influences since the days of Al-Andalus and many of them maintaining themselves, in our days, in aspects such as trade, economy, culture and tourism. Every year, thousands of Spaniards and tourists from all over the world enter their imperial cities, such as Marrakech , Fez , Meknes or Rabat., getting lost in its labyrinthine souks, enjoying its paradisiacal beaches and delighting in its unique architecture and the varied and rich cuisine of Morocco . At Viajes Carrefour , we always try to help our clients discover the most authentic and special places and, therefore, we are going to talk about the most unique and recommended types of restaurants in Morocco , as well as their typical dishes and eating habits.
The gastronomy of Morocco is, above all, familiar
Morocco is a predominantly Islamic country and, therefore, in it, gastronomy is not only of vital or physical importance, but also cultural and family. The sumptuous banquets at long weddings lasting several days are world famous, although the taste for good food and varied and well-seasoned dishes is a day-to-day affair. Perhaps the best stews and recipes are prepared on the private stoves of Moroccan family kitchens, which are perhaps more difficult to access for the visitor without contacts in the place. But there are more and more restaurants specialized in that type of family food that is so popular and always leaves the visitor wanting to continue discovering its secrets.
The best-known dishes in Morocco, those that you cannot miss for the world, are, for example, couscous , traditionally with lamb, although it is also great with chicken or vegetables; or tallin, which is prepared entirely in a cute clay pot with a pyramid-shaped lid and is also sensational. It usually consists of meat and fish, as well as numerous vegetables, such as aubergine, zucchini, artichoke, chickpeas… It is common that, if you go to an inland city, such as Fez or Marrakech, it is lamb; while, if you are on other coasts, such as Tangier or Rabat, it is usually fish or shrimp.
On the other hand, in the Atlas areas, also highly recommended for tourism, the most traditional dish is mechui , a kind of roast lamb that shepherds began to prepare thousands of years ago. The soups and salads , with the most authentic and fresh products from the Moroccan fields, are also very nutritious and interesting. Among the first, those of tomatoes or broad beans stand out; while, among the latter, you can not miss the abundant olives, beets, boiled potatoes or lettuces. The pastries , filled with meat or fish, should also pass through your palate at some point.
Do not forget to enjoy the formidable Moroccan desserts and sweets. You will find them everywhere and they will undoubtedly be one of the best things of your trip. Of course, they are very sweet, like the Moorish tea with mint that Moroccans usually consume at the same time as they have a hot main dish or at any time of the day.
Street food in Morocco is sensational
In Morocco, you will see how it is very typical for people to stop to eat something in the many fast and street food stalls that you will find in its neighborhoods and squares. Especially in the busiest places or where the busiest souks are located, such as the one in Fez. Stopping in front of a fridge with typical products (such as chicken hearts, Moorish skewers or minced meat, well seasoned with aromatic plants and spices and tucked into one of its round loaves) will be almost inevitable, since you will be overwhelmed by the smell of the stove and you will see how everyone does it. You can eat there, normally, at a small table, behind the cook, or enjoy it on the street or in a nearby park. In addition, you can fill yourself with 2 eurosor even less, depending on where you are.
Popular restaurants: a cheap and quality option
Another alternative on your trip to Morocco is to rest for a while and savor Moroccan cuisine in one of its many popular restaurants.. In them, the menus range between 6 and 15 euros and you can find authentic delicacies prepared in the traditional style. It is perhaps recommended that you inform yourself beforehand, so as not to fall into a place only for tourists, but rather in one that really offers authentic homemade Moroccan food. In them, you will normally find the typical dishes that we have mentioned above, although the specialties may vary from one city or region to another. In addition, you must take into account that in Morocco a great French influence persists in aspects such as restaurants and food, so you will see how many brasseries, bistros , creperies…
Luxury restaurants: some printing alternatives
In Morocco, there are also a large number of luxury restaurants, where all the details are taken care of: setting (with live dances), fountains, truly spectacular decorations… Even the most exquisite dishes, in which the traditional is experimented with. , but also with modern and innovative touches. In them, unlike in many of the previous ones, it is allowed to consume alcohol. On the other hand, you should keep in mind that it is very likely that you will only meet other tourists like yourself there, which may be fine at certain times, but it also takes you away from the most authentic and traditional Morocco.
Another pleasure that you cannot miss is having breakfast like a true sultan on the terrace of your hotel, which is one of the most rewarding experiences of a trip like this. There are also many bars and cafes with viewpoints and live music, to spend the afternoons or nights in a country as fantastic as Morocco. Plan your vacation with Discovercars .
