Ten Famous Moroccan Foods You Should Try

If you're heading to Morocco for vacation or business, know that you're in for a gastronomical treat. The food of Morocco ranks high on lists of the world's best cuisines and is well worth exploring. You won't be disappointed with the incredible variety, exotic seasoning and innovative ingredient combinations that await you.

Not heading to the Maghreb anytime soon? Then pick up a Moroccan cookbook or two and indulge in the flavors of Morocco in the comfort of your own home.

The following slides feature ten famous Moroccan foods to seek out in restaurants and in Moroccan homes.

1. Couscous is prepared weekly in many Moroccan homes and the presentation pictured here, couscous with seven vegetables, is one of the most popular versions. Lamb, beef or chicken is stewed along with a variety of vegetables then arranged on a glorious heap of tender, steamed couscous grains. As with many other Moroccan dishes, everyone gathers round to eat from one super-sized communal plate. 
   
2. Chicken bastilla is Morocco's famous rendition of a savory pie, and it simply doesn't get better than this. Traditionally pigeons were the birds of choice, but here chicken is cooked with saffron, ginger, pepper and cinnamon, then layered within crispy warqa pastry with an herb-laden omelet and and fried almondsscented with orange flower water. An utterly amazing fusion of flavors and textures. 
   
3. Tagine is the famous slow-cooked Moroccan stew which takes its name from the traditional clay or ceramic dish it's traditionally cooked in. Shown here is a Berber tagine with meat and vegetables. It's arranged in conical fashion and left undisturbed to cook until tender, making a delicious, beautiful presentation. Tagines are traditionally eaten directly from the cooking vessel, using pieces of Moroccan bread (khobz) to scoop up meat, veggies and sauce.
   
4. Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives is the classic, versatile dish is also one of Morocco's most famous and ubiquitous. And no wonder! It's utterly delicious and works beautifully for any occasion ranging from casual family dinners to celebratory banquets. You'll find it offered in homes, restaurants and even on the street in tiny outdoor dining venues. Shown here is a Roasted chicken with preserved lemons and olives presentation, but the dish is also easily prepared in a traditional tagine or conventional pot. Lots of onions are cooked to a puree-like consistency with saffron and ginger; preserved lemons and olives are tangy additions to finish the dish.
   
5. Lamb or Beef with Prunes ,Even if you don't normally reach for prunes when grocery shopping, don't be put off by this particular combination of sweet and savory. Your palate will be well rewarded for venturing into new Moroccan territory with this Lamb or beef with prunes recipe. The meat is cooked until buttery tender with saffron, ginger and onions, then topped with prunes which have been poached in syrup with cinnamon and honey. Crunchy fried almonds serve as a garnish. Still not convinced? Then maybe you'd rather try another classic Moroccan dried fruit tagine, chicken with apricots.

5 Helpful Tips When Exploring Marrakech

If you’re seeking a unique and intriguing holiday destination that’s free of all subtlety and possesses an atmosphere unlike any other, the beautifully ancient Moroccan city of Marrakech could the perfect choice for you. There’s so much to witness and plenty to explore, with stunning views, glorious food and the friendliest of locals all contributing to a wonderful North African holiday experience.

Despite the fact that so many people regularly visit the majestic city of Marrakech every year, it’s important to remember that the utmost respect comes from adhering to the various traditional and cultural aspects of the city. There’s also a plethora of useful tips for you to take on board prior to travelling that will help make your experience all the more splendid.

Spend All the Dirham You Have Before Leaving- You won’t be able to exchange any of the Dirham (Moroccan currency) that you have before you head home as it is a closed currency, so you should try and organize your spending so that you use up all the money you’ve taken out at the start of the trip. If you find that you’ve got some Dirham left over, use it to purchase some of the many wonderful stall goods on show in the streets of Marrakech. There are plenty of stunningly exotic items to purchase that you can take home for decorative purposes, such as rugs and leather goods.

Catch a Cab - The medina area is quite small but almost always busy, so it helps to catch a cab to and from your chosen destinations. The streets can get quite hectic at times, so it helps to escape the blistering heat and potentially claustrophobic environment with the help of a highly efficient cab service. Cabs are much more affordable than you might think, so you don’t have to restrict yourself to walking or other types of public transport. Cabs also give you the chance to sit back and take in the unique atmosphere associated with the medina.

Appropriate Dress – There’s a beautifully traditional feel about Marrakech that is further contributed to by popular Moroccan culture. Morocco is a devoutly Muslim country, with the religion strictly observed in many parts of the city. In order to respect the cultural and religious values of Marrakech, we advise anyone visiting to adhere to certain clothing requirements. This means most men should wear t-shirts and light trousers rather than shorts and vests, while women should look to cover their shoulders and wear skirts or shorts that cover the knees. While there’s not likely to be any consequences, it’s certainly more respectful to appreciate and be sensitive to cultures other than our own.

Ignore Street Signs – It’s a funny tip to start with but in truth, there’s absolutely no point following the various street signs you’ll come across throughout the city. Even someone with the keenest sense of direction will struggle to recall where their street and stall-venturing began, so you’ll enjoy yourself a whole lot more if you simply let the hustle and bustle of the busy streets take you on a unique journey. So rather than rely on signs to get you from one place to another, get help from a tour guide or perhaps even use the knowledge of the friendly locals.

Choose Peaceful Accommodation - Marrakech is a city that always seems to be on the move, much like London or New York for instance. However, those of us from colder climates may struggle to find any relaxation in the sweltering heat commonly associated with Morocco, particularly in the summer. It’s advisable that you seek a peaceful accommodation that takes you away from the hectic streets of Marrakech so that you have the perfect place to reflect on your day and recover your strength for the following day. Try and choose accommodation that presents itself as being calm, relaxed and well away from the busy streets.


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Skoura of Ouarzazate Review

Skoura is a town in Ouarzazate Province, Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco. As of the 2004 census it had a population of 2,808. Skoura is a fertile oasis lined with immense palm groves. The Kasbah Amerhidil is part of Skoura palm grove.

koura is one of Morocco’s beautiful oases and it offers weary travellers a chance to rest their weary feet and enjoy the abundance of nature. At first glance from the road, it resembles a sort of thin, long, oasis. However once you get off the road you discover that Skoura in Morocco is very large and that what appeared to be a line of trees is actually a flourishing oasis.

The source of Skoura’s natural wealth is two seasonal rivers which feed the vegetation in the area. Yet this is not the only reason why people come here. Visitors travel from far away to come and view the rather impressive 17th century Amerhidl Kasbah.

This particular Kasbah has been immortalized on the back of the country’s 50 dirham note. As such, it is Skoura’s main attraction and its grand size and interesting design always make it a rewarding find. However, the Amerhidl Kasbah is not the only attraction of this nature in Skoura.

 Visitors will find that the Dar Ait Sidi el-Mati Kasbah is also a treat. In fact, if you are travelling the area you would probably also do well to visit the Ben Amar and Ait Ben Abou Kasbahs. These masterful creations resemble eastern castles which are only enhanced by the beautiful palm trees that abound in this oasis.





Once you have explored this world of palm groves and castles, you might consider learning more of the religious affiliations of the area through a visit to the pre-islamic Muslim shrine called the Marabout Sidi M’Barek. Then it is best to head off to your accommodation for the evening. There are a number of hotels in Skoura, some of which cater to the poor and others which cater to the rich. It seems there is no middle ground.


 Visitors may try the Auberge la Palmeraie, the Ait Ben Moro or the fabulous Dar Ahlam which is not only beautiful but extremely expensive too. For light snacks you’ll find a number of simple café-restaurants in Skoura, while Chez Slimani serves very good meals.


Be warned, however, that there are no money-changing services in Skoura, so you should make sure to change enough money in Quarzazate before leaving for the oasis. Should you wish to explore this delightful oasis for yourself, you can do so by catching a bus in Quarzazate or waiting for a grand taxi to fill up and take down. Hiring your own car is another alternative which will provide you with ready transport once you have arrived in the oasis. No matter what you choose, you will find your stay here to be delightfully refreshing.


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Essaouira

The medina of Essaouira (formerly "Mogador") is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town. 

Essaouira was founded in 1765. The oldest tombs date from 1776. Contrary to Jewish tradition and Mosaic Law, the tombs are sculptured with very marked human forms. The marble, granite, and sandstone memorial markers are rough stones or boulders, flat, shaped stones, finely smoothed and inscribed stones, and mausoleums. Some have traces of painting on their surfaces. Inscriptions are in Hebrew and French. The local Jewish community owns the site. The sea is adjacent to the cemetery.
Tour Essaouira's Jewish Mellah:



Essaouira's mellah covers over 10 percent of the town, but Jews constituted almost 40 percent of the population in the late 1880's. Jewish stars on the doors to the mellah show the degree to which Jews were accepted in Essaouira, to the point that some of the richer Jews did not even live in the mellah. Commemorative plaques indicate the buildings in which synagogues were located. 


Essaouria is a fun-filled and relaxing day trip from Marrakech. After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Essaouira. The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand”.

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Souks of Morocco Tour

This fun-filled Shop the Souks of Morocco Private Tour is for the Moroccan traveler (Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806) who wants to learn how local crafts are made with opportunities to explore and buy. Let us be your guide to Morocco Travel.



Shopping in Morocco is a unique and exciting experience. No visit to Morocco would be complete without exploring the medinas (walled cities with maze-like streets) of Marrakech, Fès and Ouarzazate.

 Unlike shopping in the West, where people tend to visit local retailers, in Morocco a shopping trip involves visiting the old medina, and various souks (markets) within them that sell specific goods ranging from clothing, to fabrics, shoes, food and carpets. Since most foreign currencies are strong in comparison to the Moroccan dirham, you can go on an extensive shopping spree and purchase various local Moroccan handicrafts such as Moroccan leather work, carpets, jewelry of silver, gold and copper along with ancient embroideries and basketwork.



Souks and markets are a major featurein Moroccan life, and among the country’s greatest attractions. Each major city and town in Morocco has a special souk quarter. Villages in the country side also have local souks which are usually held one day each week in an open field or outside the towns kasbah walls. Large cities like Marrakesh and Fès have labyrinths of individual souks (each filling a street or square that is devoted tone particular craft). The city of Marrakesh, Fès and Ouarzazate are famous for their beautiful souks- which are Morocco’s posh and huge shopping centers. Some of the best buys in Morocco are dates, leather ware, handicrafts, carpets, pottery, wood carvings, traditional dress (djellabas) and various food products.


Souks and markets are also a daily destination where locals shop for fresh meat, vegetables, household goods and other items that Americans for example, purchase at Wal-Mart or Target. In the country side, you can find large numbers of weekly souks (markets). A new alternative to souks in Morocco is Marjane, a Moroccan hypermarket chain, found in large cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, Fès, Tétouan and Tangier. Marjane is the “Moroccan Target” and sells a wide variety of items such as food, clothing, liquor, electronics and other household goods.
Whether or not you are a big shopper, visiting a souk is a cultural experience that should not be missed on a trip to Morocco.



Fès is separated into three parts, Fès el Bali (the old, walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fès el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. To enter the medina, you will pass through the Bab Boujeloud gateYou will explore the medina’s narrow streets lined with local shops and stalls of fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan handicrafts and home goods.

 Fès has two main streets, “Rue Talaa Kebira “ and the “Rue Talaa Seghira “ which are utilized as the main throughways when exploring the medina- and the mysterious maze-like streets in between. The Fès medina is a labyrinth of sloping, winding alleyways are crammed full of stalls and workshops.

This area is known as the famed Kissaria -the commercial centerFès Medina produces its own specialty goods: cobalt blue enameled pottery, carpets, wrought iron ... one looks on as the dyer stirs his yarns, steeped in their multitude of colors, as the tanner tramples his skins under an open sky -skins that the leather-worker will eventually adorn with fine gilt for book-binding.

.A multitude of locally produced goods are on sale including cotton fabric, silk, brocade work, slippers, and many more. Each district in the , with its decoration of blue and green faiences.



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The Best Time To Visit Morocco on a Private Tour

Morocco is often referred to as a cold country with a hot sun. The Best Time to visit on a Morocco Private Tour is spring and fall. Morocco's summers are exceptionally hot and winters can be chill to the bone. Morocco’sranges of climates greatly fluctuate due to the country’s geographic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Morocco’s unique weather patterns make it possible to find an ideal area to take a Morocco Tour year round, however, recommended months to experience Morocco fall between October and May. Traveling through Morocco during Ramadan can a little tricky because many shops and tourist sites close early or permanently to observe the month long holiday.

Spring (April and May) and Fall (September and October) are perhaps the best overall time to take a Moroccco Tour. With a summer climate in the south and in the mountains, as well as on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Winter can be perfect by day in the south, though desert nights can get very cold. If you’re planning to hike in the mountains, it’s best to keep to the months from April to October unless you have some experience in snow conditions.

Holidays in Morocco in 2017

Morocco is a country in North Africa, which combines a multitude of different cultural influences into one unique blend. On a holiday to Morocco you will have the chance to explore a multitude of different experiences, from bustling markets to idyllic beaches.

MARRAKECH

Exotic yet accessible, Marrakech is bursting at the seams with culture and is a real assault on the senses. In the heart of Morocco, nestled between mountain and desert, it’s unsurprising to find that this is a city of contrasts. The bustling atmosphere of the Djemaa el-Fna is far removed from the tranquillity of the various gardens; and the medina’s labyrinthine souk-lined streets wonderfully contradict the wide, treelined boulevards of the New Town. Marrakech offers excellent resort style accommodation as well as charming riads – traditional Moroccan style residences with inward-facing rooms and serene central courtyards. Providing a beautiful backdrop to the city are the snowcapped Atlas Mountains – the perfect territory for embarking on treks to hidden waterfalls, visiting Berber villages and soaking up the stunning views.

ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Perfect for an enthralling day trip from Marrakech, a twincentre escape or a holiday in its own right, this stunning region is home to traditional Berber villagers perched on the mountainside, as well as herb and spice farms. But it’s the natural environment that’s the real highlight, with snowcapped peaks, dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls and far-reaching views. Trekking is one of the most popular ways to discover the mountains, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging climbs.

The High Atlas is the most easily reached section of the mountains, at a distance of one-to-two hours away from Marrakech. The serene Asni Valley lies at the foot of some of the highest peaks in Marrakech, while the charming Berber town of Imlil is an excellent starting point for trekking.

One of the most popular attractions in the mountains is the Ouzoud Falls; a four-tired waterfall with waters cascading from a height of over 100 metres. Relax by the flowing waters, or wander along the surrounding walkways that meander through the trees. The drive to Ouarzazate offers mesmerising views. This beautiful city is nicknamed ‘the door of the desert’ as it lies in the centre of a bare plateau, with the desert to the south. Take a tour of the ancient Kasbah complex of Ait Benhaddou and Kasbah Taourirt. The Ouarzazate area also has claims to fame, with a number of Hollywood film scenes having been shot at the Atlas Studios here, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. See p16-17 for a selection of our Atlas Mountains experiences.

AGADIR

Basking in over 300 days of sunshine a year, Morocco’s largest beach resort is set on a sprawling protected beach. Once a traditional Moroccan town, Agadir was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960 as is now a modern resort, its beach is home to a variety of watersports as well as horse and camel riding. Agadir can be a lively resort with many bars and restaurants and a great deal of entertainment, however it also offers a quieter district for those in search of relaxation.

Just south of Agadir, where the Souss River flows to the Atlantic, estuarine mud flats are home to a staggering 414 species of birds including greater flamingo, cormorants, little egret, bald ibis (in winter months) and black winged stilts. Best sightings are Feb-April and Sep-Nov. For something a little special, Imouzzer is a paradise like valley lined with towering palms and just 35 miles north east of Agadir whilst the nearby Berber village is renowned for its honey production and is celebrated.

ESSAOUIRA

One of the most beautiful Atlantic coastal towns, Essaouira is famous for its laidback atmosphere and long, sandy beach. Intimate and romantic, this seaside resort is a great choice for a relaxing break. The town has enjoyed a great love affair with the film industry having been the setting of Orson Welles’ Othello and Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven and after being frequented by the likes of Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, Essaouira has become a ‘hip’ place to stay.

Today, going through a great revival Essaouira is now home to a number of chic boutique hotels, maison d’hotes and riads and is quickly becoming Morocco’s sought after beach destination, where you’ll find photographers, artists and the rich and famous making the most of the cooling winds of the Atlantic, its proximity to Marrakech, and the great atmosphere.



Morocco boasts a large number of international airports, most notably those at Rabat, Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier. Flights from the UK to Morocco will take somewhere in the region of 3 hours.




Some of the more popular destinations on a holiday in Morocco include the cities of Agadir, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier and Fez. Each has its own distinct flavour however, meaning that no two holidays to Morocco are going to be the same experience. Many of the coastal cities also boast fantastic beaches, and water sports are a regular attraction on holidays to Morocco.

Lovers of culture will be delighted by the wide array of museums, galleries and striking architecture that are on offer across this unique country; and with a history that has featured occupation by civilizations as diverse as the Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Jews and Arabs, you will have the chance to admire a broad range of complimentary styles and influences.




This same unique blend is apparent in Moroccan cuisine, which uses a diverse range of ingredients, including rich spices, Mediterranean fruits and fresh red meats. Should you travel to Marrakech during your holiday in Morocco, be sure to visit the breathtaking market at Djemaa El Fna to experience Moroccan cuisine at its finest. During the day this bustling market place is filled with a heady blend of fakirs, snake charmers and market stalls, but at night, it really comes to life as the food stalls open for business; you’ll have the chance to try hot stewed tagines, crisp salads, sweet pastries and curious delicacies, such as deep fried eel.




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