I’m of the opinion that it’s the tastes of a country that stay with you long after you’ve arrived back home, and this is without a doubt true of Moroccan cuisine. Aside from the couscous and dates which are synonymous with a trip to Morocco, there are a few lesser known delicacies which will have your mouth watering.
Tagine
Cooked in a traditional tagine pot, tagines can be made from almost anything imaginable, and are made with an enormous array of herbs and spices. Pigeon is quintessentially Moroccan, however beef and chicken options are served almost everywhere. Hands down the best I ever tried was a lemon chicken tagine in the souks of Fes!
Moroccan Whiskey
Until you understand that ‘Moroccan Whiskey’ refers to a super sweet mint tea, served in traditional Moroccan tea glasses, you’ll be surprised to hear so many people in this largely non-drinking culture talk about the fact that they drink it at least five times a day! The mint tea is served after many meals, and is a customary welcome drink – many hotels offer it upon your arrival.
Msemen (Moroccan pancakes)
If there is one thing I will miss from my travels in Morocco, it has to be devouring a stack of these every morning for breakfast. Msemen are not really pancakes; rather than being made of a batter, msemen is made of a semolina dough, which is rolled out and fried. The taste is in-between a pancake and a pastry, and I personally devour mine with butter and honey.
Snails
Dozens of vendors cooking up fresh batches of snails are scattered throughout the souks in Marrakech, and I challenge all of you to try your hand (or rather, tastebuds) at eating a bowl. The dish is a great example of the French influence within the country, however these snails have a more garlic-y aftertaste than their European counterparts. Also, unlike other Moroccan dishes, these bad boys come with a huge hit of salt, in the form of a broth which the locals drink after finishing off the main dish.
Fruit, fruit and more fruit
Don’t be surprised when you’re promised ‘Moroccan ice-cream’ for dessert and the waiter brings out a tray of mandarins, apples and bananas! Pastries, such as msemen, appear reserved for breakfast and light snacks, while dessert is a lighter, fresher option; one which you generally appreciate after stuffing your face with tagine and couscous! TIP: If you get the chance, try some freshly squeezed orange juice.
Tagine
Cooked in a traditional tagine pot, tagines can be made from almost anything imaginable, and are made with an enormous array of herbs and spices. Pigeon is quintessentially Moroccan, however beef and chicken options are served almost everywhere. Hands down the best I ever tried was a lemon chicken tagine in the souks of Fes!
Moroccan Whiskey
Until you understand that ‘Moroccan Whiskey’ refers to a super sweet mint tea, served in traditional Moroccan tea glasses, you’ll be surprised to hear so many people in this largely non-drinking culture talk about the fact that they drink it at least five times a day! The mint tea is served after many meals, and is a customary welcome drink – many hotels offer it upon your arrival.
Msemen (Moroccan pancakes)
If there is one thing I will miss from my travels in Morocco, it has to be devouring a stack of these every morning for breakfast. Msemen are not really pancakes; rather than being made of a batter, msemen is made of a semolina dough, which is rolled out and fried. The taste is in-between a pancake and a pastry, and I personally devour mine with butter and honey.
Snails
Dozens of vendors cooking up fresh batches of snails are scattered throughout the souks in Marrakech, and I challenge all of you to try your hand (or rather, tastebuds) at eating a bowl. The dish is a great example of the French influence within the country, however these snails have a more garlic-y aftertaste than their European counterparts. Also, unlike other Moroccan dishes, these bad boys come with a huge hit of salt, in the form of a broth which the locals drink after finishing off the main dish.
Fruit, fruit and more fruit
Don’t be surprised when you’re promised ‘Moroccan ice-cream’ for dessert and the waiter brings out a tray of mandarins, apples and bananas! Pastries, such as msemen, appear reserved for breakfast and light snacks, while dessert is a lighter, fresher option; one which you generally appreciate after stuffing your face with tagine and couscous! TIP: If you get the chance, try some freshly squeezed orange juice.