Morocco definitely has one of the cuisines that is full of surprising dishes. Located in North Africa, the culture of this country might not be the most well-known to those from other continents. Nevertheless, Morocco hosts a lot of tourists who can’t wait to dive into local cuisine.
Yes, it’s fun to enjoy food from another country as a tourist. But let’s face it: no one wants to end the trip with extra kilograms. Having that in mind, Morocco really does have a variety of traditional street foods that can help you stay in shape while having the best time exploring this country.
Let’s take a look at 4 Moroccan street food options for those who don’t want to miss out on experiencing the traditional taste of Moroccan cuisine.
1. Couscous
You can’t fully experience the best tastes of Moroccan cuisine without trying couscous. This traditional North African classic is hands down one of the most popular grains (though some call it “pasta”) across the world.
Couscous can be served in different ways as well. Sometimes native North African people serve it with raisins and a bowl of buttermilk. It can also be served as a side dish of meat, typically assembled in a pyramid shape.
The best thing about couscous is that various Moroccan regions have their own variations. This is one of the main reasons why you should book your online train tickets as soon as possible and get ready to explore different regions of Morocco in search of authentic couscous variations. And once you taste all of them, consider yourself a guru of traditional dishes.
2. Harira Soup
Harira soup is indeed one of the best street food options if you’re craving some savory and comforting food. It is super popular among locals and not surprisingly, tourists adore trying out the traditional version of this meal for the first time. The base of Harira is a tomato broth that is cooked with chickpeas, lentils, and often meat. Traditional flavors are created with seasonings like turmeric and cinnamon. Usually it’s topped with fresh herbs and lemon juice as well.
Harira is often served during Ramadhan, but locals offer it at restaurants at any time of the year. This comforting soup is absolutely convenient for travelers who are on the go, exploring medinas, or hopping on a train from Casablanca to Marrakesh. Just grab a bowl before you get on the train and you’ll be set for a warm adventure.
3. Tagine
Tagine is another iconic Moroccan food and as locals claim, it’s one of the best things you can taste in all of North African cuisine. It is a slow-cooked mix of meat and vegetables that turns out super satisfying and full of flavors. Usually, the choice of meat can be either beef, lamb, or chicken.
One special thing about tagine is that it’s cooked in a clay cooking pot and served in the same pot. The slow-cooking method makes the meat extra soft and tender while it mixes with the flavors of vegetables and spices.
4. Zaalouk
Zaalouk is a perfect dish for eggplant lovers. It is a Moroccan-style eggplant salad, which is a super popular, healthy street food option loved by tourists in Morocco. If you belong to the category of eggplant haters, this salad might even alter your taste.
It is cooked with mashed tomatoes, some garlic, and flavors like cumin and paprika, which give the dish a smoky taste. In Morocco, you’ll often see it served as a dip or side dish as well, since it’s more handy for street food lovers.
5. Msemen
Finally, if you’re planning to have breakfast right on the street of Morocco, Msemen is something you shouldn’t miss. These delicious flatbreads that are flaky and shaped like a square are often devoured for breakfast. Typically they are served with honey and you can stuff them with cheese or spiced meat.
The texture of Msemen is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Besides, the taste is definitely something to be amazed by. You can have them not just in the morning but during snack breaks as well, no matter if you’re craving something sweet or spicy.
Bottom Line
As difficult as it can sound to find healthy, authentic street food while visiting Morocco, it turns out that it’s not as much of a challenge. Now you know that Moroccan cuisine offers some great healthy dishes that can easily be found on random streets and you don’t even have to worry about those extra kilograms. Thus, if you’d like to visit this country but stay in shape, you have 5 healthy street food options to add to the list of food you need to try.
Leave a Reply