WORLD STREET FOOD

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Morocco’s 5 tastiest street foods

There’s got to be more to Moroccan cuisine than aromatic tagines and pomegranate-studded couscous and tagine, right? Absolutely!

Getting to the core of Morocco’s incredible and diverse food scene starts with sampling their street food. It’s time to venture into the many medinas, look out for hole-in-the-wall eateries and embrace roadside dining.

But with so many amazing market stall treats to try, where do you even begin? Fear not, I’ve got you covered with this list of must-eats to tick off on your adventures around Morocco…

1. Harira

Thought of by many as the national meal of Morocco, this hearty soup is believed to have its roots in Berber tradition. It’s also closely associated with the month of Ramadan, as it’s often the first dish eaten to break the fast. Made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, rice, chunks of lamb and plenty of earthy spices, like turmeric and cinnamon – it’s a real crowd pleaser. Sold everywhere from restaurants to streetside carts, you won’t struggle to slurp your way through a bowl or two of harira.

2. Merguez

These long, thin North African sausages pack a real punch, particularly when compared to their tamer European cousins. They’re created using lamb mince, beef mince or a combination of the two, but it’s the harissa, paprika and other melange of spices that gives these meaty morsels their oomph. Buy them stuffed into freshly baked khobz (or Moroccan flatbreads) from the street sellers lining the local squares. They marry perfectly with a side of spicy tomato salsa-style dipping sauce too.

3. Sardines

Morocco exports more sardines than anywhere else in the world, who knew? So, don’t be surprised when you see them being sold at market stalls all over the country. This street food staple is served grilled or deep-fried and filled with a zingy chermoula relish, made from parsley, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Whilst they’re utterly delicious when eaten on their own, they work brilliantly in sandwiches too – great for a convenient on-the-go bite.

4. Maakouda

Hole-in-the-wall eateries can be spotted all over Morocco, and one of the undeniably delicious specialities they serve up is maakouda. These filling golden fritters are made from mashed or grated potatoes, garlic, cumin, onions and coriander, which are then dipped in beaten eggs before frying. They’re a real family favourite and make the ideal snack or side dish. Some Moroccans even choose to use them as a sandwich filling – yum!

5. Babbouche

You may be tempted to veer sharply away from stalls selling steaming bowls of boiled snails (or babbouche). But, this dish is one of the most flavour-packed plates you’re likely to sample in the whole of Morocco. The molluscs are simmered in a soup seasoned with a plethora of different herbs and spices, such as aniseed, sweet and spicy pepper, bitter orange peel and mint. You’ll find them being served up by the ladle-full from carts in the medinas. It’s up to you whether you choose to buy a bowl of the broth or try the snails by scooping them out with a toothpick.