10 Best Things to Eat in Marrakech

Marrakech, often known as the Red City, is situated on the foothills of the magnificent Atlas Mountains. The city was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid Dynasty and quickly became a city of great cultural and historical importance. However, did you know that Marrakech is not only famous for its historical charm, but it is also known for its delicious culinary scene? The vibrant streets of Marrakech are filled with spices, fresh herbs, natural oils, and sizzling dishes, making it a haven for food lovers, from slow-cooked Moroccan stew known as tagine and flavorful couscous to delicious tomato-based soup known as harira and Zaalouk, which is a delicious Moroccan salad made with eggplant. Not to forget, Marrakech is also known for its sweet treats like Chebakia, Sellou, and Amlou, satisfying visitors' sweet cravings.

Below is the list of the best Marrakech food options to try out. Keep reading and bless your palate with the flavorful tastes of Morocco in the middle of Marrakech.

Tagine is a famous slow-cooked Moroccan stew that is served in a cone-shaped clay pot, preserving all of its ingredients. It is made with chicken, lamb, or beef and features spices like saffron, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, as well as vegetables, olives, almonds, and dried fruits. There is also a kefta tagine, which is made with spiced meatballs cooked in tomato, onion, and poached eggs. If you want to try the best tagine in Marrakech, visit Restaurant Le Grand Bazar to eat their lamb tagine or Nomad’s rooftop to have the delicious lemon chicken tagine. Both are well-liked for their hearty and cozy flavors.

Couscous is the national dish of Morocco and consists of a mixture of steamed semolina grains, spicy vegetables, and tender lamb or chicken. The dish is typically light, fluffy, and flavorful, and is served after the Friday prayers in Morocco. It is perfectly cooked and then hand-rolled, making it a must-try for the true taste of Morocco. You can try it at Le Bistro Arabia, where couscous is paired with live music and a vibrant ambiance, or Dar Chef, which is a hidden medina gem known for its delicious couscous.

Harira is a substantial Moroccan tomato-based soup that is made with lentils, rice or noodles, chickpeas, and frequently added lamb or beef. It is spiced with herbs and warming flavors and is typically offered to break the fast during the month of Ramadan. It is thick in texture and full of healthy ingredients, making it a great appetizer in Morocco. If you’re looking for the best harira places to eat in Marrakech, then visit the Zeitoun Café, where you can enjoy harira with views of Jemaa El Fnaa, or make your way to the Mechoui Alley food stalls for a more cultural touch.

Tanjia is a Marrakech delicacy that features slow-cooked lamb or beef that is marinated with cumin, garlic, preserved lemon, and saffron and then sealed in a clay pot. Then, it is cooked in communal ovens or hammam ashes in a long and slow cooking process, resulting in meat being tenderized and the spices being blended into a rich and fragrant stew. One of the best restaurants in Marrakech to eat tanjia is Tanjia Secrets, known for its juicy meat, or Dar Yacout, which serves it as a part of a multi-course Moroccan meal honoring the culinary tradition of Morocco.

Pastilla, also known as B’stilla, is a crispy, flaky pie in Morocco that is filled with spiced shredded chicken, saffron, almonds, cinnamon, and ginger and topped with powdered sugar to create a sweet and savory combination. Its roots can be found in Andalusian exiles, who combined Spanish and North African cuisine. There are also variations of pastilla, including vegetarian pastilla featuring spiced vegetables and almonds instead of meat, and seafood variations consisting of shrimp, fish, and calamari in a creamy sauce. You can visit Chez Brahim, close to Jemaa El Fnaa, for a genuine pastilla version or Al Fassia Gueliz, which serves delicious chicken pastilla.

Zaalouk is a smoky Moroccan salad that is made by roasting eggplants and tomatoes and cooking them with garlic, cumin, chili, and paprika until they become tender. It is often consumed with fresh bread, either warm or cold, with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil. It is filled with robust flavors and healthy ingredients and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light snack, making it a great adaptable dish. You can try it at Café des Epices or Le Jardin’s stylish courtyard, where it is perfectly seasoned and features an authentic Moroccan taste.

There are two popular varieties of Moroccan pancakes: Msemen, which are square, stacked flatbreads served either sweet with honey or savory with meat and cheese, and Baghrir, which are light “thousand-hole” pancakes that absorb honey and butter. These pancakes serve as breakfast mainstays and an afternoon snack and are best enjoyed with Moroccan mint tea. Visit the Bacha Coffee House, which offers excellent coffee with delicious msemen and baghrir, or Hami’s Moroccan Diner, selling fresh baghrir and msemen at local pricing. The textures of the pancakes are crispy, spongy, and fragrant and feature real Moroccan flavors.

Chebakia are honey-soaked, flower-shaped pastries in Morocco that are made with spiced dough, deep-fried, and then topped with sesame seeds. They feature several folds where honey is absorbed, creating a crispy and sweet delight. They are traditionally eaten during Ramadan; however, they are available all year round in Marrakech to try out. You can visit Al Jawda Patisserie, which is a local favorite that serves expertly made chebakia along with a range of traditional Moroccan desserts, or visit Patisserie Corne de Gazelle, which is well known for its handmade sweets.

Sellou serves as a classic Moroccan dessert that is made by roasting flour until golden and then combining it with toasted sesame seeds, warm spices like anise and cinnamon, and ground almonds. After that, honey, melted butter, and natural nut oil are added to the dish, creating a crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is consumed after childbirth as well as during Ramadan due to its rich and energizing benefits. You can taste real sellou in Marrakech at the welcoming Henna Art Café or Patisserie Belkabir, both of which serve fragrant and classic Moroccan delicacies.

Amlou is an authentic Moroccan spread that is made with roasted almonds, honey, and argan oil ground into a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet paste. It can be eaten for breakfast, snacks, or as a dessert with bread or pancakes and is packed with nutritious calories and long-lasting energy. You can try it at Atay Café, which is a rooftop restaurant providing handcrafted Moroccan delights, or visit Café Clock, where it is served with mint tea and msemen. Its creamy and nutty texture makes it a popular local dish in Marrakech.

Stay at Ryad Laârouss and enjoy authentic Moroccan comfort while exploring Marrakech’s incredible food scene — book your stay today!