The Ultimate Guide to Morocco’s Best Street Food

As Ramadan approaches, the Maghreb region begins to prepare for a month of spirituality, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Food plays a significant role during this holy month, setting it apart from other times of the year. If you find yourself traveling to Morocco, you’re in for a culinary adventure filled with unique flavors and traditions. Moroccan street food, in particular, offers a vibrant and authentic taste of the country’s rich gastronomy. Many of the best street food vendors are family-run businesses, with recipes passed down through generations. Here are some of the top places where to find Morocco’s street food.

Feasts of Marrakesh and Djemaa El Fna square

Marrakesh’s vibrant street food scene is centered around Djemaa El Fna, the city’s bustling main square. One of the most famous local specialties is mechoui, a whole lamb slow-roasted in underground ovens. Once cooked to perfection, the tender meat is seasoned with cumin and salt and served by weight.

Another must-try dish in Marrakesh is tanjia, a slow-cooked delicacy prepared with cuts of lamb or beef, preserved lemons, smen (fermented butter), and a blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally, tanjia is cooked underground using the residual heat from a hammam (public bathhouse) for several hours. For one of the best tanjias in the city, visit Hadj Mustapha, where the owner proudly displays photos with Moroccan royalty, a testament to the dish’s esteemed reputation.

For those willing to step out of their culinary comfort zones, the night market in Djemaa El Fna offers some daring choices. For a starter, Harira is a savory and must dry especially during Ramadan. Snail soup is a popular delicacy, with snails simmered in an herby broth and eaten with a toothpick. Locals also sip the broth, which is believed to aid digestion. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try steamed sheep’s head, brain, or tongue—served with a sprinkle of salt and cumin. If these exotic dishes aren’t your style, there are plenty of stalls offering grilled kebabs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the heart of Marrakesh.

Fez: Morocco’s culinary capital

The imperial city of Fez is often considered Morocco’s culinary capital, and its street food scene is no exception. At dawn, the food stalls inside Bab Boujloud, also known as the Blue Gate, serve up steaming bowls of bissara. This thick and creamy soup, made from split broad beans and drizzled with olive oil, is best enjoyed with fresh bread straight from a local oven.

For a more indulgent breakfast, try msimen, a layered Moroccan pancake fried on an open grill. It can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with a savory mix of tomato, onion, and olives, topped with Laughing Cow cheese. If you’re in Fez later in the day, don’t miss pastilla, a unique dish traditionally served to sultans. This flaky pastry is stuffed with chicken, sweetened with cinnamon and almonds, and dusted with icing sugar—a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Cosmopolitan feel of Casablanca

While Casablanca may be known for its cosmopolitan charm, it also boasts a thriving street food scene that rewards those willing to venture beyond the usual tourist spots. Near Casa Port train station, small eateries serve up plates of mqila, a flavorful shrimp omelet with cubes of Laughing Cow cheese melted into the mix. These humble, no-frills spots may not offer fine dining, but they promise an authentic street-side feast. Grab a glass of mint tea from a passing server, and enjoy a taste of local life.

Some of the most famous fish meals in Casablanca include special dishes such as fish with eggs and tuna skewers, as well as shrimp and mussels paired with local eggs and cheese. These are often served with a rich tomato sauce infused with Morocco’s famous olive oil and a blend of 18 medicinal herbs sourced from desert regions. A variety of olives, hot peppers, and different types of tea accompany these meals. Service begins around 11:30 AM, attracting a mix of tourists, locals, and Moroccan visitors eager to savor these unique flavors.

Fresh Seafood in Essaouira

For seafood lovers, the coastal city of Essaouira is a paradise. One of the most beloved street food specialties here is the sardine sandwich. Freshly caught sardines are mixed with coriander and spiced with cumin, paprika, and black pepper before being grilled and tucked into crusty bread. Another great option is the city’s fish market, where you can select your own fresh catch and have it grilled on the spot. Served with olives, tomato salad, and a refreshing soda, this meal is as fresh and authentic as it gets.

Off the Beaten Path in Oriental Oujda

Located in the northeastern region of Morocco, Oujda boasts a distinctive street food culture that blends Moroccan and Algerian influences. One of the city’s must-try dishes is Karan, a savory pie made from chickpea flour and can include oil, eggs, spices, pepper. It is typically sold in slices by food vendors.. Another popular treat is maakouda, which is fried potatoes served in bread with some rice and a side of french fries. Exploring Oujda’s bustling food markets and small eateries including near the university, is a delicious journey through the region’s rich culinary traditions.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits

From the bustling souks of Fez to the seaside grills of Essaouira, Morocco’s street food scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re indulging in a warm bowl of bissara at dawn or savoring tender mechoui under the starry Marrakesh sky, every bite tells a story of tradition, family, and cultural heritage.

So, if you’re visiting Morocco, be sure to explore its street food scene—you’ll leave with a full stomach and unforgettable memories.