country Essentials · 11 foods
Morocco Essentials
A considered first route through Morocco: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all Morocco foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
11 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Algeria
Couscous
كسكس
Steamed semolina with a region-specific broth and topping.
Western Sahara
Tagine
طاجين
Slow-cooked Moroccan food prepared in its conical earthenware vessel.
Morocco
Pastilla (B'stilla)
بسطيلة
Crisp warqa pastry around a fragrant sweet-savoury filling.
Western Sahara
Harira
حريرة
Tomato, lentil, chickpea, and herb soup with a substantial texture.
Morocco
Djaj M'qualli
دجاج مقلي
Chicken braised with preserved lemon and olives in a glossy sauce.
Western Sahara
Mechoui
مشوي
Coal-roasted lamb with smoky skin and pull-apart meat.
Morocco
Argan Oil
زيت الأركان
Food-grade argan oil with a toasted nut aroma.
Morocco
Preserved Lemon
ليمان مصير
Salt-cured lemon peel softened for tagines and salads.
Algeria
Ras el Hanout
رأس الحانوت
A layered Moroccan spice blend bought from a spice merchant.
Morocco
Briouat
بريوات
Shattering pastry parcels with savoury or sweet fillings.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Tanjia Marrakchia
طنجية مراكشية
Marrakesh meat slow-cooked in a sealed clay jar.