Morocco is justly famous for its Tagines and Couscous, but the real soul of its cuisine is often found on the streets. From the smoky stalls of Jemaa el-Fna to the hidden alleyway snacks of Fes, street food here is fresh, cheap, and incredibly delicious.
Walking through a Medina is a sensory experience, and the smells of grilled meats and baking bread are impossible to ignore. Here is your guide to the must-try snacks that will fuel your adventures.
1. Bessara (Fava Bean Soup)
This is the breakfast of champions for many locals. It's a rich, hearty soup made from dried fava beans, simmered with garlic, cumin, and olive oil.
It is usually served in a small bowl with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin and paprika on top, accompanied by fresh bread for dipping. It costs mere pennies and will keep you full until lunch.
2. Maakouda (Potato Fritters)
Popular in the north (especially Meknes and Fes), Maakouda are deep-fried potato balls mixed with herbs and spices.
You can eat them individually as a snack, but the best way to enjoy them is stuffed inside a "khobz" (bread) with tomato sauce, harissa (spicy paste), and sometimes olives. It's the ultimate Moroccan carb sandwich.
3. Sfenj (Moroccan Donuts)
Keep an eye out for shops with large cauldrons of boiling oil. This is where you find Sfenj. These ring-shaped fritters are unsweetened dough, deep-fried until crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
4. Msemmen & Harcha
In the evenings, you will see women grilling square, laminated pancakes (Msemmen) or round semolina breads (Harcha) on large griddles.
Msemmen can be eaten plain, with honey and soft cheese ("La Vache Qui Rit" is a national favorite), or stuffed with a spicy mix of onions and fat (Msemmen Chahma). They are a staple of Moroccan street food culture.
5. Snail Soup (Babbouche)
For the adventurous eater! You'll see carts with large steaming pots surrounded by locals picking snails out of their shells with toothpicks.
The broth is the real star here—a dark, peppery concoction flavored with over 15 spices including thyme, licorice root, and aniseed. It's believed to have restorative properties and is especially popular in winter.
6. Fresh Orange Juice
In Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, you will find rows of orange juice carts. The competition is fierce, but the product is simple: 100% freshly squeezed Moroccan oranges. It’s sweet, refreshing, and incredibly cheap.
7. Brochettes (Kebabs)
Follow the smoke! Street grills offer skewers of lamb, beef, or chicken, seasoned with salt and cumin. They are grilled over charcoal and served immediately with bread and often a side of grilled tomatoes and onions.
Hygiene Tips
A general rule of thumb for street food anywhere in the world applies here: eat where the locals eat. High turnover means fresh food. Avoid raw salads washed in tap water if you have a sensitive stomach, and stick to cooked foods that are served hot.
Want to explore the culinary side of Marrakech safely? We can organize a guided food tour for you.
Morocco Local Way Team
Experts in authentic Moroccan travel experiences.
