Moroccan cuisine means Fresh Moroccan food.

Moroccan food is exceptionally healthy and balanced. Morocco is located in the Mediterranean region. Therefore they have a Mediterranean diet. It is a predominant and significant part of Moroccan main dish or meal. This diet has been found to extend longevity and health promotion based on UNESCO’s research.

Moroccan food is an exceptional gift your five senses will adore when you visit the country. This is because Moroccan cuisine is well known for its diversity and delicacy and is among the best in the world. Moroccan cuisine was ranked first in the Arab world and Africa and came second after France in 2012.

1. Moroccan Medeterian foods are the main component of Moroccan meals.

They consist of the following:

Seasonings.
Fresh ready food.
All kinds of fruits.
Veggies and whole grains.

The most common dishes in Morocco are Couscous and Tajin. They remain a vital part of Morocco’s cultural heritage and legacy. The tasty mix of delicious flavours makes Moroccan food unique and distinct.

Other types of food and dishes that are served in Morocco are:

Fresh seafood.
Hummus, Shish kebab.
Moroccan mint tea, dates and figs.
Moroccan sweets and cakes.
Moroccan mixed salad, Vegetarian food.

Geographically, Morocco is in a very strategic place. Thus, Moroccan cuisine has been influenced by many different cultures for centuries.

2. Other cultures influenced Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is a mixture of:

The Middle East-type diet.
Moroccan Amazigh and Arabs.
The Mediterranean and Africa.

This is how some cultures have influenced Moroccan cuisine:

Arabs presented lamb and sugary foods.
Jews added their marinated lemons and olives.
Berber (Amazigh) communities introduced slow cooking over hot coal food.

This mix creates some of the most famous traditional Moroccan dishes worldwide. This is one reason why Moroccan food is an impressive mix of appearance flavours today. It is because of that vibrant mix of cultural backgrounds.

Whenever Moroccan cuisine is mentioned amongst tourists, it is mainly referred to as couscous and tajine. Yet, Moroccan cuisine is a lot more than just the two dishes. The types of dishes that exist in Morocco are endless.

3 Everyday Moroccan Dishes and Cuisine

These dishes share one desirable characteristic, which is mouth-watering flavours.

Slow-cooked meats.
Cooked vegetable salads.
Fresh fruit types of juices.
All kinds of homemade kind of bread.
Flaky pastries with orange-flower water.

So many fast-food eating habits have been introduced to Moroccan culture.

Some of these fast food and snacks are:

Tacos, pizza.
Hot dogs, ice cream
Chips, pitas, hamburgers.
Fried Chicken, french fries.
Onion rings, chicken nuggets.

These types of food have been primarily introduced to the younger generation in recent years. Thus, Morocco is experiencing what is called a diet shift. It is a change from a Mediterranean diet plan to hefty in sugar and high in fat, such as in fast food. Yet, the vast majority of Moroccans do not consume fast food.

4. Moroccan Cuisine and Vegetables.

Moroccan cuisine is well known to have one distinct food source for its authentic ingredients, which is the fresh, locally grown type of food source.

Most Moroccan food ingredients are cultivated by local farmers who do not use:

Pesticides.
Chemical fertilizers.
GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Most local farmers produce their food in smaller quantities and the old-fashioned way. Thus, you may not see organic certification and label on vegetables that you purchase. Yet, this does not mean the food source from the average small-scale Moroccan farmer is not organic. The processing of labelling and the technologies involved are too pricey, which is an expansive investment for small farmers.

5. Moroccan Cuisine and Meat

Moroccan cuisine depends heavily on locally produced meat. The meat consumed in Morocco is primarily free-range and antibiotic-free. Thus, Morocco’s lamb, goat, and mutton meat are much tastier. This is because these animals scurry around in an open field. They scamper over mountains and valleys. Also, they are raised on a steady and wild herbs diet of grass. Some of the most common meat sources that serve as a base for Moroccan cuisine include beef, Goat, Seafood, Mutton, Lamb, Chicken and Camel.

6. Top 10 Moroccan Street food

Each region in Morocco has its way of cooking and preparing food. Yet, they are all authentic.

Check out these top 10 Moroccan Street foods:

Harira.
Brochettes.
Bessara Soup.
Khobz (Bread).
Msamen Merguez.
Snails and snail soup.
Steamed Sheep Heads.
Chicken and beef Shawarma.

7. What you need to know and experience when visiting morocco

Eating Food in Morocco.

Moroccans are well aware of cultural differences and are very understanding. Thus, they can accommodate visitors who prefer their way of eating. Yet, eating by hand all together in one big dish will surely give you a unique experience. This is an opportunity and experience that you would not have had a chance to experience otherwise in your daily life. Moroccans are very keen on keeping the hospitality level to the highest standard. Making the guests/tourist as comfortable as possible is their top priority.

Here are the eating habits that you may need to be aware of:

Washing hands before eating. Moroccans do not use silverware mostly when eating meals. It is a cultural way of eating a communal dish using hands. Thus, they use bread as silverware to replace a fork or spoon.
Eating with the left hand is considered unclean. Yet, if you are left-handed, all you need to do is to let the people you are visiting know. You will be fine because they want you to be as comfortable as possible.
They do not use plates individually for a meal. Instead, they meal together from a large dish, especially when eating Tajin and Couscous. Yet, this is not to say that you cannot eat using silverware.
Eating with the right hand and in a spot in front of you is the most appropriate and expected when eating food in Morocco.
Many etiquette rules will be helpful when dining with a Moroccan family. Some of these manners include:
If you want to taste some of the authentic Moroccan foods, you must mingle with locals. Thus, If you have an invitation opportunity to somebody’s home, don’t miss this opportunity. It will genuinely give you an experience that will be memorable for the rest of your life.
You should eat from part of the dish immediately in front of you. Try not to extend across the opposite side of the spot in front of you. The above expectations are mostly applicable when eating couscous or tajines. These two main dishes are prepared so that each person gets a bit of everything from the served dish.
Low carb. “Khobz,” which means bread, is the most frequently eaten together with most meals. Moroccans use bread for everything. They use it to eat tajines, salads, breakfast, snakes, and so much more. If you are gluten-free, you must be extra vigilant in what you eat in Morocco.
Moroccans express their hospitality best by offering their guests the best dish piece. Thus, don’t be surprised if they use their hands to give you a bit of meat or a favourite vegetable. It is an honour and signifies their hospitality.
If you have any allergic reaction to certain foods, let people you visit and dine with know.