Food & Drink in Morocco

By globedrifters Morocco

Moroccan food and drink are full of flavor and variety. From savory tagines and couscous to sweet desserts and fresh mint tea, there’s a lot to try. During our 12-day Morocco tour, you’ll have plenty of chances to taste traditional dishes and learn more about what makes Moroccan cuisine so special. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to eating and drinking in Morocco.

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What’s the food like in Morocco?

Food in Morocco is pretty typical of the region. Various tagines, couscous, seasonal salads and breads are standard fare. The most common meats are chicken, goat, lamb and chicken. Common ingredients in Moroccan cuisine include lemon, olives, argan & olive oil and dried fruits. Moroccan food is rich in herbs and spices such as mint, parsley, coriander, oregano, cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika, saffron, fennel and the list goes on!

The most popular Moroccan dish is probably the savory tagine. This is a slow-cooked stew made with either meat, poultry or fish alongside seasonal vegetables and seasoned with spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and saffron.

Bread is a staple in Morocco and will be served with nearly every meal. It is a very simple, dense bread and it’s hard to find a Moroccan table without it!

Desserts are common in Morocco and absolutely delicious! You’ll find a variety of Moroccan cookies made with powdered sugar, almonds, coconut, dried fruits, etc. They’re perfect with a glass of Moroccan mint tea to wash them down. Our favorite dessert is probably one of the most simple: orange slices with cinnamon. It’s refreshing and the perfect way to end a meal.

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Vegetarian and vegan food in Morocco

Finding vegetarian or vegan food in Morocco isn’t too big of a challenge, but most will agree that the variety is not as great as you may be used to back home. 

Vegetarians and vegans alike will enjoy Moroccan salads composed of zucchini, eggplant, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, beans, etc. depending on the season. Salads are frequently dressed with argan oil or orange blossom oil. Vegetarian and vegan tagines and couscous can also be found in restaurants in bigger cities. 

All in all, finding vegetarian and vegan dishes isn’t too terribly difficult in Morocco, but you may find the food to be a bit repetitive after a while. For this reason, we do recommend bringing your own snacks along with you on your trip.

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Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?

Alcohol in Morocco will generally not be that easy to find during your travels. Some restaurants and hotels will offer it, but mostly in bigger cities. The consumption of alcohol is legal in Morocco, but it’s not common to see due to the religious values prevalent across the majority of the country. You will only be able to purchase alcohol at the few restaurants, hotels and supermarkets that are licensed to sell it. 

On our 12-day Morocco tour, your guide will schedule stops along the way at stores that sell alcoholic beverages legally so if you would like to purchase wine, beer or spirits, you can do so during these stops. 

PRO TIP: Our hotel in Tangier does not serve alcohol so we suggest picking up a bottle of alcohol at a duty-free shop on your way to Morocco if you like to enjoy a drink on arrival. Read more about what to bring with you to Morocco in our blog: What to Pack for Morocco.

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No matter what your preferences and dietary restrictions are, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Morocco. What’s your favorite thing to eat in Morocco? Happy travels!

What to Pack for Morocco

By globedrifters Morocco

Deciding what to pack for Morocco can be tricky because it’s a big country with different climates depending on where you go. Typically, the northern parts tend to be a bit cooler than the south due to higher elevation and coastal breezes. Overall, the weather in Morocco ranges from warm to hot, though it can get quite cool at night, especially in the mountains and the Sahara Desert.

Below is some helpful information about the weather and what to pack so you’ll be prepared and comfortable during your trip to Morocco.

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How’s the weather in Morocco?

Morocco’s climate varies by region but is generally warm and sunny for much of the year. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant. Summers can be very hot, especially inland and in the desert, where temperatures often soar above 95°F (35°C). Coastal areas tend to stay cooler thanks to ocean breezes. Winters are usually mild in most areas but nights can be cold, especially in the mountains and the Sahara Desert where temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

When traveling to Morocco, it’s a good idea to pack layers to stay comfortable as temperatures can change throughout the day.

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What are the outlets in Morocco?

The electrical outlets in Morocco are the European plug-type (see picture) with 220 – 240 volts (V) and 50 Hz frequency.

PRO TIP: Pack extras of all the necessary adapters and converters for your devices as these items are commonly left behind in hotel rooms.

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What to pack for Morocco

Below is a list of items we recommend travelers bring on their 12-Day trip to Morocco for a comfortable trip:

• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm (it’s dry in the desert!)
• Sealable plastic bags for your electronic devices in the desert (in case of a sandstorm; rare, but possible!)
• Light clothing that covers the knees and shoulders (Morocco is a Muslim country, so please respect local customs)
• Bathing suit
• Comfortable walking shoes (with good ankle support and traction!)
• Jacket (for cooler nights)
• Warm pajamas & socks (for the night in the Sahara Desert)
• Flashlight/Headlamp (for the Sahara Desert)
• Portable fan
• Umbrella (for shade & rare rainfall)
• Daypack/Backpack (we recommend across the shoulder)
• Diarrhea/Constipation medicine, motion sickness medicine, prescription medication (if needed)
• First aid kit (travel size)
• Hand sanitizer/ wet wipes
• Washcloth (some hotels don’t have one)
• Adapters/Converters for electronics (2 or more of each, just in case!)
• Hair dryer (if needed)

PRO TIP: Pack light! You’ll be on the move a great deal on our Morocco tour. Most hotels we stay at offer laundry services for a fee, but we won’t stay at most of them for more than 1 night so packing light is important. No one will judge you for wearing the same clothes throughout your trip!

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What to wear in Morocco

We recommend dressing conservatively in Morocco to respect the local culture and avoid unwanted attention. You’ll see many Moroccan women and men wearing Western clothing as well as traditional outfits while out doing their daily business. 

For men, jeans and t-shirts are generally fine. Long shorts and t-shirts are also fine in hotter regions but some locals may view shorts as inappropriate or revealing, depending on the area. Men in Morocco will most often wear long pants and a shirt but you might encounter some wearing long, light gowns and a little cap on their heads. Of course, no one expects you to wear clothes identical to the locals’.

For women, you’ll want to cover your shoulders and at least your knees most of the time. In general, you should expect to show a bit less skin than what you may be used to at home. Please try not to show cleavage and leave the strappy tops and shorts at home. Long dresses and skirts are perfect for the Moroccan heat. So are loose-fitting, long-sleeved tunics, shirts, and pants. It’s all about the material you choose. Baggy and airy clothes will protect you from the aggressive Moroccan sun and unwanted glances from the locals. 

In more rural areas, full length is even better, and so is covering your head with a light scarf. You won’t always need to cover your head but it’s best to bring a scarf for visits to religious sites. You can also easily purchase one while in Morocco. 

Some Moroccan women wear long gowns with hoods and scarves while others show their hair. You might even come across a local female dressed in a European style. No matter what, it’s important to be conscious of the amount of skin you’re showing and avoid showing too much.

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As long as you keep these things in mind while traveling in Morocco, you’ll have a wonderful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime! Happy travels!