7 Moroccan Dishes You Need To Try

Moroccan food is dense, mild and comforting. Most dishes are loaded with aromatic flavours such as cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, ginger and more. You’ll find a large variety of sweet and savoury dishes, too, that make for unforgettable and creative flavours in every single bite. Whether you’re planning a trip to the North African country or looking to sample your local restaurant – here are seven Moroccan dishes you need to try.

Moroccan Dishes You Need To Try

1. Moroccan Chicken Bastilla

This deliciously sweet and savoury pie is full of stewed chicken with copious amounts of saffron, ginger, pepper and cinnamon. The mix is layered between a crispy pastry and omelette before being topped with almond. Truly an incredible fusion of flavours.

2. Lamb With Prunes

Another magical combination of sweet and savoury is a classic Moroccan lamb with prunes dish. First, the lamb is cooked in butter, ginger, saffron and onions on a low roast. Afterwards, it’s smothered in syrupy prunes with almonds and a few dashes of cinnamon. The dish can also be enjoyed with beef instead of lamb so just take your pick.

3. Rfissa

Rfissa is the ultimate Moroccan comfort food. Slowly stewed chicken with lentils that have been seasoned to the high heavens with fenugreek, saffron and cumin are laid on a bed of bread before being smothered in stock. Traditionally the dish is served to new mothers, but anyone can enjoy it.

4. Harira

Morocco cranks tomato soup up a notch with their classic harira. This soup can be served a number of ways, but most commonly it is a tomato-based soup full of lentils and chickpeas. Additionally, fine rice and tons of aromatic herbs are added in for an extra kick.

5. Tagine

Tagine gets its name from the clay pot used to make the dish. The pot and cooking method is common across North Africa, with each region purposing it for different stews and dishes. There are no rules when it comes to this steamy, hearty and comforting Moroccan stew. Get started with a classic Berber tagine with meat and vegetables.

6. Maakouda

In addition to legendary kebabs and calamari, there’s one Moroccan street food that stands out above the rest – maakouda. This palm-sized patty is filled with delicious mashed potatoes before being battered and deep-fried.

7. Zaalouk

Our last dish is a salad, a dip, a puree or somewhere in between? This stewed vegetable salad is famous for its aromatic flavours and is one of the best side dishes Moroccan cuisine has to offer. It’s made up of smoked eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and of course, loads of spices.