Moroccan Breakfast: A Feast to Start the Day
Breakfast (ftour sbah) is one of the loveliest meals in Morocco - a spread of warm breads, honey, olives and sweet mint tea that turns the first meal into a small celebration. Here is what Moroccans actually eat, and what to look for in a riad or cafe.
The Stars of the Table
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Msemen | Flaky, folded square pancakes - buttery, eaten with honey or cheese |
| Baghrir | The "thousand-hole" semolina crepe that soaks up honey-butter |
| Harcha | Pan-fried semolina bread, crumbly like a scone, with jam or cheese |
| Bissara | A warming fava bean soup with olive oil and cumin - the winter workman's breakfast |
| Amlou | The "Moroccan Nutella": ground almonds, argan oil and honey |
| Khli / eggs | Preserved beef (khlii) fried with eggs - the hearty option |
| Olives, cheese, honey, jam | The supporting cast, always present |
| Mint tea or coffee | Sweet mint tea or a strong nous-nous (half coffee, half milk) |
Where to Have Breakfast
- Riads: the classic - a generous rooftop spread of breads, pancakes, eggs, fruit and juice, usually included in your stay.
- Street and cafes: msemen and baghrir stalls in the medina, bissara counters for a few dirhams, and sfenj (doughnut) sellers frying at dawn.
- Markets: fresh orange juice squeezed to order is everywhere and wonderful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical Moroccan breakfast?
Warm breads and pancakes (msemen, baghrir, harcha) with honey, olive oil, amlou, olives, cheese and jam, plus eggs or bissara soup, all washed down with sweet mint tea or coffee.
Do Moroccans eat sweet or savory breakfast?
Both at once - the table mixes sweet (honey, jam, amlou) and savory (olives, cheese, eggs, bissara). It is a spread rather than a single dish.
Is breakfast included in Moroccan riads?
Almost always - a home-cooked breakfast is part of the riad experience, often served on the rooftop. See Moroccan food for the rest of the day.
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