Street Food in Morocco: What to Eat
Some of Morocco's best food never sees a restaurant. From dawn doughnuts to midnight snail broth, the street is where Moroccans really eat - cheaply, freshly and joyfully. Here is what to try and how to do it safely.
What to Eat
| Food | What it is |
|---|---|
| Brochettes / kefta | Grilled meat skewers off smoking charcoal carts |
| Msemen & baghrir | Pancakes with honey - breakfast or snack |
| Sfenj | Hot Moroccan doughnuts fried before your eyes |
| Babbouche | Spiced snail broth - the brave classic, said to cure colds |
| Grilled sardines | Chermoula-stuffed, on the coast (Essaouira, Agadir, Safi) |
| Maakouda | Fried potato cakes, often in a sandwich |
| Bissara | Fava bean soup, a few dirhams a bowl |
| Snacks / sandwiches | Loaded with kefta, fries, salad and harissa |
| Fresh juices & dried fruit | Orange juice carts and nut stalls everywhere |
Where to Find It
- Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh: the world's most famous open-air food court fires up each evening - snails, grills, harira and more.
- Medina food streets: every city has its grill alleys and dawn sfenj sellers.
- Coastal ports: pick your fish and have it grilled on the spot.
Eating It Safely
Follow the crowds: a busy stall serving Moroccan regulars turns food over fast and cooks it hot to order - that is your best hygiene guarantee. Stick to bottled water and peelable fruit. Full advice in our food and water safety guide, and the sit-down classics in Moroccan food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is street food safe in Morocco?
Yes, if you choose busy stalls serving food hot and cooked to order. A queue of local customers is the best hygiene rating; stick to bottled water and peelable fruit.
What is the most famous street food in Morocco?
The grills and snail carts of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh, plus msemen pancakes, sfenj doughnuts and coastal grilled sardines.
How much does street food cost in Morocco?
Very little - a bowl of bissara or snails, a sfenj or a loaded sandwich runs from a few dirhams to about 20-30 dirhams.
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