I recently went on a trip to explore Morocco and Marrakesh, specifically focusing on the amazing range of tasty food available. Here's what I learned...
The Moroccan Influence
I love the food in Morocco! Moroccan food is influenced by Berber, French, Arabic and Andalusian cuisine, reflecting the diverse cultural past. They use many spices and herbs to enhance the flavour, so the dishes are not necessarily hot spicy, just very tasty!
Traditional Dishes
The traditional dish in Morocco is the tagine. This Berber delicacy is a slow-cooked casserole type dish made with beef, lamb, chicken, goat, fish, pigeon or just vegetables. The name comes from the clay pot it is cooked in.
Tagines are served everywhere, from roadside stalls and cafes to fancier restaurants and hotels. The most reasonable price I saw, in a cafe in Marrakesh was 440 dirham (about £4), however I'm sure you'd find them cheaper off the tourist trail.
Tagines are normally served with couscous (another Moroccan delicacy) and Moroccan bread is served with every meal.
In Marrakesh, there is a public oven, so people can make bread at home and then cook it in the oven on their way to work or school. Anise and cumin seeds are sometimes added for extra flavour.
Time for Mint Tea
Mint tea is widely known as 'Moroccan Whisky'! It is served very sweet, often with small pastries. You can get it all day and night and is also a sign of hospitality.
The tea is served from a silver teapot into small, sometimes quite ornate glasses. The art of tea pouring is quite a spectacle! Generally from a great height, and normally makes the glass...
Meander the Medina
Moroccans love their dates and nuts. Fruit and vegetables are sold widely in the markets, and you see stalls everywhere selling herbs and spices.
Steamed goat's head is often available. We were offered it in Marrakesh's busy main square, Djemaa el Fna. Strangely enough, we declined the offer!
Moroccan Wines
Morocco produces its own wine and everything I tried was extremely good. There was never a choice of wines from any other country - in this as in many things, Moroccans are totally self sufficient.
Les Jardins De La Medina
16 nights in Marrakesh
Guide price £675pp
Hidden behind centuries old high walls, guests will find a beautiful garden surrounding the pool where sunbeds and umbrellas are dotted around. Walk among the orange trees to discover small fountains, terraces and delightful corners to relax and enjoy a book.