Moroccan cuisine is full of rich flavours, exotic spices, and fresh ingredients — it's a mouth-watering combination!
1. Tajine
Pictured above, these Moroccan stews are cooked in conical earthenware pots that keep the meat incredibly moist and tender. They are incredibly affordable (only a few dollars), full of flavour and usually come with a side of olives and fresh bread.
2. Couscous
No, not that yellow hard stuff that you can buy in the health food section of your grocery store. In Morocco, couscous is a fine, pale, grain-sized, hand-rolled pasta that is lightly steamed with a spiced broth, and served with fresh vegetables, lamb, chicken, or fish. So good.
3. Bread
It may seem strange to some of you, but the bread in Morocco is AMAZING. This is partially because the country was once a French colony, so their round breads and flakey, dense flattened croissants have a melt-in-your mouth Parisian flair to them.
4. Beghrir
This Moroccan version of a pancake is the most incredible breakfast food that I have ever had. It is spongier than a North American pancake, but fluffier than a crepe, and is served with jam or honey.
5. Salad
I know that salad doesn't sound that exciting, but the vegetables are flavoured with fresh herbs and spices, or roasted to create a symphony of flavours bursting with freshness. Is your mouth watering yet?
6. Melon
The watermelons that I ate were more flavourful than any that I have ever tasted. Plus, half a watermelon costs the equivalent of about $0.30!
7. Fresh Orange Juice & Mint Tea
I know, I know, these are things to drink not eat, but no trip to Morocco would be complete without tasting both. Orange juice can be bought in any restaurant or at any street stall for pennies and is made in front of you out of fresh oranges and bottled water. It is one of the most taste-bud satisfying things I have ever tasted — I still have cravings.
Mint tea is unavoidable — the moment you arrive at your hotel, you will be offered tea (it is impolite not to take it). The Moroccan version of this beverage is amazing, but is filled with sugar, so be prepared for that before you take your first sip!
When I was first asked by some fellow foreigners in South Korea if I wanted to get naked in a public bathhouse and sauna on my first weekend in the country, I looked at them like they were nuts.
Somehow though, they managed to talk me into it (I blame severe jet lag), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.