We know…no one wants a lecture before they’ve even had a chance to sit down for a meal but, before you start eating your way through Morocco, there are a few things to be aware of that will definitely make a difference to your culinary adventure. Honestly, Moroccans are so hospitable that any etiquette breaches will be quickly forgiven and forgotten so we don’t plan to dwell on any of that now. Instead, we would like to point out a few oddities that you may be faced with on your Moroccan food tour so that you can have as smooth an experience as possible.
1. Menus are often optional.
Many local restaurants don’t have formal, printed menus and often serve whatever dishes they are inspired to make that day. On occasion, handwritten signs at the entrance herald the specialties of the day but even that can be rare. Restaurants such as these tend to be small and family run, well kept, incredibly affordable and often offer the best local food around.
2. Cash is the preferred method of payment.
While some restaurants do accept credit cards in Morocco, just about all of them actually prefer payment in cash. The primary reason for this is the avoidance of fees levied by credit card companies on merchants. There is also the practical issue of connectivity: electricity and internet are not reliable in rural areas rendering credit card processing machines inoperable. To avoid any awkward encounters, we highly suggest having some cash on hand before you sit down to your meal. Otherwise, you may get a firsthand education in Moroccan dishwashing!
3. What…no RICE?
You might be thinking: how could a country that serves a variety of saucy, stew and curry dishes not have rice? We’re probably being dramatic right? Well, we assure you that we are not exaggerating when we say that rice is really hard to come by in Morocco. For various agricultural reasons rice is difficult to cultivate and, for various economic reasons, difficulty to import. This all adds up to rice being a commodity in Morocco. Don’t fret though, if you must have it, you just have to specifically ask for it and expect smaller portions than you would otherwise receive elsewhere in the world. In place of rice, we suggest trying out the fabulous Moroccan breads and couscous.
4. Say no to street foods!
With grilled meats and exotic sweets available just around every corner in the Medinas, walking away while your mouth waters may be one of the hardest things you have to do in Morocco! But walk away you must because Moroccan street foods are not your friend! As it’s generally difficult to discern what ingredients were used in the making of the treats, and as sanitation may be questionable at many stalls, gastrointestinal illnesses are far too common for those partaking of these offerings. Unless you’ve got an iron gut, we suggest you steer clear of these temptations!
5. Booze is hard to come by in Morocco!
If you enjoy a good cocktail or two with your dinner, then you’ll be disappointed to learn that a “mocktail” is the best you’ll find in almost all Moroccan cities as alcohol is prohibited for religious reasons. The only exception to this that we found was in the Sahara where the sands seem to conveniently erode this particular rule. Knowing how difficult alcohol is to find, you might be surprised when you’re offered Moroccan Whiskey with your meal. Don’t get too excited though as this is essentially just tea albeit excellent tea that’s worth a try!
6. The olives are a must-try in Morocco!
Grown and preserved in Morocco, olives are served with every meal. The varieties and preparations are as delicious as they are innumerable. Even if they’re not your cup of tea so to speak, Moroccan olives are some of the most delicate and flavorful that you’ll find anywhere in the world so don’t skip these when next you get the chance to try them!
7. Moroccan Salads are a unique treat!
Following the cardinal rule of avoiding fresh greens in any foreign country, we refused every offer of Moroccan salads made to us for the first few days of our trip until one kind host blew our minds by explaining just what a Moroccan salad was. Rather than the usual salads made of greens and dressed in vinaigrettes, Moroccan salads are, in fact, a combination of different vegetables served either cooked or pickled. These salads vary from city to city, utilizing local ingredients and styles of cooking and are both flavorful and a great way to get to know the culinary point of view of the city you’re visiting. Don’t be afraid to order these salads when next you’re out for a meal in Morocco, we guarantee you’ll love them!
8. No reservations required!
Unless you’re planning on dining in a Michelin star restaurant or a popular venue like Rick’s Café, reservations are not necessary in Morocco. In fact, we were able to walk into most of the restaurants we tried, even the upscale ones, without need of a reservation. Of course, if there is a restaurant that you simply cannot miss, then you may need to make a reservation. To do this, make sure to contact the restaurant directly via email or through WhatsApp. Many restaurants do have an online presence but often do not have their own websites which means that reservation booking has to occur through search engines such as Google and can be unreliable. We recommend emailing the restaurant ahead of time this way you can directly speak with the proprietor to secure a table and relay any needs you may have. This may be a little cumbersome but what better way to add a personal touch and make your Moroccan meal even more memorable?
