What Do Locals Eat in Morocco? Crazy Barbecues & Market Food of Beni Mellal

pigeon

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: turkey

Chicken is more widely available and affordable.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are less expensive and provide a similar crunch.

orange blossom water

🥗Healthier: vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: water with citrus zest

Vanilla extract offers a different flavor profile at a lower cost.

phyllo dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry dough

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Homemade dough can be more economical and healthier.

Visited markets in Beni Mellal and Elk Saiba to explore local food.

Tasted a traditional Amazic dish made of lamb and intestines, seasoned with cumin and salt.

Sampled boiled shrimp liver wrapped in coal fat, a special occasion dish.

Added raw onions and red chili flakes to balance flavors.

Enjoyed sweet lamb liver served with buttery rice powder.

Drank mint tea, a refreshing beverage.

Observed men preparing for a traditional horsemanship exhibition called fantasia.

Visited a Sunday market and started with har, a Moroccan soup.

Watched a vendor prepare an omelette with tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and herbs.

Tasted crispy donuts, fluffy omelette, and har as a luxury breakfast.

Made popcorn with corn, sugar, food coloring, and cooking oil.

Tasted fried fish, noting its crispy exterior and meaty interior.

Mixed cilantro, parsley, chili powder, cooking oil, and salt into meat for barbecue.

Created a special sandwich called bully sandwich, claiming it was tastier than fast food options.

Observed pancake dough mixed with spices, lamb fat, and onions, allowing it to rest for crispiness.

Prepared harsha, a flatbread made with simolina, and noted its crispy texture.

Enjoyed Moroccan tea with crispy multi-layered pastries.

Made a dish with tuna, spicy tomato sauce, and crystal noodles, noting its juiciness and crunch.

Tasted warm cream cheese in a crispy pastry shell and sweet pastries with peanuts.

Sampled a healthy street food made with grains and yogurt, noting its protein content.

Watched a vendor prepare shupakia, a sweet pastry, and dipped it in honey with orange blossom water.

Visited a market for breakfast, observing the preparation of an omelette with garlic and spicy sauce.

Tasted goat feet dishes served with beans, highlighting their collagen content and pairing with spicy sauce.

Noted the presence of camel farms selling fresh camel milk.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens