Moroccan cuisine is a vibrant and diverse culinary world, reflecting a rich blend of Berber, Andalusi, Mediterranean, and Arab influences, with minor European and sub-Saharan touches. It shares more similarities with Middle Eastern cuisine than with the rest of Africa. The cuisine is known for its extensive use of a wide range of Mediterranean fruits, vegetables, and meats such as beef, goat, mutton, lamb, chicken, and seafood. Staple grains like rice and wheat are used in bread and couscous, a common dish in Morocco.
Moroccan food is characterized by the use of various spices and herbs, including cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika, coriander, saffron, mace, cloves, fennel, anise, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, fenugreek, caraway, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Herbs like mint, parsley, coriander, oregano, peppermint, marjoram, verbena, sage, and bay laurel are also commonly used. The consumption of pork and alcohol is uncommon due to religious restrictions.
History of Moroccan cuisine
The history of Moroccan cuisine is a rich tapestry woven from the influences of many cultures and nations over the centuries. It is a unique blend of Berber, Andalusi, Mediterranean, and Arab cuisines, with a touch of European (French and Spanish) and sub-Saharan influences. Moroccan cuisine shares more similarities with Middle Eastern cuisine than with the rest of Africa. The earliest traces of Moroccan cuisine, as per Moroccan chef and cuisine researcher Hossin Houari, can be traced back to the 7th century BC.
Moroccan cuisine, a part of the broader Maghrebi cuisine, is a rich blend of Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber traditions, with historical influences from European colonialism and Ottoman expansion. The cuisine of the Maghreb region, which includes Morocco, is a mixture of these diverse culinary traditions, reflecting the area's rich history of invaders, traders, and travelers from different parts of the Mediterranean and Europe.
Unique characteristics of Moroccan cuisine restaurants
Size
The size of a restaurant is not typically determined by the type of cuisine it serves, but rather by factors such as location, target market, and business model. Therefore, it's not accurate to generalize that all Moroccan cuisine restaurants are of a certain size compared to restaurants serving other cuisines. However, traditionally, Moroccan restaurants, particularly in Morocco, can often be smaller, family-run establishments, reflecting the country's cultural emphasis on intimate, communal dining.
Atmosphere
Moroccan cuisine restaurants often create an atmosphere that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Morocco. The interior design typically features vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and traditional Moroccan furnishings such as low seating, lantern-style lighting, and mosaic tables. The ambiance is often warm, inviting, and exotic, with traditional Moroccan music playing in the background.
Menu
Moroccan cuisine is characterized by rich, spicy, and flavorful dishes, which is reflected in their restaurant menus. Traditional Moroccan menus often feature dishes like tagine (a slow-cooked stew), couscous, pastilla (a sweet and savory pie), and a variety of grilled meats. Spices like cumin, coriander, saffron, and cinnamon are commonly used, and many dishes are sweetened with fruits like dates and figs.
Service
Moroccan cuisine is known for its unique and vibrant flavors, but the restaurant service also sets it apart from other cuisines. One key difference is the communal style of dining. Moroccan meals are often served in large dishes shared by everyone at the table, promoting a sense of community and togetherness. This contrasts with many Western and Asian cuisines where individual plates are more common.
Alcohol
Moroccan cuisine and restaurants often reflect the country's cultural and religious practices, which includes the Islamic prohibition of alcohol. Therefore, traditional Moroccan restaurants, especially those in Morocco, may not serve alcohol at all. However, some Moroccan restaurants, particularly those in Western countries, may offer a selection of Moroccan wines and beers to complement their dishes.
What items are typically on Moroccan cuisine menus?
Appetizers
Moroccan appetizers often include dishes like Harira Soup ($4.50 ~ $8.50), Zaalouk ($5.00 ~ $10.00), Briouats ($6.00 ~ $12.00), Moroccan Salad ($5.98 ~ $10.00), and Chermoula Eggplant with Bulgur ($7.00 ~ $13.00).
Main Courses
The main courses in Moroccan cuisine feature dishes like Couscous ($4.00 ~ $12.07), Tagine ($13.00 ~ $24.00), Pastilla ($12.00 ~ $22.00), Kefta Mkaouara ($11.00 ~ $21.00), Mrouzia ($14.00 ~ $24.00), Rfissa ($13.00 ~ $23.00), and Bastilla ($12.00 ~ $22.00).
Desserts
Moroccan desserts include Chebakia ($4.00 ~ $7.00), Seffa ($4.00 ~ $7.00), Briouat ($4.00 ~ $7.00), Ghriba ($4.00 ~ $7.00), Kaab el Ghzal ($4.00 ~ $7.00), and Sellou ($4.00 ~ $7.00).
Beverages
Moroccan beverages include Moroccan Mint Tea ($2.97 ~ $6.95), Moroccan Coffee ($2.75 ~ $5.25), Avocado Juice ($4.00 ~ $7.00), Orange Juice ($3.00 ~ $6.40), and Lemonade with Verbena ($3.00 ~ $6.00).
Breads
Moroccan breads include Khobz ($2.00 ~ $4.00), Baghrir ($2.00 ~ $4.00), Msemen ($2.00 ~ $4.00), Batbout ($2.00 ~ $4.00), and Harcha ($2.00 ~ $4.00).
Is Moroccan cuisine popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Yes, Moroccan cuisine is popular for all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, Moroccans typically enjoy dishes like B'ssara (a rich soup of dried broad beans), Baghrir (a spongy, hole-filled pancake), or Khlea (preserved dried meat) with eggs. Lunch is considered the main meal in Morocco, often consisting of a variety of salads followed by a tagine, a slow-cooked stew named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in. Couscous, a staple in Moroccan cuisine, is traditionally served for lunch on Fridays. Dinner in Morocco is lighter and simpler, often consisting of a tagine or a lighter soup, like Harira, especially during Ramadan.
Is Moroccan cuisine popular for food delivery?
While Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich, flavorful, and diverse dishes, it's not typically the first choice when it comes to food delivery. While it's gaining popularity, it's still not as mainstream as Chinese, Indian, or Italian cuisines, which are often top choices for food delivery. However, in cities with a more diverse food scene or a significant Moroccan population, Moroccan food delivery can be more common.
What are the most popular Moroccan cuisine chains?
While there are many Moroccan restaurants around the world, there are not many well-known Moroccan restaurant chains. This is likely due to the fact that Moroccan cuisine is often best enjoyed in smaller, family-run establishments that reflect the country's cultural emphasis on intimate, communal dining. However, as Moroccan cuisine continues to gain popularity, it's possible that we may see more Moroccan restaurant chains in the future.
References
More resources
About Otter
- Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
- Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
- Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
- Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
- Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*