Must-Try Moroccan Dishes to Discover During Your Stay in Agadir

Moroccan cuisine is one of the richest and most varied in the world, influenced by Arab, Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean flavors. During your stay in Agadir, it’s essential to explore this culinary diversity, which reflects the country's rich history and culture. Here’s a guide to some must-try dishes during your visit.

1. Tagine

Tagine is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary tradition where each family and region has its own way of preparing it. The dish is named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in, featuring a cone-shaped lid that allows steam to cook the ingredients slowly, creating a unique taste.

Popular Varieties:

• Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives: A perfect mix of tartness and saltiness, especially with free-range chicken for an enhanced flavor.

• Lamb Tagine with Prunes: A sweet and savory combination where the sweetness of prunes melds with spices like cinnamon and ginger.

• Fish Tagine: Prepared along Morocco’s coasts with fresh fish, tomatoes, onions, and a touch of chermoula (an herb and spice marinade), often served with a Moroccan salad.

Tagines are best enjoyed slowly, ideally with Moroccan bread – so get ready to eat with your hands, as it’s just not the same with a fork!

2. Couscous

In Morocco, couscous is a traditional dish served on Fridays, often after prayer. It’s a communal dish that symbolizes sharing and hospitality.

Couscous is made from fine durum wheat semolina, steamed and served with seasonal vegetables (like carrots, zucchini, and turnips) and meat (lamb, veal, mutton, or chicken). The vegetarian version is also very popular, with the secret lying in the balance of spices.

Tip: Be sure to pair couscous with a bowl of lben (fermented milk) for an authentic and refreshing experience!

3. Pastilla

Pastilla, or b’stilla, is a delicacy originally from Fez but enjoyed throughout Morocco. It’s a sophisticated dish that layers crispy phyllo dough with a delicate filling. Traditionally, pastilla is stuffed with pigeon meat, although chicken is often used as an alternative.

Varieties:

• Pigeon and Almond Pastilla: Crispy pastry filled with a sweet-and-savory mixture of tender meat, eggs, toasted almonds, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. This subtle blend of flavors makes it a must-have for special occasions.

• Seafood Pastilla: A more contemporary version filled with seafood, seasoned with herbs and preserved lemon.

4. Harira

Harira is a thick soup often served to break the fast during Ramadan, but it’s just as delicious year-round. Made from tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and lamb, it’s rich in flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and spices like ginger and turmeric.

Traditional Pairing: Harira is often served with dates and sweet pastries such as chebakia, honey and sesame cookies.

5. Mechoui

Mechoui is one of Morocco’s most impressive celebratory dishes. It consists of a whole lamb, slowly roasted in a clay oven or on a spit, often served during family celebrations or special events like weddings.

How to Enjoy: The tender, juicy meat is enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and cumin. Often served with bread and Moroccan salads, mechoui is a unique culinary experience. It can also be made with different meats, like veal, lamb, or even camel.

6. Briouates

Briouates are small triangles or rolls of crispy dough filled with a variety of fillings. These bites can be sweet or savory, perfect to accompany Moroccan mint tea.

Savory Options: Filled with minced meat, chicken, or vegetables, and seasoned with spices like ras el hanout. Sweet Options: Filled with almond paste, flavored with orange blossom water, and coated with honey.

7. Amlou

Originating from southern Morocco, amlou is a delicious spread made from roasted almonds, honey, and argan oil. Nutritious and flavorful, amlou is often served at breakfast or as a snack, accompanied by traditional bread.

A Take-Home Souvenir: Amlou is so beloved by visitors that it’s often bought as a keepsake to enjoy the taste of Morocco back home.

8. Msemen and Baghrir

A Moroccan breakfast wouldn’t be complete without msemen and baghrir, two iconic types of pancakes.

• Msemen: A flaky pancake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with melted butter and honey.

• Baghrir: Known as the “thousand-hole pancake,” it’s airy and light, perfect for soaking up butter and honey.

These pancakes are often enjoyed with mint tea or Moroccan coffee, the perfect way to start the day.

Moroccan cuisine is a true culinary journey, combining aromatic spices, diverse textures, and rich flavors. Whether you’re drawn to the spicier dishes or the delicate sweets, a trip to Morocco is sure to delight your taste buds. Try to sample them all during your holiday in Agadir, as Moroccan specialties are not just served on a plate – they’re a cultural experience!