Moroccan street food is one of the most sought-after culinary experiences for both locals and tourists.
I always recommend to my clients to focus on trying street food in Morocco compared to eating only in restaurants.
It’s a great way to interact with locals and explore the real food culture of Morocco.
Also, ftreet food in Morocco is always cheaper and more authentic.
Instead of overpriced tourist menus, you get to enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes the way locals do, like a 5 dirham sfenj with mint tea in the morning and a warm plate of lentils in the souks
Best street food in Morocco
1. Harira & Chebakia
Harira soup and chebbakia go hand in hand. The warm, spiced tomato-based harira, rich with lentils and chickpeas, pairs perfectly with chebbakia, the deep-fried, honey-drenched sesame pastry. This street food combo can be found easily in local cafés in the morning and afternoon. But for a truly special experience, the best harira and chebbakia I enjoyed was in the Jamaa El Fna stalls in Marrakech.
2. Sfenj (Moroccan Doughnuts)
Sfenj is one my beloved Moroccan street foods. It’s a simple yet addictive treat, commonly sold by street vendors early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Its texture is light and airy on the inside, with a perfectly crispy crust. Vendors shape the dough into rings by hand and fry them in large pans right in front of you, making it a fresh and irresistible snack. The best way to eat sfenj is fresh and hot, straight from the vendor’s basket.
3. Babbouche (Snail Soup)
This street food is for the braves only. Many first-timers hesitate at the sight of snails floating in a dark, spiced broth, but once you get past the look, babbouche is a flavorful and warming delicacy. Babbouche is especially popular during the colder months. The snails are simmered for hours, absorbing the aromatic flavors of the broth, and are eaten by picking them out of their shells with a toothpick and the spiced soup is sipped after.
4. Sugar Cane Juice
Sugar cane juice is a popular street food drink that I always make sure to have whenever I spot a vendor. The vendors press fresh sugar cane right in front of you, often adding a splash of lemon or ginger for extra flavor. Not only is it refreshing and tasty, but it’s also healthy, packed with natural sugars, and perfect for quenching your thirst. It’s a delicious, energizing treat, especially on a warm day.
5. Nougat
You can find nougat in most Moroccan markets, where vendors display large slabs in a variety of colors and flavors, cutting pieces to order. Made with honey, sugar, and egg whites, it’s flavored with nuts like almonds, peanuts, or pistachios, giving it a chewy yet slightly crunchy texture. Some are soft and fluffy, while others are firmer and more brittle. Sweet and nutty, it’s a nostalgic treat and a great snack while wandering through the souks.
6. Olives & Khobz
If you’re wandering through a Moroccan souk and feeling a bit peckish, you can’t go wrong with a handful of olives and some fresh khobz. Vendors sell all sorts: some marinated with garlic and olive oil, others packed with Harissa and lemon, and those rich black olives with zaatar and olive oil. For just 5dh, you can grab a mix, tear off a piece of khobz, and snack like a local.
7. Sugared Peanuts
These crunchy little treats (Kawkaw Maassel) are a street food favorite for many Moroccans. Peanuts coated in caramelized sugar, vendors sell in small paper cones, they’re the perfect grab-and-go snack, sweet, crunchy, and just a little addictive. For just a few dirhams, you can enjoy a simple but satisfying treat. And trust me, once you start munching, you won’t stop.
8. Street coffee
In Morocco, small DIY coffee trucks are a common sight, especially near souks, bus stops, office areas, and street corners. These trucks are always ready to serve a hot, no-fuss cup of black coffee. No fancy extras, just good, strong coffee, right for a quick pick-me-up. You can grab a cup and sip as you wander through the souks, soaking in the sights and sounds of Moroccan street life.
9. Kefta Sandwish & Tea
Kefta sandwich and tea is my favorite local street food lunch in Marrakech. The Kefta sandwich (minced meat sandwich) is typically served in a fresh, crusty khobz (Moroccan bread), often mixed with onions, tomatoes, and a bit of harissa for a spicy kick..To wash it down, there’s nothing like a hot glass of Moroccan mint tea, a classic companion to any meal.
10. Moroccan mint tea
Moroccan mint tea is the perfect street drink to sip while you walk through the souks, people-watch, or just take in the Moroccan vibe. It’s a classic, often served by street vendors in Souks and Medinas. The tea is made with green tea, fresh mint, and sugar, and it’s super refreshing.
