In the warmth of our Moroccan homes, breakfast becomes more than just a meal, it turns into a joyful get-together, a lively kick-start to our days.
We come together with open hearts and gather around tables full of more than just food – they’re full of love, too.
While there are as many Moroccan breakfasts as there are regions in Morocco, most are built on a combination of beloved ingredients that I’ll share with you.
These ingredients weave together the flavors and aromas that define the start of our days.
A typical Moroccan breakfast usually includes these
Msemen
This is the bread and butter of any Moroccan breakfast. This kind of Moroccan pancake can be either square or round.
It has a unique texture that comes from the way it is meticulously rolled and folded into this beautifully layered pastry, almost. It is flaky and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
I think that Msemen is by far the tastiest pancake you can ever find. You need to eat it hot off the pan. You can have it plain or with a topping of your choice.
The traditional way is to dip your Msemen into a mixture of warm butter and honey. Is it sticky, Yes! Is it worth it, hell yeah!
Dips: Honey, Butter & Olive oil
In Morocco, our breakfasts are made even more special with the essential trio of organic honey, butter, and olive oil.
Honey adds sweetness and depth. Butter brings its creamy, rich flavor to our freshly baked bread.
And for organic olive oil, we love to dip our bread in it and drizzle some over eggs as well. Outside Morocco, this is the brand I trust for Moroccan olive oil.
Moroccan Eggs
In Morocco, just like everywhere else, we love starting our day with eggs, but we add our own twist to make them even more special.
We have different favorite ways to enjoy eggs for breakfast. You can have them fried or boiled, which is simple but delicious.
And, if you’re in the mood for something that’s uniquely Moroccan, try eggs with khlea.
Khlea is a special kind of dried meat that’s a bit salty. We cook the eggs with chunks of this flavorful meat, olive oil, and cumin.
It’s a mix of tastes that might take some getting used to, but I absolutely love it.
Moroccan green and black olives
Every Moroccan breakfast must have Moroccan black and olives on the table or at least black ones. These olives are really tasty and packed with a strong flavor.
We usually serve these delicious olives on small plates for everyone to share, making sure there is plenty to go around because it’s hard to stop eating them once you start.
When I’m not in Morocco and craving these delicious olives, I always go for this particular brand that sells high-quality Moroccan olives abroad.
Nor Moroccan tea! No breakfast
Moroccan mint tea
No Moroccan breakfast is complete without mint tea. It’s an essential part of our morning routine.
Moroccan mint tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a tradition, served in its classic style.
Most people are familiar with the classic Moroccan mint tea, but what many don’t know is that we also flavor your tea with a variety of other herbs and plants.
For now, let’s stick to the classic mint tea recipe. Check it out here
Moroccan breakfast can also include some of these delicious pancakes
Beghrir
Beghrir, a Moroccan pancake, is quite a bit smaller than Mesmen and much simpler.
It’s unique because we cook it on just one side, which creates hundreds of tiny holes all over its top that are perfect for soaking up toppings.
Another special thing about beghrir is that it’s made only with semolina.
Just like Msemen, beghrir tastes great with honey and butter. To serve Baghrir, just pour lots of warm honey and butter on top. Then, place them nicely in a circle or stack them up on a big plate.
Harsha
Harsha is another delicious Moroccan semolina bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
It’s pan-cooked, like a thick pancake, and we love to have it with honey, butter, or jam.
Many Moroccans, including myself, enjoy Harsha by slicing it through the middle and filling it like a sandwich with our favorite fillings.
It’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack and is easy to make at home. You can even make extra to enjoy later.
Moroccan bread (Khobz)
In Morocco, we love our variety of breads, including homemade whole wheat bread, crispy French baguettes, and other special kinds.
For breakfast, we often eat bread with eggs or cut it into pieces to dip in olive oil, honey, or butter.
Bread is also a must-have for lunch and dinner, which is when we eat it the most. Many Moroccans, like my mom, bake bread every day so it’s always fresh.
But you can also bake it and keep it in the freezer, then just warm it up whenever you need. Here’s how my mom makes her bread.
Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice is really popular for breakfast in cafes and restaurants along with Moroccan mint tea. It is now a part of the traditional Moroccan breakfast.
Savory Moroccan dishes we love for breakfast
Harira soup
Yes, it might surprise you, but we love Harira for breakfast. If you’re someone who likes savory dishes in the morning, then Harira is a must-try.
It’s a well-known tomato and lentil soup in Morocco, often served for breakfast.
Harira is especially popular during Ramadan, eaten to break the day-long fast. It’s also common to have it for breakfast if there’s any left from the meal the night before.
If you find yourself in Marrakech, make sure to check out street food spots that serve Harira for breakfast. It’s a delicious way to start your day the Moroccan way.
Bissara soup
Bissara is a tasty Moroccan soup made from fava beans, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It’s creamy, filling, and really good for you, full of protein and fiber.
People in Morocco often eat it for breakfast in the winter because it warms you up and gives you lots of energy.
It’s usually served with a bit of Moroccan olive oil on top and fresh bread on the side.
Bissara is also very simple to make at home.
Where to have a good Moroccan breakfast?
If you’re staying in a traditional Moroccan place like a Riad, you’ve got a great chance to enjoy a real Moroccan breakfast.
Most cafes offer it too, maybe not with everything, but definitely with the key parts.
Now that you know what goes into a Moroccan breakfast, you can ask for more of what you like if it’s not already on your plate.
And if you’re lucky enough to have breakfast with a local family or get invited over, then you’re really getting the full experience!
