Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Fès, Morocco
1. B'ssara and M'semmen
A traditional Moroccan breakfast of ground wheat berries soup (B'ssara) served with flatbread (M'semmen). Try it at Café Clock in the Medina for an authentic experience.
- Authenticity: Experience a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a well-known and popular café.
- Time Efficiency: Enjoy this dish for breakfast, which is typically served early in the day.
- Cultural Immersion: Savor a local dish while interacting with other travelers and locals at Café Clock.
2. Harira Soup
A traditional Moroccan soup made with chickpeas, lentils, and tomatoes. It's usually served during the holy month of Ramadan at food stalls in the Medina.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Experience a dish with religious significance during Ramadan.
- Street Food Experience: Taste this soup at a food stall in the bustling Medina streets.
- Affordability: Enjoy a delicious and filling meal for a reasonable price.
3. Couscous Royal
A rich and flavorful dish made with steamed semolina granules served with vegetables and meat. Try it at Le Jardin des Orangers for an elegant dining experience.
- Fine Dining Experience: Indulge in a royal couscous dish at a beautiful, upscale restaurant.
- Gastronomic Exploration: Savor the variety of flavors and textures in this traditional Moroccan dish.
- Romantic Atmosphere: Enjoy a romantic evening while savoring this dish at Le Jardin des Orangers.
4. Sfiha Fès
A type of flatbread topped with minced meat and spices. Visit Boujloud Square in the morning to try this local favorite.
- Early Morning Snack: Start your day with a delicious snack at Boujloud Square.
- Local Culture: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Boujloud Square and its bustling food vendors.
- Portability: Easily carry this dish with you for a convenient meal on-the-go.
5. Mechoui
Slow-cooked lamb or mutton, traditionally cooked underground in a clay oven. Try it at Dar Roumana for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the traditional method of cooking this dish at Dar Roumana.
- Gourmet Delight: Savor the succulent flavors and tender texture of slow-cooked lamb or mutton.
- Romantic Atmosphere: Enjoy this dish in the beautiful, candlelit garden at Dar Roumana.
6. Chakchouka
A spicy tomato and pepper stew cooked with eggs. Try it for breakfast or lunch at a local café in the Medina.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan dish at a local café in the heart of the Medina.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the spiciness level to your preference for a customized taste experience.
- Affordability: Enjoy a flavorful and filling meal at an affordable price.
7. Kachta
A Moroccan pastry filled with almonds, sugar, and honey. Try it at a local bakery in the Medina for a sweet treat.
- Local Culture: Experience a traditional Moroccan pastry at a local bakery.
- Sweet Indulgence: Indulge in a sweet, delicious treat to satisfy your cravings.
- Portability: Easily carry this pastry with you for a convenient snack on-the-go.
8. Baghrir and M'hchemwach
Thin, crepe-like pancakes made from fermented wheat batter, served with honey or syrup. Try it for breakfast at a local café in the Medina.
- Authenticity: Experience a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a local café.
- Flavor Customization: Enjoy this dish with a variety of flavorful honey or syrup options.
- Time Efficiency: Savor this light and quick breakfast option early in the day.
9. Bastilla
A flaky, savory pie filled with spiced chicken, almonds, and aromatic spices. Try it at a local café in the Medina.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan pie at a local café.
- Flavorful Experience: Savor the unique blend of flavors in this savory pastry.
- Portability: Easily carry this pie with you for a convenient meal on-the-go.
10. Harira Bi Lesheesh
A hearty soup made with chickpeas, lentils, and wheat semolina. Try it for lunch at a local café in the Medina.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan soup at a local café.
- Affordability: Enjoy a delicious and filling meal for a reasonable price.
- Strength-Building: This soup provides energy and nutrients to help you conquer the rest of your day in Fès.
11. Zaalouk
A popular Moroccan salad made with eggplant, tomatoes, and various spices. Try it as a side dish at a local restaurant in the Medina.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan salad at a local restaurant.
- Flavorful Experience: Savor the unique blend of flavors in this tangy and aromatic salad.
- Health-Conscious Dining: Enjoy a light, vegetable-based side dish as part of your meal.
12. Khalfa
A Moroccan pastry filled with ground meat and spices. Try it at a local bakery in the Medina for a savory treat.
- Local Culture: Experience a traditional Moroccan pastry at a local bakery.
- Savory Indulgence: Indulge in a savory, flavorful treat to satisfy your cravings.
- Portability: Easily carry this pastry with you for a convenient snack on-the-go.
13. Mint Tea
A traditional Moroccan beverage made by steeping green tea leaves with fresh mint and sugar. Enjoy it at any café or restaurant in Fès.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan beverage at any café or restaurant.
- Relaxation and Socialization: Enjoy this refreshing drink while socializing with locals or other travelers.
- Refreshing Drink: Sip on this cooling, minty beverage to stay hydrated and refreshed in Fès' warm climate.
14. Berber Salad
A Moroccan salad featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. Try it as a side dish at a local restaurant in the Medina.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan salad at a local restaurant.
- Health-Conscious Dining: Enjoy a light, vegetable-based side dish as part of your meal.
- Fresh and Nutritious: Savor the freshness and flavors of locally-sourced ingredients in this salad.
15. Khlii
A traditional Moroccan dish made from dried and aged meat, often served with bread. Try it at a local restaurant in the Medina for an authentic experience.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Moroccan dish at a local restaurant.
- Flavorful Experience: Savor the unique, strong flavors of this aged meat dish.
- Gastronomic Exploration: Indulge in a gastronomic adventure with this less-common but traditional Moroccan dish.