Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco
1. B'Stilla
A savory pie filled with pigeon meat, almonds, and aromatic spices, best enjoyed at Cafe Maure in Rabat's old medina.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses pigeon meat, a delicacy in Moroccan cuisine.
- Armorican Pottery: Traditionally baked in handcrafted ceramic dishes.
- Spice Blend: Infused with the distinctive Moroccan spice blend, Ras El Hanout.
2. Harira Soup
A hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and vermicelli noodles, perfect for a quick lunch at any local cafe in Rabat.
- Affordable: Offers a budget-friendly meal option.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses ingredients easily found in Moroccan markets.
- Traditional Dish: A staple dish during the holy month of Ramadan.
3. Couscous Royale
A traditional Moroccan dish made with steamed semolina grains served with vegetables, meat, and a variety of spices, typically enjoyed at Le Jardin des Oliviers.
- Community Meal: Traditionally shared amongst family and friends.
- Spice Variety: Features a unique blend of Moroccan spices like saffron, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Cultural Significance: Reflects the rich cultural heritage of Morocco.
4. Meskaoui de Cheb M'Rabet
Grilled lamb cooked over charcoal served with a side of salad and bread, located at Cheb M'Rabet in the heart of Rabat.
- Authentic Flavor: Prepared using traditional barbecue methods.
- Local Specialty: A popular dish in Rabat and the surrounding areas.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced, high-quality lamb.
5. B'Laza
A Moroccan pancake filled with argan oil and honey, usually enjoyed for breakfast at local bakeries in Rabat.
- Traditional Breakfast: A traditional Moroccan breakfast option.
- Local Ingredient: Uses locally-produced argan oil and honey.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
6. Kechwa
A traditional Moroccan pastry filled with almonds and honey, best enjoyed at a local bakery like Boulangerie Sidi M'Hamed.
- Sweet Treat: A popular Moroccan sweet snack.
- Local Ingredient: Uses locally-produced almonds and honey.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
7. Sfena
A Moroccan pastry filled with ground beef, onions, and spices, commonly found at street food vendors in Rabat.
- Street Food: A classic example of Moroccan street food.
- Spicy Flavor: Features a spicy, flavorful filling.
- Quick Bite: Ideal for a quick, satisfying snack.
8. Khalfaoui
A Moroccan fried pastry filled with tuna and harissa, usually found at local cafes or street food vendors in Rabat.
- Seafood Option: Offers a seafood-based dish.
- Spicy Flavor: Features the spicy Moroccan condiment, harissa.
- Quick Bite: Ideal for a quick, satisfying snack.
9. Makouda
Deep-fried tubers coated in flour and spices, commonly found at street food vendors in Rabat.
- Street Food: A classic example of Moroccan street food.
- Crunchy Texture: Features a crispy, crunchy texture.
- Vegetarian Friendly: A vegetarian-friendly dish.
10. Msemen
A soft, flaky Moroccan flatbread traditionally served with honey or jam, available at local bakeries in Rabat.
- Breakfast Staple: A traditional Moroccan breakfast item.
- Versatile Ingredient: Can be served with various sweet or savory fillings.
- Soft Texture: Features a soft, delicate texture.
11. Sardine Pizza
A unique Moroccan pizza topped with sardines, onions, and olives, available at local pizzerias in Rabat.
- Seafood Option: Offers a seafood-based dish.
- Local Ingredient: Uses locally-sourced sardines.
- Quick Meal: Ideal for a quick, convenient meal.
12. Tagine of Lamb with Prunes
A slow-cooked lamb dish simmered in a clay pot with prunes and spices, best enjoyed at traditional Moroccan restaurants like Dar Naji.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: Features a rich, slow-cooked flavor.
- Traditional Dish: A traditional Moroccan dish.
- Hearty Meal: Offers a filling, hearty meal.
13. Salad Marocain
A refreshing Moroccan salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives, usually served as a side dish at local restaurants in Rabat.
- Refreshing Side Dish: Offers a refreshing, light side dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses readily available ingredients in Morocco.
- Healthy Option: A healthy, low-calorie option.
14. Mrouzia
A traditional Moroccan dessert made with almonds, honey, and rose water, usually enjoyed during religious festivals such as Eid Al-Fitr.
- Cultural Significance: A dish steeped in Moroccan cultural traditions.
- Sweet Treat: A popular Moroccan sweet dessert.
- Seasonal Availability: Typically available during religious festivals.
15. Moroccan Mint Tea
A traditional Moroccan beverage made with green tea, mint leaves, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice, often served at cafes throughout Rabat.
- Refreshing Beverage: Offers a refreshing, invigorating drink.
- Cultural Significance: A symbol of Moroccan hospitality and generosity.
- Common Beverage: Widely available at cafes throughout Rabat.