Hey food explorer! Heading to Casablanca, Morocco’s biggest city? You absolutely need to get to know the Casablanca food scene. Forget your old ideas about Moroccan cooking. Casablanca has classic dishes, but also fantastic new flavors. Because it’s a huge city, your food choices are endless.
This guide is your new best friend. It clearly shows you what to eat in Casablanca. We will look at Casablanca street food, nice restaurant meals, and everything in between. We will point you toward the best places for these amazing dishes. Get ready to truly taste this city!
Classic Moroccan Dishes You Cannot Miss
You can’t talk about Casablanca Morocco food without trying these famous dishes first.
1. Tagine: The Moroccan King
You must start with the tagine. This is the most famous dish here. A tagine is a slow-cooked stew. It gets its name from the clay pot with the tall, cone-shaped lid.
- What is it? It mixes meat (like chicken, lamb, or beef), vegetables, and lots of warm spices. You always eat it hot. Use bread for scooping up the sauce.
- Where to find it: For a great, traditional one, visit a small restaurant in the Quartier Habous area. This spot feels much calmer than the busy old town.
- Price: A basic chicken or beef tagine costs about 50 to 90 Moroccan Dirhams (DH), which is around $5 to $9 USD.
- Why it’s famous: The cooking pot traps all the steam. This makes the meat incredibly tender. The flavors are deep and super rich. You have to try this classic dish.
2. Couscous: The Friday Meal
Couscous is a huge part of food in Casablanca. It is made from tiny, steamed balls of crushed wheat. Moroccan people often eat a big plate of couscous every Friday after the main prayer time.
- What is it? The tiny grains are steamed until they are soft and fluffy. They come covered with a huge serving of vegetables and meat (usually chicken or beef) cooked in a savory broth.
- Where to find it: Look for smaller, local restaurants in the City Center. They usually offer a “Couscous du Vendredi” special on Fridays. This means it will be the freshest and best on that day.
- Price: Expect to pay about 70 to 120 DH ($7 to $12 USD) for a large plate. This plate often holds enough food for two people.
- Why it’s famous: It is a true comfort food for Moroccans. Sharing a large dish of couscous is a way to bring family and friends together.
3. Fresh Seafood: Straight from the Ocean
Casablanca sits right on the Atlantic Ocean. So, the seafood here is simply amazing and very fresh. You really must eat local fish or shellfish here.
- What is it? You can find anything! Try grilled sardines, large prawns, or baked sea bass. They season it simply and cook it very quickly.
- Where to find it: Head straight to the Central Market (Marché Central). Many small stalls sell the fresh catch of the day. You pick your fish, and they grill it for you right there at a little cafe table.
- Price: Prices change a lot. Grilled sardines are super cheap, maybe 30 DH. A bigger plate of grilled sea bass might be 120 DH. It’s still a fantastic deal for fresh fish.
- Why it’s famous: It comes straight from the sea, often just a few hours before you eat it. You cannot get fish any better than this.
4. Pastilla: The Sweet and Savory Pie
The Pastilla is a truly unique dish. Many visitors call it a must-try. It gives you a surprising mix of sweet and savory tastes.
- What is it? It is a thin, flaky pie made with layers of pastry. It is filled with shredded pigeon or chicken, eggs, parsley, and ground almonds. They finish the whole thing with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
- Where to find it: This is often an appetizer at nicer Moroccan restaurants, maybe near the Ain Diab area. Sometimes, you can find smaller ones in good bakeries.
- Price: A serving can cost between 80 to 150 DH, because it takes a lot of time to prepare.
- Why it’s famous: The crunchy pastry, the savory meat, and the sweet sugar create a surprising and exciting taste. It’s an unforgettable Moroccan flavor.
5. Moroccan Salads: Light and Healthy
If you are looking for healthy food Casablanca, check out the Moroccan salads. These are not salads with lettuce. They are actually cooked vegetables served cold.
- What is it? There are many kinds. Try Za’alouk (cooked eggplant and tomato) or Taktouka (cooked bell peppers and tomatoes). They get their flavor from cumin and paprika.
- Where to find it: Every traditional restaurant will serve a small plate of these when you first sit down.
- Price: They often come free with your main dish. A small plate costs about 20 DH.
- Why it’s famous: They are packed with flavor and healthy vegetables. It is a wonderful way to start a big meal.
Street Food in Casablanca You Must Try
Casablanca street food shows you the city’s real, fast energy. Here are some quick, cheap bites you need to grab while you walk around.
6. Brochettes (Skewers)
These are everywhere. They make a classic quick meal.
- What is it? Small pieces of meat (usually beef, chicken, or lamb liver) go onto a skewer. They season them with salt and spices, then grill them over hot coals. They always serve them with soft bread.
- Where to find it: Look for smoking grills on street corners. You see them often near the Old Medina or the Central Market.
- Price: Very cheap. Usually 5 to 10 DH per skewer. You need two or three for a quick meal.
7. Snail Soup (Babbouche)
This might sound strange, but it is a very popular Casablanca street food.
- What is it? Snails are cooked in a spiced, strong herbal broth. You use a toothpick to pull them out of the shells. Many people think the broth is very good for your health.
- Where to find it: You will see sellers with large, smoking metal pots on small rolling carts at night. Look near the main squares.
- Price: A small bowl is very cheap, around 5 to 7 DH.
8. Moroccan Mint Tea
This is the national drink. You will be offered it almost everywhere you go.
- What is it? They brew green tea leaves with fresh mint and lots of sugar. It is served hot from a silver teapot. The tea is poured high to create a nice foam on top.
- Where to find it: Anywhere! Every cafe or restaurant has it. Try getting the best cup at a small shop in the Quartier Habous after your shopping is done.
- Price: About 10 to 15 DH per pot.
9. Mahlaba (Amlou)
This makes a delicious and healthy food option.
- What is it? A thick, sweet dip. They make it from roasted almonds, pure argan oil (a special oil from Morocco), and honey. It is served with bread for dipping, usually at breakfast time.
- Where to find it: Look for specialty food stores in the Maarif area. You can also ask at your hotel breakfast buffet.
- Price: Buying a small jar is expensive, but a small serving with bread is usually free or around 20 DH.
Final Tips for Eating in Casablanca
- Bread is Key: Moroccans use Khobz (a round, flat bread) instead of a fork. You use it to scoop up everything. You will find it at every single meal.
- Dining Times: Lunch is the main meal, usually around 1:30 PM. Dinner is often much later, starting around 8:00 PM.
- Water Safety: To stay safe and healthy, always drink bottled water. Never drink tap water.
Enjoy your fantastic food journey through Casablanca! Your taste buds will definitely thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat street food like brochettes and snails?
Yes, street food is safe. Just pick busy vendors with very hot grills or smoking pots. This means the food is fresh and well-cooked.
Where is the best place to find fresh, cheap seafood?
The Central Market (Marché Central) is the best spot. You pick the fish, and they grill it for you right at the market stalls for a low price.
What is the most famous dish to order on a Friday?
Couscous is the traditional dish every Friday. Look for the “Couscous du Vendredi” specials at local restaurants for the freshest meal.
Is it okay to eat with my left hand when using bread?
No, in Morocco, you should only use your right hand to eat. This is especially true when scooping food with bread. This shows respect.
How much should I expect to pay for a full dinner?
For a good, filling traditional dinner, plan to spend about 150 to 250 DH ($15-$25 USD) per person, including drinks.
Do restaurants offer good options for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians can easily order vegetable tagine, vegetable couscous, or a large plate of Moroccan cooked salads like Za’alouk.
