BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES
Steeped in otherworldly beauty, Morocco captivates with the towering cliffs of the Atlas Mountains, sweeping desert landscapes, and vibrant medinas full of color and tradition. As the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca blends these natural and cultural elements while standing out as a culinary hub. From sizzling street food to seafood feasts and classic Moroccan tagines, the city offers a flavorful journey through the country’ s rich gastronomic heritage. Royal Air Maroc provides direct nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Casablanca’ s Mohammed V International Airport( CMN) three to four times a week.
TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN FOOD
The rich, layered flavors of Moroccan cuisine come from the country’ s blend of African, Berber, Arab, and French cultural influences. Known for its sweet and savory tastes, it features fresh produce like figs, dates, olives, and prunes, along with spices such as cumin, saffron, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Moroccan food offers a feast for the senses. As the country’ s economic and business center, Casablanca provides a variety of modern and fusion dishes, but here are some traditional dishes that no visitor should miss.
TAGINE
Named after the clay cooking pot with a cone-shaped lid, these hearty stews feature vegetables and meat cooked in their own juices and loaded with spices. Tagines are a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine, appearing on fine dining menus, sizzling at roadside cafes, and served in every household.
COUSCOUS
You really can’ t visit Morocco without trying couscous; it’ s the essential side dish for most traditional meals. Known locally as seksu, couscous is a fine wheat pasta hand-rolled that resembles rice. It’ s typically steamed with stewed meat and vegetables.
HARIRA
This savory soup is served during the sacred month of Ramadan; it’ s used to break the daily fast at sunset. Made with tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and sometimes lamb, it’ s topped with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped coriander. Harira is enjoyed year-round in restaurants and street food stalls.
MINT TEA
While it’ s not actual food, mint tea is a vital part of Moroccan culture. It is enjoyed all day long, made with Gunpowder tea( Chinese green) steeped with fresh spearmint leaves and sweetened with sugar cubes from a cone. The tea is poured into decorated glasses from a high height to create foam.
STREET FOOD
Casablanca’ s lively streets are packed with food options. Walk to the city center, Old Medina, and local markets to enjoy the greatest variety. You can literally eat your way across the city, but some standout street foods include kefta( skewers of grilled beef or ground lamb seasoned with coriander, cumin, and paprika), briouat( a savory fried pastry filled with your choice of meat, cheese, or vegetables), and sfenj( a crispy fried donut served with hot honey or jam).
SEAFOOD
As a port city, Casablanca offers a wide variety of excellent seafood dishes. Visit the Central Market for fresh seafood options that can be prepared to your liking at the courtyard restaurants located at the center of the market. Morocco exports more sardines than anywhere else in the world, so you can find them seasoned and grilled throughout Casablanca, along with oysters and fish-filled tagines. Don’ t miss Mkila, the ultimate Moroccan seafood dish featuring a mix of seafood cooked in a skillet with a spicy tomato sauce.
MUST TRY RESTAURANTS
Casablanca is a food lover’ s paradise, with street stalls, cafes, and fine restaurants that appeal to the most discerning tastes. It’ s hard to go wrong with such a wide-ranging dining scene, but a few places are essential visits. Chez Michel et Hafida is the go-to spot for casual, fresh seafood. Try the mussels Mkila, grilled squid, or stuffed sardines. Le Cabestan offers breathtaking Atlantic views, inventive cocktails, and top-notch dishes like salt-baked bass or mango and lobster salad. For traditional dishes, check out Al Mounia, one of the oldest and most renowned eateries in the city. It’ s tucked inside a Moroccan house adorned with mosaics and features a large menu, including lamb tagine, pastilla, and live music. Head to the Old Medina to experience Dar Dada, set in a charming riad serving modern Moroccan cuisine like lemon and garlic chicken tagine, sea bass chermoula, along with live music and dancers.
GETTING THERE
Royal Air Maroc has nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Casablanca, Morocco’ s Mohammed V International Airport( CMN) three to four times a week.
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 26 AUTUMN 2025