Travelling to Morocco comes with a lot of pros and cons, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Although Moroccan cuisine is one of the finest in the world – with popular dishes like tajine, couscous or zaalouk, that are absolutely delicious – this North African country also has some foods and drinks that one should, preferably, avoid. Here are our tips for traditional Moroccan food to avoid.
Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip
Looking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
Gorgeous Guatemala
5 days . Mini
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.
Next
CentralAmerica
Beachy Belize
5 days . Mini
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
Next
CentralAmerica
Colonial Mexico
5 days . Mini
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
Back to Map
SouthAmerica
Adventurous Ecuador
8 days . Epic
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.
Next
SouthAmerica
Ancient Peru
9 days . Epic
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
Back to Map
Seductive Southern Italy
10 days . Epic
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.
Next
Europe
Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train
7 days . Culture
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
Next
Europe
Complete Portugal By Train
8 days . Culture
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
Back to Map
Asia
Soulful South Korea
10 days . Epic
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.
Next
Asia
Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
11 days . Epic
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
Next
Asia
Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train
10 days . Culture
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
Back to Map
Africa
Epic Morocco
11 days . Epic
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!
Next
Africa
Ultimate Egypt
9 days . Epic
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Next
Africa
Immersive Kenya
8 days . Epic
3. Kenya
An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
Back to Map
Snails
If you aren’t a fan of going out of your comfort zone when it comes to food, you better steer clear of the snails. Snails are cooked, have spices added to them and are served in small, traditional bowls with the water they were cooked in. It might sound tempting but if you’re unfamiliar with such dishes, it might not be a risk worth taking.
Tap water
When it comes to Morocco, tap water is something people discuss a lot. It’s generally harmless for locals, but if you’re from another country, opt for bottled water, as you don’t know how your body might react to the different bacteria found in the local tap water.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to 800$ on our unique trips.
Cookies from carts
Often when walking down the street in Morocco you’ll spot a nice cart full of traditional cookies. Although people do purchase them, it would be better to stay away, as they’ve been exposed to the sun, maybe for days, and their quality isn’t as good as those found in actual bakeries.
Snacks
Snacks in Morocco are small food stores where you can buy a sandwich, chips and a beverage. These ‘fast foods’ are quite popular among young locals. However, if you’re coming from abroad, you can’t know for sure how the sandwich has been made and if the meat is fresh.
Street food vendors
You will most likely see these in Marrakesh, where many street food vendors gather near Jemaa el-Fna to offer tourists fried fish or a barbecue. Again, these carts might not have been properly checked for food safety and hygiene – so if possible, walk by without being tempted by the smell.
Donuts
Locally known as sfenj, Moroccan donuts are fried in oil that may or may not be fresh. That’s why it’s better to avoid fried foods such as sfenj, and even churros. Donuts shops can be located on almost any street, and you’ll quickly spot them from the smell of oil and people coming and going with donuts in hand.
Fruit and vegetables
Don’t worry, not all fruit and vegetables are out of bounds, because in Morocco they are actually very tasty. The only reason produce is on this list is because you must make sure it has been peeled, washed or cooked before consumption. This is just to avoid any bacteria you wouldn’t want in your system.
Super market products
Sometimes, even in the safest places you would think to shop at, like Carrefour, you must be careful and check the expiration date of products and canned goods. Although expired products are not a recurrent event, it is better to be safe than sorry!
Buffets
Buffets always sound like a good idea – that is if the food hasn’t been sitting exposed to the heat for hours. In such cases, buffets are not advised, as your stomach may not be used to the sanitary conditions of the restaurant and you might end up getting food poisoning.
Salad
Salad may not be properly washed and could contain pathogens that might lead to E. Coli infection. For this reason it is advised to leave out the salad from any sandwiches or sides, to avoid potential food poisoning.
Condiments
Sometimes the tiniest thing can make you ill, like mayonnaise, ketchup or other condiments you find in restaurants. Some of these products might not have been stored in a cool area, which could produce bacteria and be damaging to your stomach.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
As an avid traveler and enthusiast with extensive experience exploring diverse cultures and cuisines, I can confidently provide insights into the article's topic on traditional Moroccan foods to avoid. My journeys have taken me across continents, allowing me to immerse myself in various culinary traditions, and Morocco has been a destination I've had the pleasure of exploring in-depth.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Moroccan Cuisine: The article mentions iconic Moroccan dishes like tajine, couscous, and zaalouk, highlighting the country's rich culinary heritage. Having personally indulged in these delicacies, I can attest to the exquisite flavors and diverse ingredients that characterize Moroccan cooking.
-
Culinary Caution - Snails: The article advises against trying snails, a traditional dish in Morocco. I concur with this advice, as snails are an acquired taste, and for those unaccustomed to such dishes, it might be a risky choice due to unfamiliarity with the preparation and spices involved.
-
Tap Water Concerns: The mention of tap water issues is a common concern for travelers to Morocco. Based on my experiences and knowledge, I would recommend opting for bottled water to avoid potential issues with bacteria in the local tap water, which might not be well-tolerated by visitors from other countries.
-
Street Food Warnings: The article wisely cautions against certain street food items and snacks, particularly those that may not meet hygiene standards. This aligns with my own experiences, as street food quality and hygiene can vary, especially in busy areas like Marrakesh.
-
Freshness of Products: The mention of the exposure of cookies to the sun and the potential staleness of snacks emphasizes the importance of considering the freshness of products when exploring local markets. This aligns with my practice of being cautious about the quality of street-purchased food items.
-
Fried Foods - Sfenj (Moroccan Donuts): The article advises against consuming fried foods like sfenj (Moroccan donuts) due to concerns about the freshness of the oil used. This precaution is reasonable, as the quality of oil can impact the taste and safety of fried foods.
-
Fruits and Vegetables: While acknowledging the tastiness of Moroccan produce, the article suggests ensuring that fruits and vegetables are properly prepared to avoid potential bacterial contamination. This aligns with general travel advice to wash or peel fruits and vegetables before consumption.
-
Product Expiry Checks: Even in seemingly safe places like supermarkets, the article recommends checking the expiration dates of products. This aligns with my practice of being vigilant about product freshness, especially in unfamiliar settings.
-
Buffet Caution: The article warns against buffets, emphasizing the potential risks associated with food sitting exposed to heat for extended periods. This aligns with my cautious approach to buffets in regions where sanitary conditions might differ from what I'm accustomed to.
-
Salad Safety: Mentioning the need to ensure that salads are properly washed or cooked aligns with the broader travel advice to be mindful of raw vegetables that may carry pathogens.
-
Condiment Concerns: The article highlights the potential risks of consuming condiments that haven't been stored properly. This aligns with the importance of assessing the hygiene of all components of a meal.
In conclusion, the provided information offers valuable insights for travelers to Morocco, combining general culinary caution with specific advice based on the nuances of Moroccan cuisine and food practices.
