Spices & Souks: A Foodie’s Journey Through Marrakech

The allure of Morocco lies not just in its breath-taking landscapes but in its rich culinary traditions, a tapestry of flavours shaped by centuries of trade, geography, and culture. After a trip 6 years ago when I toured more of Morocco I was excited to visit again and base myself close to Marrakech. This trip I wanted to really immerse myself fully in Moroccan gastronomy, from bustling medinas filled with spices to learning the chef’s crafts to amazing hospitality in a Berber home. This wasn’t just a holiday; it was a sensory journey that brought Moroccan cuisine to life, each meal a story told through spices, fresh produce, and age-old recipes passed down through generations.

A Culinary Welcome: Mint Tea and Tagines

From the moment I arrived in Marrakech, Moroccan hospitality unfolded through food and flavour. My stay at a serene villa set the tone with a traditional welcome: steaming glasses of mint tea. This quintessential Moroccan drink, sweet and aromatic, was a gesture as warm as the surroundings. Dinner that evening showcased a spread of tagines – Morocco’s iconic slow-cooked stews infused with herbs and spices – paired with freshly baked bread. The blend of flavours, from the tang of preserved lemons to the earthy undertones of cumin and turmeric, made the evening a feast of warmth and spice, capturing the essence of Moroccan cuisine in every bite.

A Taste of the Medina: Spices and Rooftop Views

The medina of Marrakech is not merely a market but a sensory adventure. Stepping into its narrow lanes, you are greeted by stalls bursting with vibrant spices – saffron, cinnamon, and cumin – each adding its distinct character to Moroccan dishes. We lunched in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina’s terracotta rooftops, where we savoured dishes like zaalouk, an aubergine and tomato salad rich in olive oil and garlic, and Moroccan salads flavoured with fresh herbs. Paired with a tangy mocktail, the meal offered a perfect balance of freshness and complexity against the bustle of the market below.

Exploring Rural Morocco: Flavours of the Atlas Mountains

A journey into the Atlas Mountains took us to a local market in Ourika, where the bounty of rural Morocco was on full display. Here, vendors sold everything from fresh produce to aromatic spices, the air was filled with the scent of herbs and wood smoke. For lunch, we stopped at Kasbah Bab Ourika which sits in a magical setting surrounded with lush greens breathtaking views of green fields and groves of olives, oranges and lemons, and up to the dazzling snowy Mountain peaks. Here the chef presented a range of traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

On a separate day we took a guided walk into the Atlas mountains ending at the guide’s home where his wife and daughters cooked for us and shared course after course. The hospitality was extraordinary; we were treated like kings and queens, savouring the incredible meal of various salads, slow-cooked tagines, fragrant couscous, and handmade bread, each dish infused with the flavours of the region.

The tagine of the day, slow-cooked with tender lamb, quince, and prunes, epitomised the Moroccan way of blending savoury with a touch of sweetness, creating a rich, layered experience that complemented the sweeping mountain views.

It was a simple yet unforgettable experience, and the warmth of their welcome left a deep impression on us all.

Mastering Moroccan Flavours: A Cooking Class in the Medina

One of the highlights of the trip was a hands-on cooking class, where we delved into the art of Moroccan cuisine under the guidance of a local chef. Starting in the market, we selected fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs to craft a traditional menu. In the kitchen, we learned to prepare lemon chicken tagine, vegetable tagine, zaalouk and other salads and fresh bread. Each dish was a celebration of spices – the warmth of ginger, the brightness of coriander, and the distinctive tang of preserved lemon. When it came time to bake our bread, we took it to a community bakery, immersing ourselves further into the local tradition. The experience of creating these dishes, rich in flavour and history, made each bite feel earned and unforgettable.

Gardens and Café Culture: The Flavours of Relaxation

Amidst our culinary adventures, we took a peaceful morning stroll through the Majorelle Gardens. Here, amidst towering palms, blue accents, and tranquil water features, we were surrounded by beauty and tranquillity – a perfect pause from the city’s vibrancy. Afterwards, we retreated to a nearby café, where I tried Nous Nous, a Moroccan coffee similar to a latte, rich and comforting with a balanced bitterness. As I sat sipping and watching the world go by, it struck me that Moroccan cuisine isn’t just about food; it’s about creating spaces for relaxation, reflection, and connection.

An evening at Sahbi Sahbi: Women-Led Moroccan Dining

Sahbi Sahbi is a unique, all-women-run restaurant that celebrates Morocco’s culinary heritage. With its vibrant spices, intricate flavours, and dishes crafted with tradition in mind, each plate told a story. The menu included hearty tagines, fragrant couscous, and salads bursting with herbs and delicious fresh sardines cooked on skewers. This was more than a meal; it was a tribute to the women who have shaped Moroccan cuisine for centuries, blending their knowledge and love into every recipe. Dining here felt like a true homage to the country’s gastronomic richness and a real treat.

A Farewell with Flavour and Art

As our journey came to a close, we visited the Anima Sculpture Park, a surreal oasis blending nature with contemporary art. Wandering through this dreamy landscape, I reflected on the week’s experiences – the rich meals, the fragrant spices, and the heartfelt hospitality. Each meal in Marrakech had been an expression of the local culture, embodying the warmth, flavour, and soul of Morocco.

Leaving with a suitcase filled with spices and a heart full of memories, I feel a deep appreciation for Morocco’s culinary spirit. Every flavour, from the sharp tang of preserved lemons to the gentle sweetness of almonds in a tagine, have left an indelible mark. For those seeking more than just a holiday, Marrakech offers a culinary journey where every meal is a celebration of culture, tradition, and togetherness. This is a place where food doesn’t just nourish; it connects, uplifts, and tells a story that lingers long after the last bite.

Explore some Moroccan recipes yourself in our previous Morocco blog here.

This taster holiday to Marrakesh was booked through Flavours Holidays and was taken in mid October 2024. Although this blog focusses on the gastronomy the holiday also included 4 yoga sessions and visits to various places around Marrakesh.

The holiday caters for a maximum of around 12 guests at any time and has a host with you. All meals, drinks and trips are included in the holiday price.