Moroccan Breakfast

Ftour aka Moroccan breakfast.png

Breakfast is commonly known as “the most important meal of the day” and here in Morocco, it can sometimes be the most delicious as well. Ranging from a variety of fresh-made pancakes, pastries and breads, this carb-heavy breakfast is certain to fill bellies and bring smiles to the table.

We’ve put together this article about Moroccan breakfast to help guide you in terms of what foods to expect and let you know what’s appropriate to request.

A typical Moroccan breakfast would include a pretty extensive spread of local and fresh items including but not limited to:

  • fresh bread

  • “mssman” or a flat, savory pancake made with wheat flour and a lot of butter

  • “bagrir” or a round pancake made from semolina & wheat flour, yeast and water

  • assorted croissants & pastries

  • jam, butter, honey, spreadable cheese and sometimes (if you’re lucky) a yummy almond/argan spread called “amlou”

  • olives

  • yogurt (usually store-bought, but sometimes you get fresh yogurt made in-house; always cow’s milk)

  • Moroccan tea, orange juice, and coffee

For those looking for something a little more protein heavy, you might find eggs at the table, but they are always available upon request - and don’t be afraid to ask for them! You might have to pay extra, but it won’t break the bank.

Now, for our vegan or gluten free friends - breakfast in Morocco can be very disappointing. In Moroccan culture, the breakfast is the heaviest carb meal of the day, which means: bread, bread and more bread. And as it might be common for those in the West to eat things like avocado toast and fruit smoothie bowls for breakfast, it is certain not common - as fruit is the staple desert item after a lunch or dinner meal in Morocco.

Since most of the pancake recipes are not vegan/gluten-free friendly and cannot be altered, we recommend guests to bring some supplementary items to boost their breakfast, such as fresh fruits (which can be found quite cheaply and easily in Morocco) and gluten-free/vegan breads & crackers. Most supermarkets in Morocco offer a great selection of vegan and gluten-free options, so these things can also be requested in advance for a fee at most accommodations.

No matter what, remember that while the Moroccan breakfast can be one of the most filling meals of the day, it isn’t the only meal of the day - so be sure to save some space in your belly for lunch and dinner, which are also quite delicious anywhere you go!

We love all the fresh flavors and ingredients found all over Morocco, and we’re sure that you will too!

Jade Pleming