Moroccan cuisine has been voted "the best cuisine in the world" and is a fusion of Arabic, Berber and Mediterranean flavors. However, traditional Moroccan dishes usually contain meat or meat seasonings, and it seems a bit difficult for vegetarians to find the right food in this food paradise. Don't worry, this guide will provide a series of practical tips for vegetarian travelers, covering language communication, ordering skills, market shopping, budget planning, and luggage packing suggestions to help you have a pleasant and safe trip to Morocco.
Moroccans speak Darijah (Moroccan Arabic dialect) and most people speak French, so learning some basic phrases in Arabic and French can help you order food more smoothly.
Arabic
Ana nabati. (أنا نباتي) - I am a vegetarian (for men)
Ana nabatiya. (أنا نباتية) - I am a vegetarian (for women)
La akol lahma aw dajaj aw samak. (لا آكل اللحم أو الدجاج أو السمك) - I do not eat meat, chicken or fish
French
Je suis végétarien. (for men) / Je suis végétarienne. (for women) - I am a vegetarian
Je ne mange pas de viande, de poulet ou de poisson. - I do not eat meat, chicken or fish
Avez-vous des plats végétariens ? - Do you have vegetarian dishes?
If you are a strict vegetarian (do not eat animal products such as eggs and milk), you can add:
Arabic: La akol ay shay min al hayawan (لا آكل أي شيء من الحيوان)
French: Je ne mange rien d'origine animale.
Although Moroccan traditional dishes are mostly meat-based, many classic dishes also have vegan or vegetarian versions. When ordering, pay attention to the following points:
Some traditional Moroccan dishes are vegetarian in themselves, such as:
Vegetable Tagine (Tagine aux légumes): Moroccan slow-cooked vegetable stew, usually using eggplant, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, etc., can be requested without chicken broth or butter.
Vegetarian Couscous aux légumes: Couscous is usually served with lamb or chicken, but you can ask for only vegetables and chickpeas.
Harira sans viande: Moroccans love to drink this tomato and chickpea soup in the evening. Some stores will put some minced meat in the soup, but you can ask for a vegan version.
Zaalouk: An appetizer made of roasted eggplant and tomatoes, suitable for vegetarians.
Moroccan mint tea (Thé à la menthe): A pure plant drink, usually with sugar, you can ask for a sugar-free version.
Even if the dish seems vegetarian, you still need to ask if the following animal ingredients are added:
Bouillon de viande: Many stews and soups may use beef or chicken broth.
Beurre and Smen: Some couscous and bread may contain butter or fermented cream.
Fish sauce (Sauce de poisson): If dining at an Asian fusion restaurant, be aware that some sauces may contain fish sauce.
In Morocco's major cities, such as Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, and Essaouira, there are already many vegetarian-friendly restaurants. You can find suitable restaurants through vegetarian restaurant guide apps such as HappyCow.
You can buy many fresh ingredients in Moroccan traditional markets (Souks) and supermarkets to prepare simple meals or snacks by yourself.
Fresh fruits: figs, dates, oranges, grapefruits, pomegranates, bananas
Fresh vegetables: tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, peppers, potatoes, olives
Beans and grains: chickpeas, lentils, couscous, barley
Plant milk (soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk)
Vegan cookies & bread (pay attention to whether the ingredients list contains butter or milk powder)
Nuts & dried fruits (pistachios, almonds, raisins)
Olive oil & Moroccan spices (cumin, saffron, paprika)
Vegetarian diets in Morocco are relatively cheap, but proper planning can help you eat healthier and save money.
Street snacks: Moroccan street stalls have many cheap and delicious vegetarian options, such as olives, nuts, and flatbreads (Msemen).
Buy your own ingredients at the market: Buy fresh fruits and nuts to make simple meals at home, which can reduce costs.
Budget for vegetarian restaurants: A meal at an ordinary vegetarian restaurant costs about 50-100 dirhams (about 5-10 US dollars), and a high-end vegetarian restaurant costs about 150 dirhams or more.
Accommodation with a kitchen: If you travel in Morocco for a long time, it is recommended to stay in an Airbnb or apartment with a kitchen, and it is more economical to cook by yourself.
When traveling in Morocco, the following items will make your vegetarian trip more convenient:
✅ Portable seasonings (cumin powder, chili powder, salt) - convenient for adjusting the taste of food
✅ Ready-to-eat foods (oatmeal, energy bars, dried fruits) - avoid not being able to find vegetarian food on long trips
✅ Eco-friendly tableware (foldable tableware, thermos) - suitable for market snacks and camping
✅ Translation apps (Google Translate, HappyCow) - convenient for communication and finding vegetarian restaurants
✅ Vegetarian supplements (B12 vitamins, protein powder) - ensure balanced nutrition
Of course! Although Morocco is famous for its meat tagine and barbecue, as long as you master the basic ordering skills, learn to visit local markets, and plan your budget reasonably, vegetarians can enjoy delicious food here without breaking the rules. I hope this guide can help you eat healthily and have fun when traveling in Morocco!
Click here to explore more travel guides in Morocco: Travel Inspirations.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries for inspirations:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
Feel free to contact us for personalized tour experiences:
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