Morocco offers a variety of naturally plant-based dishes, making it a great destination for vegan travellers. No need to plan ahead, look up vegan restaurants before you go or book only accommodations with a kitchen. In Morocco, vegan options are available at almost every local restaurant.
In this vegan guide to Morocco, we’ll explore the country’s food scene, from hearty tagines to flavourful lentil soups. You’ll discover typical local vegan dishes, learn how to navigate menus, and avoid common pitfalls. We’ll also examine the roles animals play in Moroccan society, helping you travel more ethically and informed.
If you want to have general travel tips and itinerary recommendations for travelling in Morocco, have a look at this article: 14-day Morocco Itinerary: Roadtripping from Rabat to Marrakesh.
Typical vegan dishes in Morocco
Let’s start by having a look at some typical local dishes that you can find almost everywhere in Morocco:
- Tagine: A tagine is actually named after the clay pot in which it is cooked and – yay – the vegetable version is totally vegan! Veggie versions often include a mix of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes, seasoned with a blend of Moroccan spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric. It’s sooo delicious – it is slow-cooked and, because the pot is covered, it accentuates the flavours of each vegetable. A must try local experience!
- Couscous: From a local cookbook we learned that for authentic Moroccan results, the couscous is steamed in 3 phases! (Walk of shame for all the times we called a 5-min-dish “Couscous”). You can come across the Couscous with Seven Vegetables in every restaurant, often with a mix of steamed vegetables, including carrots, turnips, and cabbage. It will always be prepared in a slightly different ways and with different veggies. In fact, we probably had couscous 3-4 days in a row and were always surprised at how every dish had its own unique taste. So don’t be afraid of repeating the same meals, we can assure you that it won’t get boring! Some traditional cookbooks add butter to the recipe, so to be sure to get a vegan version, it’s better to ask beforehand how the couscous is prepared. People in Morocco are super friendly and accommodating and will be quick to offer an alternative if necessary.
- Mezze: Mezze means small plates – and the good news is, they mostly contain salads, almost all of which are vegan! Among the ones we tried, we had eggplants, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers and beans. If you visit a restaurant, just ask for vegan salads and let yourself be surprised.
- Harira: Harira is a hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes. While traditionally associated with Ramadan, it’s a common dish throughout the year. Ask beforehand to be sure that it’s prepared without meat broth or eggs.
- Bissara: Bissara is a plant based soup made with dried fava beans, spices and olive oil.
- Berber pizza: A traditional dish that is oven prepared with lamb or beef, but whenever we asked, it was never a problem to leave out the meat. The vegan version is a flavourful meal with onions, spices and herbs inside.
- Msemmen: The Moroccan flatbread is served for breakfast at many places. Although the original recipe is vegan, some places might add butter, so be sure to ask beforehand.
- Zaalouk: Zaalouk is a smoky, spiced eggplant dip often served as a side dish or appetizer. It’s made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of paprika and cumin. It’s super delicious with freshly baked bread.
- Fruits and nuts: Fruits are found everywhere in Morocco and can be a good option for vegans to order for dessert in restaurants. On top of that, fruits and nuts, fresh from the market, often served us as a quick and healthy snack throughout the day.
Tips for ordering vegan food in Morocco
Key Phrases
Moroccans are known for their friendliness and hospitality. In restaurants, they will generally go out of their way to accommodate your needs, and it’s usually no trouble to adapt dishes to make them vegan. To ensure smooth communication, learning a few key phrases in Arabic or French can make a big difference. For example:
French:
- Sans viande, s’il vous plaît. (Without meat, please.)
- Sans beurre, s’il vous plaît. (Without butter, please.)
- Sans lait, s’il vous plaît. (Without milk, please.)
Arabic:
- Lahemi la (No meat)
- Hiwaniat Muntajat La (No animal products)
- Beed (Eggs)
- Laban / Halib (Milk)
- Jaban (Cheese)
- Butter (Zabida)
- Assal (Honey)
Ingredients to Watch Out For
When dining in Morocco, some dishes might include non-vegan ingredients that aren’t immediately obvious. Here are a few examples to watch out for:
- Ghee or butter used in couscous and bread: Couscous is sometimes steamed with ghee or butter to enhance its flavour and texture. Similarly, traditional Moroccan bread may include butter in the dough or be brushed with it after baking for a glossy finish.
- Meat-based broths in soups and tagines: Some Moroccan soups (like harira) and tagines are prepared with meat-based broths, even if the dish doesn’t include visible meat. These broths are typically made by simmering meat or bones, with the aim of adding a rich flavour to the dish.
- Honey in desserts: Moroccan desserts, such as chebakia (sesame cookies coated in honey) and briouats (pastries often dipped in honey), frequently feature honey as a key ingredient for sweetness and glaze.
Navigating Street Food and Local Markets
Street food is an exciting and integral part of Moroccan culture that you shouldn’t miss. Strolling through the bustling markets and exploring the vibrant food souks is a window into the heart of daily life, traditional flavours, and local customs. Street food is a great choice for every meal of the day, from breakfasts, to lunch, to dinners. Beyond the food itself, the lively atmosphere of the markets adds to the charm. Watching vendors prepare dishes on the spot, bargaining over fresh produce, and engaging with locals offers a deeper understanding of Moroccan hospitality and traditions.
When exploring street food, look for vendors serving vegetable tagines, lentil stews, or freshly baked bread. To fully enjoy your experience and be completely sure your meal is vegan, it’s always a good idea to ask about the ingredients before ordering.
What Makes Moroccan Food Special?
The Rich Use of Spices and Herbs
Moroccan cuisine is well known for its aromatic spices, including cinnamon, saffron, and coriander. These flavours elevate even the simplest vegetable dishes into something extraordinary.
Fresh, Local, and Seasonal Ingredients
Farmers’ markets across Morocco are offering fresh, seasonal products. Be sure to try some fresh fruits and vegetables, like sweet oranges or juicy tomatoes.
The Culture of Sharing and Hospitality
Moroccan meals are often shared communally, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted culture of hospitality. This hospitality is at the heart of Moroccan culture, and you’ll often find locals eager to share their food, stories, and traditions. If you’re fortunate enough to be invited into someone’s home, take advantage of this exciting opportunity to experience an authentic Moroccan meal.
Restaurant recommendations in Morocco
Cities with Dedicated Vegan Spots
Major cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Fez offer a growing number of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants. In Marrakesh, for instance, you’ll find cafés serving creative vegan dishes alongside traditional Moroccan food.
Hidden Gems in Small Towns
In smaller towns, vegan options may not be explicitly labelled, but they’re often available. Local restaurants are usually happy to accommodate requests for vegetable tagines, couscous, and other plant-based dishes.
Using Apps
Apps like HappyCow are useful for locating vegan-friendly restaurants in Morocco. They provide reviews, photos, and detailed information to help you find the best spots to dine.
Our top vegan spots in Morocco
Agadir
- Ô Playa: Restaurant offering vegan-friendly dishes, including vegetable paella and vegetable tagine. They can also customize pizzas to be vegan by omitting the cheese upon request.
- Restaurant Jade: Beachfront Asian fusion restaurant featuring vegan options like a vegan poke bowl, vegetable spring rolls, California rolls, soup, and Pad Thai.
- Taha The Grandson: Iraqi restaurant offering several vegan clearly-labelled options, including falafel, salads, mezze, grilled vegetables, and bean stew. Please note that some sauces and dips may contain dairy, so it’s best to check with the staff.
Casablanca
- NIYA: Lovely vegan café/restaurant serving fully vegan dishes like burgers, ravioli, toast, quiche or chocolate cookies.
- Bondi: Restaurant with Australian influence serving clearly marked vegan dishes, such as bowls, sandwiches and salads.
Chefchaouen
- Baissara Ansara: Small place with only 2 tables where you can order fava bean soup with bread and mint tea. Friendly staff and affordable price.
- Bilmos: Moroccan restaurant with clearly-marked vegan options offering salads, soups, vegan paninis, falafel, avocado toast and pasta.
Essaouira
- Le Corail at Latifa: Fully vegan restaurant serving starters, mains and dessert.
- Shyadma’s Vegan Food: Fully vegan restaurant serving starters, mains and dessert.
- Asian Red Food: Asian fast food restaurant offering vegan dishes such as spring rolls, vegetable stir-fry with rice, Thai curry, and vegetable fried noodles.
- Chez Omar: Local restaurant with vegan options clearly listed in English and Frenchsuch as vegetable tagine, couscous, zaalouk eggplant, touktoukah, spinach and more.
- Dar Al Houma: A local traditional restaurant using bio and organic fruits and vegetables from Essaouira. Vegan dishes include salads, soups, briouatte, couscous and more.
Fez
- Veggie Pause: Vegetarian restaurant including soups, wraps, bowls, burgers, pizza, burgers and sweets. Vegan options are clearly marked.
- Vegetal Spot: Sister restaurant to “Veggie Pause”, serving Western food with Moroccan influence with a separate vegan menu. Dishes include daily soup, lasagna, quinoa salad, avocado toast, burgers and more.
- Bissara Shop: Little shop offering Bissara (fava bean soup) and mint tea.
Imlil
- La table de Tigmi: Restaurant offering vegan options such as salad, couscous and tagine.
Marrakesh
- World Storytelling Cafe: Fully vegan restaurant serving local dishes like stewed beans, aubergine with garlic and coriander, pumpkin with raisins, soups, a variety of dips, smoothies and more.
- Khalid’s vegetarian sandwich: Our personal coup de coeur! For the super cheap price of 10 DH, you get a delicious vegan sandwich filled with looots of veggies and prepared with so much love. While we were waiting, Khalid even offered us tea. A genuine human encounter that we won’t forget. Update January 2025: On happycow, Khalid’s place is now marked as closed. If anyone has recently been to Marrakesh and has news, we’d be thrilled to hear from you!
- Ayaso: Local restaurant with a farm-to-table concept focusing on organic food. Offers clearly-marked vegan breakfast options such as granola and coffee with plant-based milk, as well as vegan main dishes such as tajine, couscous, curry and salads.
- Atay Cafe: Rooftop restaurant offering clearly labelled vegan options, such as tagine, couscous, and hummus.
- Broc the Kashbah: We enjoyed a complete vegan dinner here while sitting on their terrace and soaking in the lively hustle and bustle of Marrakesh’s streets. They serve typical local, as well as international dishes. Update January 2025: While the restaurant was fully vegetarian during our visit, it is now reportedly serving meat as well. However, they continue to offer vegan options.
- Bo & Zin: Restaurant serving a variety of Thai, Moroccan and international food, with a separate vegan menu. Vegan options include buckwheat & quinoa croquettes, dim sum, polenta broccoli foam, couscous, as well as chocolate mousse for dessert.
Meknes
- Restaurant Baraka: Moroccan restaurant in a beautiful setting offering lots of vegan options, such as hot pepper & tomato salad, warm eggplant & tomato salad (zaalouk), lentils, vegetable tagine and chickpeas. The owner knows about veganism.
Merzouga
- Restaurant Dakar: Moroccan restaurant offering vegan dishes such as couscous & vegetable tagine and salads.
- Restaurant Nora: Lovely restaurant serving couscous, tagine and berber pizza. We asked for a pizza without meat and cheese and got served a delicious one with onions and herbs.
Ouarzazate
- La Rose Des Sables: Restaurant serving Moroccan and Italian dishes. Vegan options include soup, salads, vegetable tagine and pizza without cheese. Super friendly owner that made us pay less for his pizza because we ordered it without cheese (!!! European restaurants, take note).
Ourika Valley
- Jardin des Délices: This restaurant belongs to a hotel, but the food was so incredible, that we want to include it here. Mustafa, the owner of the hotel prepared a spontaneous, absolutely delicious, 5-star-worthy vegan dinner, with items such as spirulina or fresh oranges from the garden. It honestly made us contemplate about leaving everything behind to start as interns in his kitchen 😉
Rabat
- Ô Saveurs de la Medina: Rooftop restaurant with very friendly owners that likes to talk about their city and give tips for visitors. We had a vegetable couscous.
- Boho Café: Brunch restaurant offering a few items that can be made vegan such as breakfast dishes, bagels, paninis, desserts, and drinks with non-dairy milks.
- Abtal Acham: Syrian restaurant offering vegan hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, fattoushe and toum.
- Dar Zaki: Moroccan restaurant with some vegan dishes available such as starters and couscous . The owner speaks English and can advise which dishes are vegan or can be made vegan.
Taghazout
- Redclay Cafe: Fully vegan place offering sweet and salty options.
Tangier
- Bissara: Little restaurant offering Bissara (fava bean soup) and mint tea with bread and olives.
- N’BTA: Vegetarian restaurant serving Moroccan cuisine. Offers vegan-friendly tagines, soup, mrouziya and other traditional cuisine, dips and more.
- Abou Tayssir: Restaurant offering dishes like falafel, tabouleh and hummus. Vegan options are clearly labeled.
Tinghir
- Happy Nomad: Restaurant offering a few vegetarian items that are or can be made vegan such as berber soup, salads, moussaka, tajine, couscous, pastas, burgers and more.
The Roles of Animals in Moroccan Society
Working animals: horses, donkeys, and camels
In Morocco, animals play a big role in daily life, particularly in agriculture and transportation. Donkeys, horses, and camels are commonly relied upon for their strength and endurance – whether it’s carrying goods in rural areas, navigating the bustling streets of cities, or being used in tourism, such as offering camel rides in the desert. Especially the presence of camels is exciting for many people and seen as an iconic symbol of Morocco.
While their presence undeniably adds to the cultural experience, it’s crucial to observe how these animals are treated and avoid activities that exploit or harm them. Many camels endure poor living conditions, overwork, and harmful practices, such as being controlled with tight nose rings or whips. Even in situations where animals appear well-treated, the act of riding camels perpetuates the demand for such practices, contributing to the exploitation of more animals.
In popular destinations like Merzouga, camel rides are frequently offered as part of desert tour packages. However, as a conscious traveller, you can choose to opt out of the camel ride and walk instead, allowing you to still enjoy the desert landscapes while making an ethical choice. By choosing not to ride a camel, you also send a powerful message to tour operators that such activities are not what travellers care about, encouraging them to prioritize humane and ethical practices in their offerings.
Animals used for entertainment
In some city squares, such as the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh, monkeys are often used for entertainment purposes, which can involve being dressed up, chained, or forced to perform for tourists. Snakes are another common attraction, with snake charmers using cobras or other species to perform for crowds.
Beyond cities, tourists may encounter another seemingly charming but exploitative practice in rural Morocco: goats perched in argan trees. While these images are often marketed as an iconic representation of Moroccan culture, they are not entirely natural. In rare cases, it can happen that goats do climb argan trees in search of fruit, but in many cases, they are placed in the trees by farmers to attract tourists. These goats are often tied to branches or forced to stay in the trees for long hours, enduring discomfort and stress.
Stray animals
Stray dogs and cats are a common sight in Morocco, especially in cities, villages, and rural areas. Cats, in particular, are deeply ingrained in Moroccan culture and are often seen lounging around markets, mosques, and restaurants. In rural areas, dogs are often used as guard animals or for herding livestock. In general, while most communities treat stray animals with kindness, others view them as nuisances. As a result, many stray animals face harsh living conditions, including a lack of proper food, water, and shelter.
Morocco has made progress in addressing the stray animal population through sterilization and vaccination campaigns, often supported by local charities or international organizations. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, for example, help control the population of stray dogs and cats humanely while improving their health and reducing the spread of diseases. However, these programs are not yet widespread enough to address the full scale of the problem.
Shops and markets
If you visit markets or shops selling animal products, be mindful of what you choose to buy. Moroccan markets often sell items made from animal products, such as leather, fur, or ivory. Some of these products may be sourced from endangered species or involve unethical practices. When shopping, choose cruelty-free or plant-based alternatives, such as woven textiles or ceramic goods, to support artisans and sustainable practices. By making conscious purchasing decisions, you can help reduce the demand for animal exploitation.
Making ethical choices as a traveller
As a traveller in Morocco, you have the power to make informed choices and avoid engaging in practices that go against your values. In conclusion, here are some ways you can support animals during your trip:
- Avoid activities like camel rides or horse-drawn carriages: Tourism activities such as camel rides and horse-drawn carriages may seem like cultural experiences, but they often come at the expense of the animals’ well-being.
- Don’t engage in photo opportunities with wild animals: Supporting such activities perpetuates animal exploitation. Instead, observe animals responsibly in their natural habitat.
- Be mindful when visiting markets or shops selling animal products: When shopping in markets, steer clear of items made from animal products, such as leather, fur, or ivory.
- Refrain from buying animals (puppies, kittens or other animals): While it may be tempting to buy a puppy, kitten, or other animal from a street seller to “rescue” them or set them free, this practice unintentionally supports the cycle of exploitation and poor breeding conditions.
- Support local animal welfare organizations: Many organizations in Morocco focus on rescuing and caring for stray animals, sterilization programs, and providing necessary medical care (see below). Consider donating or volunteering to contribute to these efforts.
- Raise awareness: Share your experiences and choices with other travellers to inspire more ethical and cruelty-free tourism practices. By leading by example, you can encourage positive change.
Local Animal Welfare Organizations
There are several organizations and sanctuaries in Morocco dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and protecting animals. Below, we list some of them. If you know of other sanctuaries or local organisations in Morocco, please let us know, and we will add them to this list!
- SPA Maroc (Société Protectrice des Animaux): SPA Maroc is one of the leading animal welfare organizations in Morocco, working to improve the living conditions of stray and abandoned animals. They provide shelter, medical care, and sterilization programs to control the stray animal population. The organization also advocates for better treatment of animals across the country.
- Ahimsa Sanctuary: Ahimsa Sanctuary is a refuge run by dedicated vegans for rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, cats and so-called “farm animals”. The sanctuary provides care to animals that have been abandoned, abused, or in need of medical attention. The sanctuary not only advocates for the ethical treatment of animals but also promotes veganism as a way to reduce harm to all living beings.
- Morocco Animal Aid: This organization focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating stray and injured animals in the Rabat and Casablanca regions. They run outreach programs, educating the public about the importance of sterilization, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare.
- SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad): SPANA is a well-known international charity that operates in Morocco to provide veterinary care to working animals, such as donkeys, horses, and mules. These animals are often subjected to poor working conditions, and SPANA aims to alleviate suffering by offering free veterinary treatment, wound care, and preventive health measures. In addition, SPANA runs education programs in rural areas, teaching locals about animal welfare and how to care for their working animals properly. They also support sterilization programs to control the population of stray animals and reduce overpopulation.
- CARE – Collective of Animal Rescuers in Essaouira: CARE is a local initiative in Essaouira that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray dogs. The organization works tirelessly to provide medical treatment, vaccination, and sterilization to help control the growing population of stray dogs in the city. CARE also raises awareness about responsible pet ownership and encourages adoption instead of abandonment.
- Straycare International: Straycare International is dedicated to helping Morocco’s stray cat population by providing medical care, sterilization, and feeding programs. They work with local communities to improve conditions for street cats, reduce overpopulation through TNR (trap-neuter-release) programs and find loving homes for rescued cats whenever possible.
Conclusion
Traveling vegan in Morocco is an incredibly rewarding experience. From flavourful dishes to welcoming locals, it’s a destination that is easy and accessible for vegans. By staying mindful of animal welfare and making informed choices, you can enjoy everything Morocco has to offer while aligning with your values.
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