Things that surprised me about Morocco

To me, every trip I take brings some surprises. Some good, some not so good. But each one is a chance to learn and to expand your horizons. Here are a few things that caught me by surprise during my trip to Morocco.

The Landscapes

Morocco is often associated with the vibrant, chaotic medinas of Marrakech and Fez, but the country has so much more to offer. Its diverse landscapes are truly breathtaking, with the majestic Atlas Mountains stretching across much of the country and the sand dunes of the Sahara, adding to its natural beauty.

Beyond the major cities, much of the country remains relatively untouched by tourism, offering an authentic experience for those willing to venture out of the main cities.

Spending a week in Morocco was just enough time to scratch the surface, so I’d definitely recommend adding a few extra days to your itinerary – trust me, you won’t regret it!

Food

Back in Birmingham (UK), a menu in a Moroccan restaurant will have Hummus, Falafel, Baklava – none of which I saw in Morocco. Which made me realise what we consider Moroccan food (in Britain at least) is more middle eastern than Moroccan.

Moroccan feast of a plethora of salads and small dishes

My time in Morocco revealed a unique blend of flavors and dishes, such as tagines, kebabs, and surprisingly, French fries; from its colonial past with France.

Moroccan Pastilla – savory rice (either vegetarian or with chicken or fish) is wrapped in flaky pastry and baked in the oven

We had Tagines most days, either for lunch or dinner. If you were vegetarian, this became a bit samey after a few days. Requests to add alternative protein sources like boiled eggs, nuts or cheese to the Tagines were met with wild eyed bewilderment from restaurant staff, but they were perfectly happy to serve these on the side of the Tagine!

Moroccan Vegetable Soup – served with sweets on the side

I was also suprised to learn that in Morocco, cous cous is only eaten on Fridays. This is because Friday is a religious day and families share a traditional meal of cous cous, chicken and vegetables served on a large platter after prayers.

Cous cous – served with vegetables and meat on top on a large dish for shared eating

The coffee and tea in Morocco, especially the mint tea, are excellent and an integral part of Moroccan culture. Adding cumin and salt to tea was a unique twist, one which definitely enhanced the flavour.