Vegan Travel Tips for Marrakech – A Deep Dive into Moroccan Plant-Based Cuisine
Updated for 2025 | By a conscious traveler and plant-based food lover
Introduction
Marrakech is a feast for the senses: vibrant colors, hypnotic sounds, and an aromatic whirlwind of spices filling the air. But what if you're traveling as a vegan? Can you still enjoy Morocco’s culinary delights without compromising your ethics or health? The answer is a resounding yes — but it requires some mindfulness and preparation.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore not only what you can eat as a vegan in Marrakech, but how to communicate your needs, avoid common pitfalls, and savor a rich array of Moroccan dishes that just happen to be plant-based.
Is Moroccan Cuisine Vegan-Friendly?
Moroccan cuisine is not inherently vegan — but it is deeply rooted in vegetables, legumes, and grains. Most families rely on seasonal produce, olive oil, spices, and traditional methods of slow cooking. Many traditional dishes can be made vegan or already are, provided you know how to order and ask for modifications.
Essential Vegan Moroccan Dishes to Try
- Vegetable Tagine – A slow-cooked stew of zucchini, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, olives, and preserved lemon. Make sure to request it without meat broth.
- Couscous with Vegetables – Traditionally eaten on Fridays. Ask specifically for couscous steamed without meat broth or served separately.
- Zaalouk – A smoky eggplant and tomato salad cooked with garlic, paprika, and cumin.
- Taktouka – A mix of green pepper and tomatoes cooked in olive oil with spices. Served warm or cold.
- Harira (vegan version) – A hearty soup usually made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs. Avoid versions with meat or egg-based thickeners.
- Bakoula – Steamed mallow greens (or spinach) with preserved lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
- Olives and Moroccan Bread – Served in most restaurants before a meal. Confirm that bread doesn't contain milk or butter.
- Fresh Juices and Mint Tea – Widely available and naturally vegan. Skip the sugar if you prefer natural taste.
Deep Tips for Vegans Navigating Marrakech
1. Learn Key Phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Communicating your dietary needs is critical. English is not widely spoken in local eateries, and even French doesn’t always guarantee clarity about animal products. Memorize or write down these key phrases:
- Ana nabaty / nabatiya – I’m vegan
- Bla l-hem, bla djej – Without meat, without chicken
- Bghit khodra safi – I want only vegetables
- Bla z-zibda – No butter
- Bla Marqa – No broth (stock)
- Wash fih l-hem? – Does this have meat?
2. Ask About the Broth
Many seemingly plant-based dishes are cooked with chicken or beef stock — particularly couscous and tagines. Don’t hesitate to ask: “Is this cooked with meat broth?” Politely requesting an alternative or asking the chef directly can save you surprises.
3. Beware of Butter and Smen
Moroccan cuisine sometimes uses smen, a fermented clarified butter, to enrich dishes. This may be present in bread, couscous, or vegetable stews. Ask for olive oil or confirm ingredients.
4. Street Food – Proceed with Caution
Street food in Marrakech is tempting and aromatic — but many vendors reuse cooking oils and use meat-infused bases even for fried vegetables. If you want to try something, go for grilled corn, fresh fruit, orange juice, or nuts. Avoid anything deep-fried unless you’ve confirmed it’s in vegetable-only oil.
5. Use the HappyCow App
This app is a godsend for vegan travelers. It lists vegan-friendly cafés and restaurants and includes reviews from the global vegan community. Several restaurants in the Medina and Gueliz area cater specifically to plant-based diets.
6. Shop Like a Local: Souks and Markets
Consider staying in a riad or apartment with a kitchen. The souks are bursting with seasonal produce, spices, dried fruit, nuts, and grains — perfect for preparing your own meals or snacks. Organic food stores are emerging too, especially in Gueliz.
7. Don’t Assume “Vegetarian” Means “Vegan”
Moroccan understanding of vegetarianism usually means "no meat," but can still include eggs, dairy, or broth. Always specify no milk, butter, cream, or eggs.
8. Tea Etiquette
Moroccan mint tea is typically made with green tea, fresh mint, and a generous amount of sugar. No animal products are used. But be mindful of accompanying sweets — most contain honey, eggs, or butter.
9. Respectful Flexibility
Some travelers prefer being slightly flexible when invited to a Moroccan home. If staying strict vegan, politely explain your dietary needs beforehand. Most hosts will appreciate your honesty and prepare accordingly. Hospitality is sacred in Moroccan culture.
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Marrakech
- Earth Café – The first vegan café in Marrakech. Located in the Medina, it serves organic tagines, soups, juices, and wraps.
- NOMAD – While not fully vegan, it offers creative plant-based dishes like quinoa salad, beet hummus, and seasonal vegetables.
- AYASO Café – A concept store and organic café with vegan-friendly meals and grocery items.
- Green Village – In Gueliz, a great place for smoothies, vegan sandwiches, and fresh salads.
Final Thoughts
Traveling as a vegan in Marrakech is not only possible — it can be delicious, enriching, and deeply cultural. With a few essential phrases, cultural sensitivity, and an adventurous palate, you'll be able to explore Moroccan flavors without compromise. Whether you're enjoying a humble vegetable tagine on a rooftop terrace or sipping mint tea in a local café, the red city has plenty to offer conscious travelers.
Bon voyage, or as locals say — bssaHa!