Moroccan Food, Beer and Wine
by sue_stone
Here is some information on a few of the common meals you can eat in Marrakech
Tajines
One of the most common dishes in Marrakech was a tajine. The name tajine actually refers to both the meal and the pot that the dish is cooked in. The unusual design of the cone-shaped tajine pot allows the lid to collect the steam and keeps the meat moist by basting it whilst cooking.
A tajine dish is slow cooked at low temperatures. Common types of tajines are Lamb cooked with raisins and almonds, Chicken with lemon and Kefta (Moroccan meat balls) with tomato. We had several tajines during our time in Marrakech - our favourite was one with lamb & potatoes.
Couscous
Another popular dish is couscous, which consists of tiny grains of semolina. It can be served plain, to accompany a tajine, or as a meal in itself, with the additional of vegetables and or meat/chicken.
Pastilla
Pastilla is a tasty dish that we also tried in Marrakech. It is a type of pie that combines sweet and savoury flavours. It is traditionally made with pigeon, which is cooked and shredded, and mixed with spices and almonds. The mixture is then wrapped in a type of pastry and cooked further. It is served as a crispy parcel and is pretty good - but very rich in flavour. Beer & Wine
As Morocco is a Muslim country I was very surprised to learn that they produce beer and wine. We tried some of the local Casablanca beer (lager) and it did indeed taste like beer ; ) I later found out that it is classed as 'premium' beer. The other cheaper, locally produced beers include Speciale Flag (pilsner) and Stork (lager).
One night at dinner we had a half-bottle of Moroccan Cabernet Sauvignon. It was entirely drinkable, having a similar style to an Italian red wine.
Ancient scents for sale
by sunlovey about Frankincence and such
You'll find people selling assorted incense and such both on Djemma el Fna and within the spice/natural remedies areas of the souks. I've only smelled things this intense in Catholic church services ;-) In Marrakesh they burn a small amount of the granules at a time in little terra cotta structures, the fragrance evokes an exotic feel, we brought tons home.
There are several varieties, and the person selling it will let you smell each and every until you find the one you like best. Often they'll be selling dried rose buds, strands of sandlewood beeds, rose and orange water as well. All lovely. Sold in rock-like granules, sellers of this potently exotic stuff will grasp a handful and holded it up to your nose and even without being burned the scent is heady. They'll weigh it and give it to you in a little plastic bag and we had no problem bringing it back to the states. 50-100 dirhams for 100 grams
A dinner with Show
by DanielF about Chez Ali
It will probably not be your favorite restaurant in Marrakesh for the food or the atmosphery, but a dinner at 'Chez Ali' is highly recommended for the people who want a first immersion in the Moroccan folk music.
The place is actually a kind of a 'Moroccan Disneyland', a huge complex where traditional Moroccan folklore is performed and a final show leaves tourists astonished and includes a Moroccan fantasia (horse riding show) and even fireworks. Dinner is served in traditional haimas or dessert tents.
Although it is all in all very touristy, most people do not leave not dissapointed. The fixed menu is composed of the most famous Moroccan dishes, like harira (beans soup), pastilla, cous-cous and thé à la menthe.
Fantastic landmark - Koutoubia mosque
by tini58de
Well, you cannot go inside the mosque (see my local customs tip), but just the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque is a wonderful sight to see!
I have taken dozens of pictures just of this place - and I really love every one of them!
From most places in Marrakesh you can see the minaret - helpful and fascinating!
le Guéliz / Ville Nouvelle
by MM212
Marrakech is split into two cities, la Médina and le Guéliz, the old and new. Guéliz was designed by the French during the colonial period and its street planning is reminiscent of France with its wide avenues converging into spacious roundabouts (Places). Walking down the streets, one could be in a southern European city. It is a marked contrast to the streets of the Medina and provides a bit of calm relief. Many good restaurants and bars are scattered around Guéliz making the area worth exploring, at least for a lunch or a dinner at night. Major tourist attractions in this area include Jardins Majorelle and the Menara Park.
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Woodworker
Mmmm Good!
Tizi-n-Tichka: breathtaking scenery
Majorelle Gardens
