Fast Food, Marrakesh

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by Mary Mimouna, Marrakech Restaurant Reviewer
Reviewed July 17, 2006

No longer do tourists have to wonder where they can get delicious and safe food at reasonable prices, in an air-conditioned, non-smoking, child-friendly atmosphere! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, McDonald's is open from 9 AM to Midnight, Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it is open from 9 AM to 1 AM. While American egg breakfasts are not available, muffins, orange juice, and coffee are served.

Food safety is one of the issues foreign tourists are concerned with in Marrakesh. McDonald's is a safe place to have salads while traveling. McDonald's lettuce and other salad items arrive already pre-washed in a large plastic. Excellent procedures require employees to put on gloves before touching and preparing salad greens into the serving containers. Also, it is very interesting where McDonald's food is coming from in Morocco. According to the manager, the beef is coming from Argentina, while the fish filets and chicken are coming from France. The buns are manufactures in Casablanca under the supervision of a French factory, while the fries are imported from Egypt, already pre-cut and frozen! Canned tuna and canned corn come from Morocco, as well as all the fresh vegetables. The milk used in coffee is not merely pasturized, but sterilized (Salim brand).

Tourists need not worry that McDonald's food in Morocco will taste any different than it does in America. It is identical (even the ketchup and salad dressings), except for certain menu items which are not offered in Morocco (such as egg options for breakfast).

A a children's play room is upstairs. High-chairs are available (ask for "chaise-bébé" in French). Changing table inside handicapped restroom stall.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSABILITY Completely handicap-accessible with a front ramp into the restaurant, wide doors, and a proper handicap bathroom for wheelchairs.

Favorite Dish: WHAT WE LIKE Happy Meals (27 DH) and Chicken McNuggets--available in boxes of 4, 6, 9, or 20 (for 16, 26, 34, and 75 DH respectively) are always favorites with children. My personal favorites are Filet of Fish (26 DH), Big Mac (29 DH), and Vanilla Shake (13 DH). For a Middle Eastern flavor, try the McArabia Sandwich--made in pita bread, with two spiced beef patties, lettuce and tomato.

THE BILL Least expensive items are Hamburger 11 DH ($1.20), Small Fries 8 DH ($ .90), and a Small Soda 8 DH ($ .90). Happy Meals (toy, small sandwich, small fries, and small drink) are 27 DH ($3.00). Big Mac or Double Cheeseburger Menu Meal, with Large Fries, and Large Drink (or Large Milkshake) is 44 DH ($4.80).

THE CROWD Tourists, locals, families, singles, retired, adults, children, and teenagers. Packed at mealtimes, but counter service is quick and efficient.

IF YOU GO If you don't like crowds, try to avoid peak meal times, when you might find all the indoor tables filled (or go upstairs). While milk is not on the menu, anyone desiring a glass of milk CAN ask for it, and they will pour it into a cup for you.

THE SPACE Two floors. Indoor spaces air-conditioned. Upstairs, an indoor eating space, with excellent view of children's play room (non-smoking). Outdoor balcony area upstairs, overlooking Boulevard Mohamed V (smoking). Downstairs, indoor area with service counter boasts two large-screened TV's (kept at low volume) and a large Ronald McDonald statue. The space is decorated using sand-colored walls and floors, with one darker brick wall. Tables, counters, and wall designs accent the room in a sky blue. Large windows let in plenty of light. Relaxed booths line the front windows, while sturdy chairs at tables have comfortable mahogany backs and seats, and attractive rounded legs made of stainless steel. While the indoor area is non-smoking, the outdoor area is covered from the sun with attractive awnings, and has comfortable chairs, tables, and picnic tables.