Visiting Morocco: A Vegan Traveler’s Guide to Rich Flavors and Cultural Delights

As a vegan traveler, you might be concerned about finding plant-based meals and navigating the local cuisine. Fear not, this Vegan Travel in Morocco Guide is designed to help you enjoy the varied flavors of Moroccan food.

Veganism is still a relatively new concept in Morocco, where meat is often a staple in traditional dishes. However, the vegan lifestyle has been gaining traction in recent years. Morocco even hosts its own VegFest annually, where vegan activists such as Simonhamed Bouhakkaoui discuss various topics and promote the lifestyle. The tourism industry is evolving, and the demand for vegan options is increasing, especially in popular tourist destinations like Marrakech. In the meantime, there are still plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy on your journey.

Vegan Food Morocco

Mezze

Mezze is a sharing platter featuring vegetables, bread, dips, fruit, and traditional salads. It can serve as a vegan-friendly main meal at most restaurants, especially if you’re unsure about other vegetarian options. Although Mezze did not originate in Morocco, variations of this dish are common across the region.

Many of the condiments in Mezze are vegetable-based and vegan, including:

• Za’alook (eggplant)

• Tatouka (roasted tomato & green pepper)

• Ras al Hanout (roasted carrots)

• Mloukhia (okra & zucchini)

• Khobz (Moroccan white bread)

Vegetable Tagine

One of the most iconic dishes in Moroccan cuisine is the slow-cooked stew known as Tagine. Traditionally, Tagine is made with meat or poultry, vegetables, and spices. The vegan version typically includes potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, tomatoes, and a variety of spices like sumac and fennel. Vegan Tagine is usually available only in vegan-friendly restaurants or cafes.

Couscous

Couscous is often paired with meat and seafood but can also be paired with roasted vegetables and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Be sure to check if it’s not cooked in a meat-based broth before ordering.

Beyssara

Beyssara, or Bessara, is a popular breakfast dish made from fava beans blended with garlic, cumin, olive oil, and paprika to create a thick dip. It is served with fresh bread and can also be enjoyed as a soup at dinner time, often accompanied by traditional Moroccan mint tea or coffee.

M’semen

M’semen is a flatbread served with various toppings like butter, minced meat, onions, and cheese. For the vegan version, it can be made with olive oil or vegan butter and topped with onions, mushrooms, and spices. For a sweet twist, try it with date syrup, jam, or dried fruits. The bread is lightly fried and resembles a crepe, making it suitable for both sweet and savory toppings.

Vegetable Pastilla

Pastilla is a savory pie traditionally made with meat or seafood, wrapped in flaky filo dough. Finding a vegan Pastilla outside of specialty vegan cafes is rare, as the traditional recipe often includes eggs, milk, butter, and honey. However, a homemade vegan version can be delicious, so keep an eye out for it on menus.

VEGAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

Shyadma’s Vegan Food - Essaouira

A family-run gem in Essaouira, Shyadma’s Vegan Food offers traditional Moroccan dishes with a vegan twist. The menu features vegetable tagine, couscous, soup, falafel, hummus, salads, and fresh juice.

World Storytelling Cafe - Marrakech

A paradise for vegan travelers, the World Storytelling Cafe is entirely plant-based. Enjoy dishes like falafel, hummus, lentil stew, and tomato salad, all in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

Riad Dar Zaman - Marrakech

Known for its exceptional vegan breakfast on request, Riad Dar Zaman offers fresh salads, fruits, mint tea, bread, and mezze. They also organize vegan cooking classes. Non-guests can book dinner in advance and request the vegan menu. Riad Dar Zaman

La Famille - Marrakech

Nestled in the Marrakech Medina, La Famille is a haven offering a variety of healthy vegan options. Its serene, shaded terrace provides a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.

Mandala Society - Marrakech & Essaouira

The Mandala Society is a must-visit for those who value sustainability and ethically sourced products. While not entirely vegan, it offers wholesome vegan meals, along with fair-trade coffee.

Nomad - Marrakech

Nomad is a modern Moroccan restaurant with a few vegan options. Located in a stunning setting with rooftop dining, it clearly marks vegan dishes on the menu. Don’t miss the vegan raspberry rose sorbet for dessert!

Henna Art Cafe - Marrakech

This artistic venue serves Moroccan fusion cuisine. The owners, noticing a lack of vegan options, decided to offer plant-based dishes.

Vegan-Friendly Hotels in Morocco

Riads, traditional Medina homes with rooms around an open-air courtyard, offer vegan-friendly menus at several locations in Marrakech.

Marrakech Riad - Marrakech

This collection of boutique hotels, including Riad Cinnamon, Riad Spice, and Riad Star, offers vegan-friendly dining options. The owner also runs the 100% vegan World Storytelling Cafe. Marrakech Riad

Monriad - Marrakech

Monriad offers a fully vegan breakfast on request and a gluten-free, a menu that can be customized for vegans. Guests on the A Planted Escape Tour to Morocco can enjoy a special vegan cooking class here. Monriad

Visit our Vegan Guide for more information.

Animal Welfare in Morocco

The main city plaza in Marrakech is a vibrant place to visit, but it can be distressing to see the conditions many animals endure. Live animals are sold for food and exploited for tourism, which can be challenging for vegan travelers.

Camels play a significant role in Moroccan culture, transporting goods across the country. However, many camels used for tourism are poorly treated and overworked. The high demand for camel trekking has led to harsh training methods considered cruel to control the camels’ behavior.