The Spice of

A
s anyone with an appetite for travel will tell and the savory pastries that are mainstays in Moroccan
you, getting a taste of the local cuisine is the homes and on restaurant menus.
best way to discover the singular flavors and In the ancient capitals of Marrakech and Fez, begin

Moroccan Life
subtle nuances of a region. In Morocco,
this is enticingly true.
From its boisterous markets teeming
with fragrant spices to its steaming
tagines (stews) and esteemed tea
rituals, this colorful North African country has enchanted
A feast for the eyes and palate visitors for centuries.
Due to its location on the ancient Arabian spice route,
by Anita Carmin
Morocco has long been known for its spice-infused cuisine.
Among the most popular spices: karfa (cinnamon), kamoun
(cumin), kharkoum (turmeric), skignbir (ginger), tahmira
(paprika), kasbour (coriander), and zaafrane beldi (saffron).
You’ll taste them in the exotic stews, the sweetened salads,
your culinary odyssey with a stroll through the seductive
spice souks (markets). Prepare yourself for a kaleidoscope
of colors, a cacophony of sounds, and a collision of
intoxicating aromas. This is sensory overload at its
best — and a photo op if ever there was one. Indeed, there’s
something almost unreal about those cone-shaped mounds
of blazing red paprika, fiery cayenne pepper, and bright
yellow turmeric that rise from baskets or pots at the front
of the shops. Look for ras el hanout (“best of the shop”), a
mixture of spices — anywhere from ten to one hundred —
that vendors make exclusively for their shops. The recipes
for ras el hanout are always a secret, and no two are ever
the same. P

A kaleidoscope of spices give

life to a Marrakech souk.

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 In the Market for Spices?
Where to Shop
Fez – No trip to Morocco’s culinary capital — and its
best-preserved imperial city — is complete without a visit
to el Attarine. In this, Fez’s most vibrant spice market,
handcrafted pottery and textiles can also be found.
Marrakech – The best spice souks in Marrakech are located
behind the Djemâa el Fna, in the medina quarter (old city).
Shop for spices in the morning, then return at dusk for
a taste of the lively street theater that includes acrobats,
magicians, snake charmers, and henna painters.
Moroccan Cuisine:
Savory and Sweet
A happy marriage of savory and sweet flavors, Moroccan
cuisine incorporates a mix of Berber, Spanish, Corsican,
Portuguese, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and
I n sider Tip : For the full sensory impact — and the experience of bartering — nothing tops a visit to a spice
souk. For the best (and clearly marked) prices, however, consider buying your spices in one of the local supermarkets.
Spicy kebabs served
over couscous.
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African influences. Dishes are often combinations of meat
and fruit (think chicken and apricots, or lamb and dates)
all subtly enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices.
What to Try
Tagine – This is the name of the dish — as well as the
conical earthenware pot in which it is cooked over a
charcoal stove. Essentially a stew, tagines are made with
meat, poultry, or seafood; fresh seasonal vegetables or fruit;
and exotic spices. Popular combinations include lamb with
prunes and honey seasoned with cinnamon; and chicken
with preserved lemons, saffron, and ginger.
Mechoui – This classic dish is made from lamb shoulder
roasted on an open fire with ghee and spices.
Couscous – Traditionally made by hand from freshly
ground grain and steamed in a couscoussier (double boiler),
fluffy and buttery couscous is Morocco’s national dish. It is
usually served on Friday, the Muslim day of rest.
More Morocco on page 30 P
H AL I N S ERT
A Berber man prepares
a tagine of lima beans.
5/2/08 10:28:21 AM

Where to Dine
In Marrakech: Yacout – This romantic restaurant — a
favorite of European celebs — is tucked away in the medina.
Saffron-scented tagines of beef, veal, or chicken are the
house specialty, and patrons are invited to eat the traditional
way — with their fingers.
In Fez: Al Fassia – In addition to excellent food (its
pastilla — a blend of shredded chicken, cinnamon, saffron,
and herbs in a flaky puff pastry — is said to be one of the
best in the entire country), Al Fassia is known for its smaller,
à la carte portions and its all-female ownership — highly
unusual in an Islamic country. Morocco boasts five Al Fassia
restaurants, including one in Fez’s posh Sofitel Palais
Jamai hotel.
A Sweet Finale to a Spicy Meal
Meals in Morocco always end on a sweet note — with a
steaming glass of tea, flavored with Moroccan mint and
plenty of sugar. The tea is poured from a great height into
clear tea glasses. More than a mere beverage, Moroccan tea
is a symbolic acknowledgment of friendship. The green of
the tea is said to bring good luck; the high sugar content is a
blessing for continued good health. Incidentally, you will be
offered mint tea wherever you go. Never turn it down; to do
so is considered a discourtesy. In fact, when invited to tea in
a private home, you should drink at least three cups to show
your hosts you have accepted their hospitality.
From great heights:
Moroccan mint tea.
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A fr ica
A lask a
THREE WAYS TO Asi a & Pacific
SAVOR MOROCCO Austr a lia
New Zea la n d
ON TOUR Ca na da
Our friends at Mountain Voyage Morocco have
a collective one hundred years of experience New Engla n d
introducing travelers to the colorful treasures
Ca r ibbea n
and culinary pleasures of this exotic country.
Working with your Virtuoso travel advisor, they Eu rope
will be happy to create a private culinary tour
Hawaii
tailored to your unique tastes, and supply English-
speaking guides to help you navigate the labyrinth M ex ico
of narrow streets in the medinas. They also
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acclaimed restaurants, including Yacout and Al
Sou th A m er ica
Fassia. Contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for
more information. Wor ld Voyage
IN FEZ
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Amenities include the renowned Al Fassia
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a complimentary upgrade, if available; buffet
breakfast daily; choice of a hammam or sauna
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IN MARRAKECH
Located amidst palm and olive trees, Amanjena We invite you to feast. To captivate not only your
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to indulge the notion to have breakfast appear daily
From US$900 per room, per night. Also visit
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travel advisor.
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Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands
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