Location on the map of Northern Morocco

Best Fez Tour: Moroccan Spices, Sweets and Pastries

Morocco is a country from North Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and the Mediterranean Sea to the North. The country has a rich history and culture, with influences from Berber, Arab, and European civilizations. It is known for its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine.

One of the largest cities from North Morocco is Fez. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and it is considered one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers of Morocco. Are you ready to explore more about it?

Moroccan Spices, Sweets and Pastries

Photo: Moroccan Spices, Sweets and Pastries.

FEZ MOROCCO

Fez, also known as Fes, is a fascinating city that boasts a rich history and culture. As the oldest imperial city in Morocco, Fez is filled with ancient architecture, bustling markets, and some of the best Moroccan cuisine you will ever taste.

The city is divided into three parts: Fez el Bali (Old Fez), Fez el Jdid (New Fez), and the Ville Nouvelle (New Fez).

Fez el Bali is the oldest part of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to many important landmarks and attractions, including the Al Quaraouiyine University, the world’s oldest operating university, and the Dar Batha Museum, which houses a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.

Fez is also known for its famous tanneries, where leather is processed using traditional methods that have been used for centuries. So, by getting here, you can watch the tanning process and purchase leather goods in the nearby shops.

Moroccan cooking class

FEZ AND THE MOROCCAN GASTRONOMY

Besides its rich history and beautiful architecture, the Moroccan Fez is also known for its delicious cuisine. If you take a Moroccan spices, sweets, and pastries tour, you can try a variety of traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and harira soup. You’ll also sample some of the city’s famous sweets and pastries, such as chebakia, a sesame and honey cookie, and pastilla, a savory pastry filled with spiced meat and almonds.

Harira soup

Moroccan food is a unique blend of flavors and spices, influenced by Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean cuisines

The Moroccan cuisine is a diverse and rich mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African and Berber influences. This leads to exotic and fragrant spices, which play a vital role in enhancing the flavor of the Moroccan dishes. Moreover, the Moroccan sweets and pastries are a significant part of the country’s culinary culture.

Moroccan cooking class

MOROCCAN SPICES

Spices are a basic part of Moroccan cuisine as they add depth and complexity to the flavors of Moroccan dishes. In fact, the Moroccan cuisine is famous for its blend of spices called Ras El Hanout, which means “head of the shop”. This is a blend of over twenty spices, and each spice blend is unique to the shop that creates it.

Some of the most common spices used in Moroccan cooking include: cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, saffron, and cinnamon.

  • Cumin is a warm, earthy spice with a slightly bitter taste. It is commonly used in Moroccan dishes, such as tagines, soups, and stews.

  • Coriander has a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs well with cumin. It is used in Moroccan cooking as it adds brightness and balance to dishes.

  • Paprika is a sweet and smoky spice that adds a vibrant red color and a smoky flavor to dishes.

  • Ginger adds a warm, zesty flavor and it is commonly used in tagines and soups.

  • Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and it is used sparingly in Moroccan cooking. It adds a bright yellow color and a floral flavor to the food. It is commonly used in cooking chicken tagine and paella.

  • Cinnamon is a warm and sweet spice that adds a sweet, fragrant flavor to dishes, and it pairs well with savory spices, such as cumin and coriander.

By taking a trip to the fascinating Fes, you´ll be amazed by its spices and sweets

Moroccan spices

MOROCCAN SWEETS

Moroccan sweets are a delicious and indulgent part of this country’s culinary culture. They are often made with honey, almonds, and spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom.

Among the most popular Moroccan sweets are:

  • Baklava: is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, honey, and nuts. It is a popular dessert in Morocco and throughout the Middle East.

  • Chebakia: is a fried, sweet pastry that is traditionally served during Ramadan. It is made with flour, sesame seeds, honey, and spices, such as cinnamon and anise.

  • M’hanncha: is a sweet pastry that is shaped like a snake. It is made with phyllo dough, almonds, and honey, and it is flavored with cinnamon and orange blossom water.

  • Sellou: is a traditional Moroccan sweet that is often served during Eid al-Fitr. It is made with almonds, sesame seeds, and honey, and it is flavored with cinnamon and anise.

Baklava sweet

MOROCCAN PASTRIES

Besides the spices and the sweets, the Moroccan pastries are a delicious part of the country’s culinary culture. They are often made with phyllo dough, almonds, and honey, and they are flavored with spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom.

Some of the most popular Moroccan pastries include:

  • Briouats: Are small, fried pastries filled with a savory or sweet filling. They are often filled with ground beef, chicken, or vegetables, and they are flavored with spices. Sweet briouats are filled with almonds and honey, and they are flavored with cinnamon and orange blossom water.

  • Pastilla: Is a sweet pie that is filled with shredded chicken or pigeon, almonds, and spices. The filling is encased in phyllo dough, and it is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

  • Fekkas: Are a type of Moroccan biscotti that are made with almonds, sesame seeds, and spices, such as anise and cinnamon. They are usually served with tea or with coffee.

  • Ghriba: Is a type of Moroccan cookie that is made with almonds, sugar, and spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom. They are often flavored with orange blossom water or rose water.

Fekkas: Moroccan biscotti

TAKE A MOROCCAN FOOD TOUR IN FES

Taking this Moroccan spices, sweets and pastries tour gives you the chance to sample some of the best Moroccan cuisine in Fez. The tour includes visits to several traditional Moroccan restaurants, where you can taste various yummy dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and harira.

If you are a foodie, an art lover, or simply curious, a Morocco Fes tour is a must-do experience

Besides, if you are interested in learning more about Moroccan culture and traditions, this tour may be the perfect choice. The tour provides a unique insight into the daily life of the people of Fez and it is a great way to explore the city’s history and heritage.

Morocco sweets

Find the Best Spots to Taste These Goodies

When planning your Morocco Fez desert tour, be sure to choose a guide who knows about the city’s history and culture. A good guide (similar to the ones we provide) will take you to the best spice shops and bakeries, and provide you with insight into the traditional techniques used to make Moroccan sweets and pastries. These guides can also help you navigate the busy streets of Fes el Bali, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the city’s most important landmarks.

One of the main highlights of a Moroccan food tasting tour is a visit to Fes el Bali, the oldest part of the medina of Fez. Here, you’ll find narrow, winding streets filled with vendors selling everything from textiles and ceramics to spices and pastries. You’ll also see some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture in the city.

When it comes to food, Fez doesn’t disappoint. The city has a wide range of restaurants serving up delicious Moroccan cuisine. One of the best places to try local specialties is at a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard or garden. We should mention that many riads have their own restaurants and serve up homemade Moroccan dishes.

Between the must-try dishes in Morocco, there are tagine, couscous, and harira soup

GET READY TO DISCOVER THE BEST OF FEZ FOOD WITH US

So, Moroccan spices, sweets, and pastries are an essential part of Morocco´s culinary culture. Some Moroccan spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, add depth and complexity to Moroccan dishes, while Moroccan sweets and pastries, such as baklava and briouats, are indulgent and delicious.

The Moroccan cuisine is a celebration of flavors and aromas, and it is a must-try for anyone who loves food. Can you think of a better way to do it than here?

Whether you are exploring the bustling souks of Fez or enjoying a meal in a local restaurant, the flavors and aromas of Moroccan cuisine are sure to leave a lasting impression you will remember for a long time.

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