Food in Morocco for Kids: What They’ll Love

One of the biggest concerns for parents traveling to Morocco is, “What will my kids eat?” The good news? Moroccan cuisine is full of flavorful, fresh, and often surprisingly kid-approved dishes. While the spices might sound peculiar, the core ingredients—chicken, fries, bread, and pancakes—are familiar favorites.

As family travel experts in Morocco, we’ve seen even the pickiest eaters delight in the local food. Here’s your guide to the best food in Morocco for kids and how to navigate mealtime like a pro.

The Can’t-Miss Kid-Friendly Moroccan Dishes

These dishes are almost always a hit with young travelers. Point to these on a menu, or better yet, learn their names!

Brochettes: Think of them as Moroccan kebabs. Skewers of grilled chicken or lamb, usually served with a side of fries or bread. They are simple, not spicy, and a guaranteed win. The #1 most reliable kid’s meal in Morocco.

Moroccan Fried Pancakes (Msemen & Baghrir):

Msemen: These are square, flaky, buttery pancakes that are slightly fried. They are delicious plain, with honey, or with soft cheese. They make a perfect breakfast or snack.

Baghrir: Known as the “thousand-hole pancake,” this spongy, light pancake is made for soaking up honey and butter. Kids love its unique texture and sweet taste.

Bread (Khobz): Fresh, round loaves of bread are served with every meal. It’s the ultimate tool for picky eaters—a safe, familiar food they can use to scoop up other things or just eat on its own.

Chicken Tagine with Olives & Lemon: Before you dismiss tagine as too “adult,” ask for it without the olives and lemons. What you’re left with is incredibly tender, falling-off-the-bone chicken in a mild, savory sauce. Perfect for scooping up with that aforementioned bread.

Kefta Tagine: Small, seasoned meatballs (usually beef or lamb) cooked in a tomato sauce. They are soft, flavorful, and often a hit with kids who like meatballs at home. You can also ask for this without the egg on top.

Harira (Soup): This is a traditional lentil and tomato-based soup, often eaten to break the fast during Ramadan. It’s nutritious, mild, and warm. A great option if your child is feeling a bit under the weather or just wants something comforting.

French Fries (Frites): They are ubiquitous! Served as a side with almost everything, from tagines to grilled meats. You will never be far from a plate of fries.

Fresh Fruit & Orange Juice: Morocco is a fruit paradise. You’ll see stalls everywhere piled high with oranges, clementines, bananas, strawberries, and watermelons. The freshly squeezed orange juicein Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech is a must-try—it’s sweet, cheap, and refreshing.

Tips for Ordering for Kids in Morocco

• “Without Spice, Please”: The phrase “without spice” or “not spicy” is understood in most tourist restaurants. You can say “Bidoun fidda” (without spice) or just gesture and smile. Moroccan food is more about flavor than heat, but it’s always good to clarify.

• You Can Ask for Simple Things: Don’t see it on the menu? Most kitchens are happy to make a simple omelet, plain pasta, or grilled chicken with fries. Just ask!

• Share a Tagine: A single tagine is often enough to feed two younger children. It’s a great way for them to try something new without committing to a huge portion.

• Street Food Smarts: Stick to stalls that are busy with a high turnover. Juice stalls are generally very safe. For anything cooked (like brochettes), ensure the meat is cooked fresh to order in front of you.

What to Be Cautious About

• Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid tap water and be cautious with ice in drinks from very local street stalls.

• Salads: While delicious, uncooked vegetables can sometimes be risky for sensitive stomachs. It’s often safer to enjoy cooked vegetables within tagines.

• Sweets: Moroccan pastries are incredibly sweet and often made with honey and nuts. Be mindful of nut allergies and maybe share one as a special treat rather than letting kids go overboard.

The Ultimate Secret Weapon: The Food Tour

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a family-friendly food tour in Marrakech. A good guide will take you to trusted spots, help you order, and explain what everything is in a fun way for kids. It turns eating into an exciting adventure.

The bottom line? Your kids will not go hungry in Morocco. Between the universal love of bread and fries, the abundance of grilled meats, and the sweet pancakes and juices, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone happy and well-fed.

Still have questions about catering to specific allergies or picky eaters?
We get it! At Travel Morocco with Kids, we can provide personalized advice and even arrange cooking classes or food tours that are perfect for your family. Contact us to plan a delicious adventure!

Every family is unique. If this itinerary doesn’t perfectly fit your dreams, dates, or your children’s ages and interests, please just contact us.

We specialize in crafting 100% customized journeys. Whether you want to add more days, include a cooking class, stay in a specific type of accommodation, or adjust the pace, we will work with you to create the perfect Moroccan adventure for your family.

Let’s build your dream trip together!