Essaouira offers a delicious array of Moroccan dishes, with fresh seafood and Berber flavors taking center stage. Here’s a guide to the must-try foods in this coastal city:

Fresh Seafood As a fishing port, Essaouira is known for its fresh seafood. Head to the harbor and enjoy grilled fish, prawns, lobster, and calamari prepared right before you. Many vendors offer a "catch of the day," allowing you to pick your seafood and have it grilled on the spot. Local favorites include **sardines** (grilled or in tagine) and **sea urchins** when in season.

Fish and Seafood Tagines Essaouira’s spin on the Moroccan tagine often features fresh fish or seafood. These slow-cooked dishes are flavored with local spices, tomatoes, olives, and preserved lemons. **Fish tagine with vegetables** or **shrimp tagine with tomatoes** are especially popular. The tagine’s clay pot seals in the flavors, creating a fragrant, satisfying meal.

Moroccan Couscous Couscous is a staple throughout Morocco, and Essaouira’s version often includes a variety of vegetables and seafood. The traditional **Friday couscous** lunch is a special occasion, as many families and restaurants prepare large couscous platters topped with vegetables, chickpeas, and either meat or fish. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends or family.

Harira Soup This hearty Moroccan soup is a favorite during the cooler months or during Ramadan. Made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and sometimes lamb, harira is often spiced with cumin, coriander, and ginger. It’s typically served with fresh bread or chebakia (sesame cookies) and offers a comforting start to any meal.

Pastilla Essaouira’s take on this savory-sweet pastry includes seafood or fish as a filling, rather than the typical pigeon or chicken. Layers of thin pastry are filled with spiced seafood, almonds, and a hint of cinnamon, then baked to a golden crisp. This mix of flavors makes pastilla a truly unique Moroccan dish to try.

Moroccan Bread and Pastries Bread plays a big role in Moroccan cuisine, and Essaouira is no exception. Try **khobz**, a round, dense bread that’s perfect for scooping up tagine or couscous. For something sweet, indulge in local pastries like **chebakia** (fried dough coated in honey and sesame seeds), **m’semen** (layered Moroccan pancakes), or **briouats** (fried pastries filled with almond paste).

Mint Tea No visit to Essaouira would be complete without the traditional Moroccan mint tea. Often referred to as “Moroccan whiskey,” this green tea with fresh mint leaves and sugar is served hot and enjoyed throughout the day. It’s perfect to pair with a sweet pastry while watching the city’s vibrant life go by.

Spice-Infused Olives Moroccan cuisine makes great use of olives, and in Essaouira, they are often marinated with spices like garlic, harissa, or preserved lemon. These olives are served as appetizers in many restaurants and make a delicious, tangy snack or side dish.

Conclusion Essaouira’s culinary scene reflects Morocco’s rich culinary heritage, with a coastal twist. Fresh seafood, fragrant spices, and Moroccan staples like tagines and couscous make for a memorable dining experience in this seaside town. Indulge in these traditional dishes and flavors to experience Essaouira’s vibrant food culture.