Top 5 Beni Mellal-Khenifra Food & Drink: A Delicious Guide

Beni Mellal-Khenifra, a beautiful region in Morocco, is really an experience for your taste buds. It’s almost brimming with culinary experiences that’ll leave you wanting more. Think mountains meeting plains. Is that where you find a delightful mix of Berber and Arab flavors? Get ready because your exploration through the area isn’t complete without enjoying the region’s amazing dishes and drinks. In this guide, you will take a closer look at the top five foods and drinks you have to try when you visit Beni Mellal-Khenifra. Let’s just say, there is something for everyone!

1. Tagine: A Moroccan Classic with a Regional Twist

Tagine is kind of like the superstar of Moroccan cuisine. Is that known for its slow-cooked goodness and incredible flavor combinations? That said, in Beni Mellal-Khenifra, you may see that tagines get a regional spin, using local ingredients. These sometimes include lamb, prunes, almonds, and aromatic spices. Picture this: tender lamb simmered in a clay pot, blending with the sweetness of dried plums and the crunchy bite of almonds. Then add a dash of cinnamon, ginger, and saffron! It’s a dish that pretty much warms you up from the inside out and that you’re definitely going to want to try! It really is like a warm hug in a bowl.

While there are countless varieties of tagine throughout Morocco, do you find that in Beni Mellal-Khenifra, they often have a more rustic and hearty flair? This often reflects the agricultural nature of the region. Arguably, one that comes highly recommended is the lamb tagine with prunes. This really is a delicious combination that perfectly balances tastes. As a matter of fact, the meat becomes extremely tender. At the same time, the sweet prunes almost caramelize. This happens as the tagine slowly cooks. The dish is frequently decorated with toasted almonds, adding just that little bit of texture.

Where to try it: Countless local restaurants and family homes around Beni Mellal-Khenifra make delicious tagines. Is that because dining at a local home almost lets you see authentic, home-style cooking? In fact, many restaurants do this too, offering their own unique recipes. They might use different combinations of spices and ingredients.

Read our full review: Moroccan Tagine Recipe Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Moroccan Tagine Recipe)

2. Msemen: The Deliciously Flaky Flatbread

Msemen tends to be the quintessential Moroccan flatbread. But did you realize that it goes by various names, like “rghaif?” Either way, it remains extremely yummy and so widely consumed that you can find it just about anywhere. Actually, the term msemen suggests “well kneaded.” This perfectly points out just how much kneading goes into making this tasty bread! The flatbread can be sweet or savory, folding into a square shape when prepared, before frying and sprinkling with an assortment of toppings.

One can use the flatbread itself in many various forms! You may discover locals appreciate it as a delicious breakfast with cheese, jam, or honey. At times they’ll serve it along with mint tea. On the other hand, savory msemen often contains a filling made from seasoned ground meat. Sometimes, it has cooked onions as stuffing. As I was saying, you must try Msemen if you ever get the chance to spend time in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region!

Where to try it: Almost everywhere around the area. Usually, people prepare this food on streetside spots and in local shops. Look out for little food vendors selling hot, freshly cooked msemen. Is that usually a sure sign you will get one of the best and most authentic versions? That is if the locals sell food there!

Read our full review: Moroccan Msemen Recipe Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Moroccan Msemen Recipe)

3. Mint Tea: Morocco in a Glass

Of course, we simply can’t have this list without a Moroccan mint tea, as the country pretty much revolves around it. Morocco basically loves this tea so much it appears in nearly every cultural event. It can include everything from a simple family get together to intricate ceremonies. This “Moroccan Whiskey,” or mint tea, is typically crafted from green tea leaves, fresh mint, sugar and served hot.

Anyway, locals really love their tea. They like it to be very frothy! Is that why, when poured from on high, it usually demonstrates the expertise and value Moroccans have for it? Typically they offer you tea if they invite you into their homes as an example of Moroccan hospitality. This tasty drink does a superb job representing this warm Moroccan generosity. Is that so cool!

Where to try it: All places! Mint tea does happen everywhere, in every cafe, restaurant, and hotel. It’s very common, I am telling you! Any time you’d want to unwind with a sweet and pleasant cup, most places always happily prepare a serving.

Read our full review: Moroccan Mint Tea Recipe Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Moroccan Mint Tea Recipe)

4. Tanjia: A Marrakech Pot Roast Worth Savouring

Now, this one usually comes directly from Marrakech. Still, this food tastes incredibly yummy throughout the entire country. This food happens to have something special with respect to taste and it’s very traditional as well. To prepare Tanjia, cooks make use of a clay pot after which, they then include a load of ingredients like meat (frequently lamb), a bit of spice, with lemons included as well. Soon after mixing everything, it will get slow cooked usually in an oven that individuals will keep hot with coals.

Usually people really like this dish during occasions due to its rich smokey flavors and so you see this dish a great deal within the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. Most individuals would love the tenderness of the meat with all the flavors coming from each spice, helping to make this meal an absolutely pleasant expertise, and really worth your tastebuds.

Where to try it: Certain restaurants around Beni Mellal-Khenifra that happen to focus primarily on Moroccan cuisine will carry this dish. To ensure availability it is probably better to inquire upfront. Don’t be scared when you are uncertain, either! Consult a number of natives within the vicinity who may be willing to offer assistance with discovering some places offering genuine variations of this traditional meal.

Read our full review: Marrakech Tanjia Recipe Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Marrakech Tanjia Recipe)

5. Orange Juice: A Refreshing Local Treat

Although this sounds simple, trust me, that fresh orange juice is a must when touring Beni Mellal-Khenifra. What’s the reason why? Orange groves abound throughout this region. It makes them an extremely flavorful, vibrant part of daily life! If you walk by the street sellers you might very well find fresh juices being offered; trust me. This freshly squeezed treat, in addition to providing sufficient moisture after all the day’s sightseeing. This often packs just the right amount of tang to satisfy your palette!

You will find the juice flavorful with just a little burst in contrast to what exactly bottled juice has and you might even watch the oranges come directly out of local trees if you are fortunate! It is refreshing in a way that not any other orange juice might replicate in that area because of the simple point there aren’t any preservatives. Arguably this could allow the pure taste to explode.

Where to try it: As mentioned, countless street stands during the location serve juice which has just been pressed. This makes certain that each glass gets you maximum freshness and taste! All of these vendors tend to make it a simple option so you can support local farmers while having all your needs looked after during travels throughout the spot.

Read our full review: Fresh Orange Juice Recipe Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Fresh Orange Juice Recipe)