What a food tour looks like
The most booked tours are evening departures, in a small group, with a local guide. Expect roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours of slow walking. The route usually starts at Jemaa el-Fna, crosses part of the souks and stops at small vendors and eateries, for about ten tastings depending on the offer. The dishes advertised are those of Moroccan street cuisine: harira, msemen, sfenj, skewers and grills, olives, dates, tagine, pastries, mint tea.
The programme varies from one organiser to another: read the description before booking, in particular what is included (tastings only, or a full dinner), the maximum group size and the meeting point.
Which option to choose
- Night street food in a group: the classic, cheapest option, centred on Jemaa el-Fna and the souks. For example the Marrakech street food tour by night, about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the offer.
- Walk with a grill dinner: the tastings are followed by a proper meal. For example the food walking tour with a Moroccan barbecue dinner. Choose it if you want dinner without having to pick a stall.
- Private tour: a guide for your group alone, useful with children, a special diet or little time. Several private tasting offers can be booked online, at a higher price per person than in a group.
Prices change with the date and group size: check the price shown when you book. Most of these offers advertise free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure; check the condition on the offer page.
Another popular option is the Marrakech street food tour with a local guide, rated 4.8 out of 5 by more than 4,000 travelers.
Is it worth it?
A food tour is worth it if it is your first stay, if you have little time or if the choice of stalls at Jemaa el-Fna worries you. It also teaches you the basics (asking the price, spotting a stall with high turnover). If you like exploring alone and have two or three evenings, you can simply eat at the stalls and in the local eateries with our advice.
Eating without getting ill
- Choose dishes cooked to order and served very hot in front of you: grills, boiling soup, tagine.
- Prefer stalls used by Moroccans, where the food does not sit on the counter.
- For water, drink bottled water opened in front of you. Be wary of ice cubes and raw salads washed in tap water.
- Orange juice pressed before your eyes is generally fine; avoid juices already prepared.
- If you have a delicate stomach, start gently: a food tour makes you taste a lot in a short time.
- Allergies and diets: tell the organiser when booking, then the guide. Vegetarian is possible, but peanuts, tree nuts (almonds in pastries) and gluten are everywhere.
Scams and traps to avoid
- Meet the right organiser: book through a platform that gives the exact place and time of departure. A stranger who approaches you in the street about a "gastronomic tour" is not the organiser.
- Price of each dish: at the stalls on the square, ask the price before ordering and refuse plates you did not ask for. A tour that advertises tastings as included should not ask you for anything on the spot except, possibly, a tip for the guide.
- Shops: some guides lead you to shops or grocers. You have no obligation to buy.
- Tip: a tip for the guide, if you enjoyed the tour, is customary; see our guide to money and tipping in Marrakech.
- Photos: photographing people requires their consent; see the rules for photos in Marrakech.
Organising your evening
Book the food tour on your first or second evening: you will spot the stalls you want to return to. If you plan a tour with dinner, eat lightly at lunch. Dress simply, with walking shoes: the alleys are uneven and crowded with scooters. Keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket, and for the way back, see getting back at night in Marrakech. During Ramadan, hours and routes change: check the offer.
Going further
For other evening ideas, read Marrakech by night; for meal prices, the budget for a trip to Marrakech; to cook what you tasted yourself, our guide to cooking classes in Marrakech. For cafés and tea, see the cafés and pastries, and for a tea facing the square, the Café de France.
