Gluten-free delights: Exploring Moroccan cuisine without wheat

Traveling through Morocco while adhering to a gluten-free diet may seem daunting, yet it presents a unique opportunity to savor the nation's rich culinary heritage without compromising health or taste. With its abundance of wheat-based dishes, Morocco offers a tapestry of flavors, from tagines to sweets, that can still be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.

Preparing for your journey

Before you embark on your Moroccan adventure, equip yourself with essential tools. A translation or allergy app, such as Google Translate, will facilitate communication about your dietary restrictions. Additionally, consider carrying an allergy card in French and Darija to clarify your gluten intolerance to restaurant staff. This proactive approach can enhance your dining experience, ensuring that you can navigate menus with confidence.

Accommodations, whether hotels or traditional riads, are often amenable to dietary requests if notified in advance. Reach out before your arrival to inquire about gluten-free options and confirm these arrangements upon check-in, helping to ensure a seamless experience.

Dishes to approach with caution

Many iconic Moroccan dishes incorporate gluten in unexpected ways. Traditional harira, a beloved soup, is often thickened with flour or barley, while pastilla— a sweet-savory pie— employs thin warqa pastry. Couscous, a staple made from semolina, is frequently featured in meals, especially on Fridays. Dchicha, a barley-based porridge, poses another challenge. When in doubt, inquire about the preparation methods or opt for safer alternatives like lentil soup, zaalouk (a flavorful eggplant dip), or grilled fish and vegetables.

Dining out

When exploring Morocco's vibrant dining scene, consider bringing your own gluten-free bread. While tagines and grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, they are typically accompanied by khobz, traditional Moroccan bread. Local supermarkets, such as Marjane or Carrefour, often have dedicated gluten-free sections stocked with wraps, crackers, and sliced bread, providing convenient options for meals on the go.

In cities like Rabat, Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier, and Chefchaouen, awareness of food allergies is growing. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free menus or desserts, making it worthwhile to ask about modifications to dishes.

Sweet surprises: gluten-free pastries

Despite the prevalence of wheat in traditional Moroccan sweets, numerous bakeries and cafes are now offering delectable gluten-free alternatives. In Rabat, the online bakery Assiette Saine provides an array of options available in Carrefour markets and at various pop-up stands.

Cafés like Cafe Clock, with locations in Fez, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen, serve a variety of gluten-free dishes, while bakeries in Marrakech such as Monquotidien Gueliz, AnaYela, and Henna Art Cafe are also excellent choices for those seeking gluten-free treats.

With thoughtful planning and a spirit of adventure, gluten-free travelers can fully immerse themselves in Morocco’s vibrant culinary landscape, discovering that the joys of Moroccan cuisine are indeed accessible to all.