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Best Restaurants in Dakhla

Best Restaurants in Dakhla

Dakhla Morocco Travel Guide

Flavors & Customs

Ingredients and Flavors

Fresh fish and seafood are common. Dates, olives, and argan oil are also used. Various spices like cumin, paprika, saffron, and turmeric add flavor.

Flavors are aromatic and savory, often blending sweet and savory notes. Dakhla emphasizes seafood more than inland Moroccan cuisine. Tagines and couscous are staples.

Dining Customs and Etiquette

  • Wash hands before eating.
  • Moroccans traditionally eat with their right hand.
  • Sharing dishes is common, especially with tagines and couscous.
  • Mint tea is a symbol of hospitality; accepting it is customary.

Meal Times

Lunch

Typically occurs between 1 PM and 3 PM.

Dinner

Often later, after 20:00.

Breakfast

Served early in the morning.

Traditional Beverages

  • Mint Tea (Atay): The national drink, sweet and refreshing.
  • Coffee: Strong, often served black or with milk.
  • Fresh Juices: Orange juice is specifically popular.
  • Alcohol: Available mainly in larger hotels, resorts, and some tourist-oriented restaurants.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Fresh Fish/Seafood

Enjoy chargrilled fish (like dorade or sea bass) and seafood tagines. Find these at restaurants next to the Corniche and in the city.

A coastal specialty.

Tajine

This slow-cooked stew gets what it is called from the earthenware pot it cooks in. It contains meat or vegetables. Often, it features preserved lemon and olives. It is widely available.

Morocco's iconic dish.

Couscous

Steamed semolina served with meat and vegetable stew. Traditionally eaten on Fridays.

A Friday tradition.

Street Food & Snacks

  • Brochettes: Skewers of grilled meat (chicken, beef, kefta – minced meat).
  • Snail Soup (Babbouche): A unique, savory street snack.
  • Msemen/Baghrir: Moroccan pancakes, often served with honey or cheese.
  • Freshly Squeezed juices: Orange, grapefruit, and mixed fruit juices are popular and invigorating.

Desserts & Treats

Chebakia

Sesame cookies, often deep-fried and soaked in honey. Especially well-liked during Ramadan.

Amlou

A dip made from argan oil, almonds, and honey.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Mainly within luxury kite resorts along the lagoon. They have international and refined Moroccan cuisine.

  • Upscale ambiance.
  • International menus.
  • Alcohol available.

Mid-Range & Budget

Several options in Dakhla city and within mid-range kite camps. Numerous small local restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls are in Dakhla city center and around the market.

  • Low costs.
  • Local Moroccan dishes.
  • Casual atmosphere.

Markets & International

The Marché Central offers fresh produce, meats, fish, plus herbs. Limited international cuisine options focus on Speaking french or general European dishes within larger accommodations and some city restaurants. Pizza is also common.

  • Fresh local ingredients.
  • Common fast-casual dining.
  • Some European menus.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian and Vegan

Vegetable tagines, couscous with vegetables, salads, and lentil/bean soups (like Bissara or Harira) are common. Specify "no meat" (ma fiha laham or bila laham).

Finding vegan choices is possible. Ensure no butter or animal fats. Mint tea is usually vegan.

Halal and Kosher

All meat served in Morocco is generally halal. Food prepared according to kashrut is not widely available. Travelers requiring kosher meals bring their own or choose vegetarian options.

Communicate allergies clearly. Carry an allergy card interpreted into Arabic and French.

Culinary Experiences

Cooking Classes

Less common, some resorts offer private demonstrations.

Oyster Farm Visits

Eat fresh oysters in the lagoon's aquatic farming environment.

Beach BBQs

Popular at kite camps, serving fresh grilled food by the river.

Seasonal Foods

Harira soup and chebakia are common in Ramadan.

Special Dietary Needs

Allergen Awareness

  • Gluten-free: Couscous and many breads are wheat-based. Tagines and grilled dishes are often naturally gluten-free.
  • Other Allergens: Nuts, especially almonds and argan oil, are common.
  • Communicate allergies clearly in French or Arabic.
  • Carry an allergy card translated into Arabic and French.

Dietary Resources

Translation Apps

Utilize translation apps to interact dietary restrictions effectively.

Ensure clarity when you order food.

Restaurant Research

Research specific restaurants in advance, especially for fine dining.

Larger resorts may be more accommodating to specific dietary requests.

Ramadan and Eid Dining

Ramadan
Harira soup for Iftar.
Chebakia and various sweets.
Meals at dusk.
Limited daytime service outside resorts.
Check local timings.
Community feasting.
Eid al-Adha

Feasting on lamb is central to this religious holiday.

  • Traditional family gatherings.
  • Special celebratory meals.
  • Some businesses may close.
Local Dining Practices

Many local restaurants close during prayer times or on particular holidays. Versatility is advisable.

Expect relaxed service in some local eateries.

Further Information

Recipe Resources
  • Moroccan Tagine recipes.
  • Authentic Couscous recipes.
Food Safety Tips
  • Choose busy establishments.
  • Drink bottled water.

Restaurant Spotlight

Highlighted Dining Spots

Restaurant Name 1

Known for its fresh seafood and lagoon views.

Cuisine: Seafood, Moroccan | Price Range: Mid-High
Restaurant Name 2

A local favorite for traditional Moroccan dishes in a cozy setting.

Cuisine: Moroccan, Local
Restaurant Name 3

A casual spot for quick bites and popular international fast-casual dining.

Cuisine: Fast-casual Dining, Pizza

Local Favorites

  • Seafood Market Restaurants: Choose your fresh catch for grilling.
  • Local Cafes: Enjoy mint tea and not heavy snacks.
  • Mechoui Stalls: For whole roasted lamb (less common for daily dining).
  • Snack Shops: Quick and inexpensive local eats like sandwiches and pastries.

Dining Etiquette Tips

Hospitality

Accept tea with mint when offered. It is a gesture of welcome.

It shows appreciation.

Tipping

Tipping is customary. A small percentage (5-10%) for good service is appropriate.

Rounding up the bill is also common.

Special Food Experiences

Cheese Tastings

Local dairy products are available, offering unique tastes.

Local Bakeries

Taste authentic Moroccan breads and baked goods fresh from the oven.

Resort Bars

Enjoy evening drinks and international cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Additional Culinary Tips

Always try to sample local specialties, specifically the fresh seafood Dakhla is known for.

  • Be adventurous with street food from reputable vendors.
  • Stay hydrated, especially with herbal mint tea.
  • Ask locals for their favorite restaurants.
  • Be open to communal dining experiences.
  • Carry small denominations of local currency for street vendors.