Jemaa el fna Food stalls

Which is the best stall for eating at the Marrakech Jemaa el-fna food stalls?

It’s a hotly debated issue.

During the day, the Marrakech jemaa el fna is a gathering square to stroll around.
As the day becomes dusk, local workers with metal trolleys are seen pushing them across the square.
So begins the daily set up of the massive Marrakech outdoor street food Market.

From 5pm each afternoon, the square is transformed with up to 50 food stalls which freshly cook a whole range of local foods and specialties.

With so many food stalls to choose from, it may seem hard to select which one is the best.

Firstly, let’s start off by mentioning that all of the food stalls in the Market are licensed to cook and sell food. Additionally, most of them have been working in the square for many years. Being handed down in the family for generations.

That’s a great opportunity. However, the price and quality can vary greatly from stall to stall.

When you visit the square for eating at Marrakech Jemaa el-fna food stalls, you could just pick one which looks good and hope for the best.

Many people, from locals to Marrakech regulars have opinions on which of the food stalls is best to visit.

Taking note of a lot of opinions and advice, there are some top tips which you should remember when choosing which of the Djemaa el fna food stalls to enjoy eating at.

Eat where the locals eat

Just about everyone agrees that when choosing which stall to eat at you can be safely assured if you see local familes eating at the same food stall.
This is good advice the world over, not just for food stalls, but also for Cafe’s and restaurants too.

Grilled foods
Marocmama, a widely appraised Marrakech blogger recommends eating at Marrakech Jemaa el-fna food stalls 93 or 31 for grilled food.

Seafood food stalls

Marocmama and other frequent visitors to Marrakech also recommend stall 14 for seafood dishes. Apparently, the owner of this stall also owns a Seafood restaurant in Gueliz too.
Remember that Marrakech is located far away from the Sea, you won’t be guaranteed fresh fish anywhere. In my opinion, it is best to leave the fish eating until you visit Essaouira or Agadir on the Atlantic Coast.

Eating at Jemaa el-fna food stall #1

Number 1 is owned by a lovely lady called Aisha.
I’ve spent time with Aisha and her family myself and have also had the lucky fortune to enjoy some wonderful privately cooked Tagine’s and Couscous with her family, all of which were absolutely marvellous.
My favorite evening meal at Aicha’s stall is most definately a grill.

Ginger tea

A few years ago i regularly enjoyed a cup of hot tea from a tea stall in the square. This was not Mint tea. Instead it had a great kick of ginger. For chilly winter nights, it was a welcome drink. I’ve recommended this to many people. However, they have mainly reported back that they were unable to find the stall – it’s just one man with a chariot holding a water tank etc. It seemed quite popular whenever i enjoyed it.

Food stall touts

Almost every food stall in the square will try to attract your attention.
This is naturally expected. However, some of them have touts whose only job is to get you to eat at their stall.
My advice is to not be taken in by the touts.
Instead, stand back, have a good walk around and choose your own stall.

Keeping healthy at Jemaa el fna Food stalls

One very important point to remember when eating at Marrakech Jemaa el-fna food stalls, and, indeed anywhere in Morocco is to ensure that you wash your hands just prior to picking up the food. The most likely cause of stomach upset is caused by not washing your hands before eating. This small piece of advice will help you to stay well after eating at Marrakech Jemaa el-fna food stalls.