Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims, and the daily routines of Moroccans during this month differ significantly from the rest of the year. Additionally, Moroccan eating habits are also distinct during Ramadan. For Iftar (the meal to break the fast), there is a significant change in the types of food served compared to ordinary days. Many dishes are specially prepared for this sacred period. If you want to experience the essence of Moroccan Ramadan, these Iftar recipes will help you get started.
Here are some recipes and foods to help you get started.
Moroccan Ramadan Cuisine Prepared Days Before the Sacred Month of Ramadan
Before Ramadan, Moroccans prepare a variety of pastries to be consumed during the two main meals: Iftar, which is at sunset, and Suhur, prepared early in the morning before Fajr prayer, marking the beginning of the fasting day.
Chebakia – The Ramadan Cookie
Also known as MKHARKA, Chebakia is a sesame-based cookie with a floral shape and is one of the most famous Moroccan pastries during Ramadan and other occasions.
Sellou Recipe – Sfouf or Zmita
Sellou (or Sfouf) is a rich mix of roasted dried fruits (almonds, sesame, peanuts), roasted flour, cinnamon, anise, natural gum, nutmeg, powdered sugar or honey, salt, and butter. Before Ramadan, many pop-up stores begin preparing and selling these pastries in Morocco.
The Daily Iftar Meal of Moroccan Ramadan
Iftar is the evening meal to break the fast at the time of Maghreb Adhan (call to prayer). Here are some dishes that Moroccans commonly eat during Ramadan. It may vary from family to family or region to region. Here’s a list of some dishes you might enjoy:
Vegetarian Harira Soup with Dates
Harira is a main dish you’ll find on every Moroccan Ramadan table. This Moroccan soup is made from tomatoes and contains chickpeas and lentils, with a bit of meat added if you like.
Delicious Moroccan Msemen or Meloui Pancakes
Msemen, Meloui, or Rghaif are types of Moroccan pancakes. These pancakes are made from the same dough but are prepared differently depending on how the dough is rolled at the end. Msemen is often served as a snack with tea or for breakfast with coffee. Additionally, Msemen can be served as a savory snack with honey, butter, or cream cheese, depending on personal preferences.
Baghrir – Moroccan Semolina Pancakes
Known as Rgayf or Mchahda, these are small, spongy pancakes made from semolina or flour. When properly cooked, they are filled with tiny holes and are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack with coffee or mint tea.
Moroccan Honeycomb Bread Stuffed with Cheese
Moroccan stuffed bread is a small bread prepared at home by Moroccan families with a simple dough (flour, salt, yeast) and filled with various fillings like minced meat, onions, vegetables, or cheese. It is one of the most delicious dishes prepared for Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Very Popular Moroccan Mint Tea
Mint tea is the national drink of Morocco and is an essential part of daily interactions. It is often jokingly referred to as the most important “Berber drink” in Morocco and North Africa. It is also the primary drink consumed by Moroccans during Iftar throughout Ramadan.
Moroccan Cheese Briouats – Air Fryer Recipe
Briouats are small Moroccan pastries stuffed with various fillings, then fried. This delicious meat filling is wrapped in a thin Moroccan dough called warqa, which is used to make briouats. The dough is then fried until crispy. There are many varieties of briouats, but the main idea remains the same: filling wrapped in warqa and fried to crispy perfection. These briouats are also served at Iftar during Ramadan and can be enjoyed with Harira soup.
Thank you for reading our article
This is our list of some of the best Moroccan Iftar recipes during Ramadan. Have you ever spent the holy month of Ramadan in Morocco, or have you had the chance to enjoy an Iftar meal there? Tell us about your experience and how you found it in the comments section. Did you enjoy Moroccan culinary culture? What did you like the most?
Last modified: 24 March 2025
