"What are Moroccan Tacos?" by Colleen Daley

Many American students who come to Amideast Rabat are often surprised to see, on their first few days in country, a plethora of taco spots like the one pictured above. They are often MORE surprised however, when they order a ‘taco’ and find not a crispy u-shaped shell filled with vegetables and a meat, but rather a wheat tortilla stuffed with the most unhealthy and delicious ingredients you can think of. 

Moroccan Tacos are the extension of a French food trend dating back to the late 90s. Although the origins are unclear, most people credit Moroccan or Algerian immigrants in France – either in Savoy or Lyon – with inventing the French tacos. Tacos came to Morocco around 2015-2016 and became very popular especially in Rabat and Casablanca in 2017-2018. 

Although there are many kinds, most are stuffed with either fried or grilled chicken or kefta (ground beef), some kind of cheese or cheese sauce (the fancy tacos have melted brie!), potatoes (either French fries or square fried potatoes which are similar to home fries), and sauces like Bechamel, Algerian sauce (usually mayo + mustard + harissa), or a mix of ketchup, mayo, and mustard. One thing they all have in common is that they are BIG and that they are not healthy. 

As you might be able to guess, Moroccan tacos are a great quick meal, and make an even better meal as a late night treat. There is even a taco place (Tacos de Paris) across the street from Amideast! Just don’t eat there every day: the rich Moroccan tacos have been known to give people heartburn, stomach aches, and anything else you can get from eating super unhealthy food. 

For more about the history of Moroccan/French tacos, read these articles from the New Yorker and Vice: “French Tacos” are Not Tacos by Daniel Shkolnik and The Unlikely Rise of the French Tacos by Lauren Collins.

Colleen Daley is the Program Manager at Amideast Education Abroad in Rabat, Morocco.