Morocco offers a unique and vibrant grocery shopping experience, blending traditional practices with modern conveniences. Whether you are a tourist exploring its bustling markets or a resident looking for daily essentials, this guide will provide you with comprehensive insights into grocery shopping in Morocco.
Where to Buy Groceries in Morocco
Shopping at Hanouts (Corner Stores)
Hanouts are small shops you’ll find in every neighborhood. They sell daily essentials like bread, snacks, soft drinks, and cleaning products. Some hanouts also sell spices, including the famous Moroccan spice mix called Ras el Hanout, which means “head of the store.”
If you need fresh items like chicken, meat, or vegetables, you will find separate stores for each. For example, chicken shops keep live chickens in cages. When you buy one, they prepare it for you on the spot by cleaning and plucking it.
Hanouts usually don’t display prices, but shopkeepers are honest and give fair rates. Most hanouts don’t accept credit cards, so always carry cash with you.
Specialized Hanouts for Fresh Produce
In addition to general-purpose hanouts, specialized shops cater to specific needs:
- Poultry shops: Here, chickens are often sold live. The process of slaughtering, plucking, and cleaning the bird happens right before your eyes, ensuring freshness.
- Butcher shops: Offering beef, lamb, and goat meat.
- Vegetable stalls: Stocked with seasonal produce at affordable prices.
- Bakeries: Freshly baked Moroccan bread, such as khobz, is a staple in every household.
- Olive shops: Selling a variety of olives, pickles, and preserved lemons.
Tip: Be prepared to pay in cash as most hanouts do not accept credit cards.
Shopping in Supermarkets in Morocco
Morocco has several big supermarkets that provide more variety and modern shopping options. These are located outside the medina areas in cities.
- Carrefour: This is a French supermarket chain. It’s a bit more expensive but has many imported products, including Western goods and pork.
- Marjane: A Moroccan chain where you can find groceries, household items, electronics, and more. The biggest one in Marrakech is on the road to Casablanca.
- Aswak Assalam: This is similar to Marjane but usually cheaper.
- Atacadao: A wholesale supermarket good for buying in bulk. It’s located outside the city, like on the road to Fez in Marrakech.
- BIM: A budget-friendly supermarket with basic products at very low prices.
In supermarkets, you can pay with credit or debit cards, unlike smaller shops.
Eco-Friendly Shopping Practices in Morocco
In 2016, Morocco became a pioneer in environmental conservation by banning plastic bags. Instead, paper and reusable bags are provided in stores. This policy has been widely adopted across hanouts, supermarkets, and markets.
Where to Buy Cigarettes in Morocco
Cigarettes can be purchased in specific hanouts displaying a blue sign. They are also available in supermarkets or from local street vendors. Ensure you look for licensed sellers for authenticity and fair pricing.
Shopping for Alcohol in Morocco
Morocco’s alcohol sales are regulated, and not every supermarket has a license to sell it. However, both Carrefour and Atacadao stock alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, specialized liquor stores are scattered throughout urban areas.
Read more: For a complete guide explore our article on where to buy alcohol in Morocco.
Traditional Markets: Souks
Souks are open markets where you can buy fresh groceries, spices, and other traditional Moroccan items. These markets are full of life and color, making shopping there a special experience.
You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and even seafood, especially in coastal cities. Spices like saffron and turmeric are also very popular. In souks, it’s normal to bargain for better prices.
It’s best to visit early in the morning to get the freshest items and avoid the crowds. Also, carry cash since most vendors don’t accept cards.
Tips for Shopping in Souks
- Bargaining: Negotiating prices is customary, so don’t hesitate to haggle.
- Cash Payments: Carry small denominations of cash.
- Early Visits: Arrive early for the freshest produce and fewer crowds.
FAQs About Grocery Shopping in Morocco
1. Are there organic products available in Morocco?
Yes, organic products are available in major supermarkets like Carrefour and Marjane, as well as in specialized organic stores in larger cities.
2. Can I find international brands in Moroccan supermarkets?
Absolutely! Supermarkets like Carrefour and Marjane stock a variety of international brands.
3. Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, Moroccan markets and supermarkets offer a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
4. Can I use a credit card everywhere in Morocco?
No, small hanouts only take cash, but most supermarkets accept credit cards.
5. What’s the best way to carry groceries in Morocco?
Bring a reusable bag, as plastic bags are banned.
6. Can I buy groceries online in Morocco?
Some supermarkets, such as Carrefour, offer online shopping and home delivery services in major cities.
Grocery shopping in Morocco offers a wonderful mix of tradition and modern convenience. Whether you explore the lively souks, visit the corner hanouts for daily essentials, or head to supermarkets for a wider variety, each experience gives you a glimpse into Moroccan life. Remember to carry cash for smaller stores, bring a reusable bag, and enjoy the vibrant culture that surrounds every shopping trip.
If you’re planning a visit to Morocco and want personalized tips for shopping or creating the perfect itinerary, book a Morocco private tour with us today! Let us help you make the most of your Moroccan adventure.
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