Visiting traditional Berber and Arabic markets, known as souq (or souk), when in Morocco is usually a must for most travelers. We spent hours and days exploring as many as possible, including the walled, maze-like labyrinth medina (old town) markets in Marrakech and Fez as well as venturing to an incredible weekly Berber market held outdoors in Jemma d’Rhmat, a small village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Steeped in history and tradition, each visit was a fantastic step back in time (some more than others). Packed with traditionally and conservatively-dressed Berber and Arab vendors and shoppers, the bustling markets are an exotic explosion of sight, color, sound, taste and smell. Foods are all fresh, seasonal and fantastic.
We particularly loved the souk in Fez because, unlike in Marrakech, motorized vehicles are not permitted in the medina. Instead of constantly squashing up against walls and curling our toes under so as not to be injured by motorbikes careening through the packed Marrakech markets, we could leisurely stand aside while laden donkeys or horses trundled by. Below are a few photographs of the food market in Fez.
Beast of burden.
Horse with a heavy load delivering carrying goods to a stall.
Beautiful, fresh egg display.
Similarly-colored snails near the egg display.
Jben – fresh cheese made from goat or cow milk pressed into molds lined with palm leaves.
Some of the lovely breads on offer.
Camel meat stall.
Waste not, want not. Using every part of an animal. I was told these hooves were used to make stock.
Preparing and cooking a crepe-like dough.
Fantastic cooking method!
Fresh fish vendor.
Brains.
Flowers for distillation and flower water.
Artichokes and beans.
Preserved lemons, harissa (chile paste), olives, oils and lard flecked with meat.
Olives and pickled vegetables.
Bissara – a delicious broad (or fava) bean soup break at the market.
Sausages and bread.
Picture at every date stand. Apparently, the king LOVES dates (as do I).
One of many date vendors.
Nougat and sesame candy vendor.
Honey-soaked, sesame-strewn dough treat.
Chabbakia – fried, sweet dough treats. (One of many spellings.)
Chabbakia – fried, sweet dough treats. (One of many spellings.)
Berber vendor.
Lovely pictures..I’m seriously missing Fes broad beans and jben saiss…
The souk you went to in Jemma d’Rhmat sounds really cool – do you think it would be worth going there if in Marrakech for just a weekend? We arrive on a Friday morning early, which is when the weekly market is I think
Is it difficult to get to from the city?
There is not much info online, thanks!
You would not have time to get back and forth if only there a weekend. Not sure if this changed but, shockingly, there were no direct flights between the. Citieswhen we were there. If you are looking for a side trip, go into the Atlas Mts. The once-a-week Berber market (check but I believe it was on Friday) was great. We hired a driver who took us there and to the Mts then hooked us up with a fabulous hiking guide who has been leading everything from 3 hour to 2 week hikes for 20 years. Not expensive and we were happy to have the guide to get through tricky bits of the trails. Do not miss the Marrakech night market in the main square. It was full of food and activities. Best after it gets dark. Go hungry.