Eat, Drink, Explore: Rabat

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN RABAT

Not only is couscous the national dish of Morocco – it also originated there! You’ll find this tasty grain throughout much of North Africa, as it’s a dietary staple in the region. Couscous is typically prepared on the Muslim holy day (Friday) and for special occasions, but most restaurants serve it every day, year-round. An average plate of Moroccan couscous features steamed semolina granules, fresh veggies (think peppers, carrots, onion, zucchini, and garlic), meat or fish, chickpeas, almonds, raisins, lemon, and a hodgepodge of spices like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. If you enjoy some spice, order your couscous with harissa, a hot chili pepper paste!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Rabat

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Rabat:

• Rziza: This is a unique pastry with a texture like a tangled ball of fine threads, and it is made from layers of thin buttery dough. It's a classic breakfast or snack that you will often find sold by street vendors.
• Seafood Pastilla: Pastilla is a famous Moroccan savory pie, and you’ll also find a seafood version that really highlight Rabat’s coastal location. This pie is filled with a delicious mix of fresh seafood, spices, and rice vermicelli.
• Maakouda: If you are looking for delicious and affordable street food, you have to try Maakouda. These are crispy, fried potato fritters that are often served as a sandwich in a baguette with a spicy sauce. They are a beloved snack by locals, and they make a perfect on-the-go meal for students! 

BEST DRINK IN RABAT

Night and day, Moroccans keep hydrated by drinking their national beverage, Maghrebi, or mint tea. This classic drink is prepared with fresh spearmint leaves and sugar, and gives off an intense, sugary, herb-charged flavor sip after sip. Sometimes the tea is perfumed with other herbs, flowers, or orange blossom water as well. Tea is consumed as a social activity in Morocco, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself drinking it between meals and throughout the day. If local Moroccans offer you a cup, remember to be gracious, as it is a sign of hospitality!

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Rabat

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Rabat:

• Moroccan Mint Tea (Atay): Moroccan Mint Tea is a sweet green tea with fresh mint leaves, and it is a core part of daily life here. The tea is traditionally poured from high above into a glass to create a foam, and sharing a pot is a popular social ritual in Morocco. Try it with friends or your host family!
• Avocado Smoothie: On a warm day, you will see locals enjoying avocado smoothies. This thick, creamy, and nutritious drink is made from fresh avocados, milk, and sugar. It's a very popular and refreshing drink that is perfect for a quick breakfast or a midday boost of energy between classes!
• Nous Nous (Moroccan coffee): If you are a coffee lover, you have to try Nous Nous. The name means "half-half," because it is made with equal parts coffee and steamed milk. It's the most popular coffee order in cafes all over the city, and a great option to try the unique coffee of the region. 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN RABAT

Rabat is full of hidden treasures including the can’t-miss gem, Kasbah of the Udayas, a small, fortified neighborhood within the city. The area dates back to the 1100s and is now a charming quarter full of hip cafes and colorful streets. You could spend hours wandering through the cozy, winding roads – and you should! Stop in one of the cafes for a cup of mint tea, study the geometric patterns of the buildings lining the streets, and visit the Kasbah’s large viewing platform for a unique perspective of Rabat beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Rabat

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Rabat:

• Mausoleum of Mohammed V: This is a stunning royal tomb and a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. It's the final resting place of the current King’s father and grandfather. The Mausoleum is tied with the country’s monarchy and is an important part of its modern history. You can also watch the famous changing of the guard ceremony!
• Hassan Tower: This unfinished minaret stands as a monumental landmark in Rabat. It was intended to be the tallest minaret in the world, but now the tower is all that remains of a massive mosque that was never completed.
• Medina of Rabat: While many Moroccan medinas are a bustling maze, Rabat’s medina is known for being more relaxed and peaceful than others in the country. This historic walled city is filled with charming blue-and-white houses and narrow alleyways. 

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