Who says being vegan in the land of tagines and honey-soaked pastries is a struggle? Honestly, I went into this trip prepared to live exclusively on bread and olives, but my stomach has never been happier. If you’re a fellow herbivore, let me give you the lowdown: Morocco is secretly a vegan paradise, as long as you know the magic word.
That word is L3dis (pronounced leh-diss).
The Lentil Love Affair: My L3dis Obsession
Listen, if you aren't eating L3dis at least once a day, are you even in Morocco? It’s essentially the backbone of the country. It’s a hearty, spiced lentil stew that is naturally vegan 99% of the time (always double-check for a stray piece of khlii or meat stock, but usually, it's just pure, plant-based gold).
I actually had a hilarious moment at a roadside stop near the Atlas Mountains. I walked into this tiny, hole-in-the-wall joint where the menu was basically "whatever is in the pot." I used my best broken Darija to ask for "L3dis," and the owner’s eyes lit up. He didn't just bring me a bowl; he brought me a literal mountain of lentils, a basket of warm, crusty bread, and a side of Harissa that was hot enough to melt my soul.
When I asked for a second helping of the Harissa, he looked at me like I was a warrior. We basically became best friends over the shared love of spicy legumes. Pro-tip: try the version with pumpkin (as seen in my photos). The sweetness of the pumpkin against the earthy cumin and ginger of the lentils is a total game-changer. It’s like a warm hug for your digestive system.
Beyond the Bean: Couscous, Carbs, and the "Trustee" Pudding
While I could probably write a thesis on lentils, there is life beyond the bean. Let’s talk about the Veggie Couscous. Now, standard warning: traditional couscous is often steamed over meat. However, most places are super accommodating if you ask for "Couscous aux légumes" without the "viande." You get this beautiful pile of fluffy semolina topped with massive chunks of caramelized pumpkin, carrots, and zucchini. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
But let’s get real for a second—sometimes you just want a sandwich. I found this amazing spot that did a "Veggie Sandwich" which was essentially a Moroccan salad stuffed inside a baguette with fries on the side. Because yes, in Morocco, fries are a vegetable, and I am 100% here for that logic.
The Secret Vegan Survival Kit
When I wasn't feasting on tagines, I had my "trustee" setup. If you’re traveling through Morocco, do yourself a favor and hit up a Marjane (the big supermarket). I found:
- Sojasun Pudding: My literal savior for late-night cravings.
- Vegan Grilled Cheese: Surprisingly easy to whip up if you have a kitchen, or find a progressive cafe in Marrakech.
- Sfaaa: This is a sweet, broken vermicelli dish topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. It’s traditionally served after a big meal, and it’s accidentally vegan and totally addictive.
One night, I ended up at a dinner where the "Veg Dips" were the star of the show. Imagine a table covered in Zaalouk (smoky eggplant and tomato), Taktouka (bell peppers and tomatoes), and marinated olives. You just grab a piece of bread and go to town. It’s basically a vegan tapas party, and nobody even realizes they’re missing the meat because the flavors are so bold.
I honestly think I’ve eaten more vegetables in the last two weeks than I did in the entire previous year. Morocco doesn't just "do" vegan; it celebrates the ingredients. So, if you're worried about going hungry—don't be. Just follow the scent of cumin, keep a pack of soy pudding in your bag for emergencies, and prepare to fall in love with lentils.
