Food in Dakhla

Dakhla is Morocco's most remote city -- a narrow peninsula jutting into the Atlantic in the deep Saharan south, 1,700 km from Tangier. It's a frontier town that has reinvented itself as a kite-surfing destination and, increasingly, as a food destination for adventurous travellers. The Atlantic here is astonishingly productive: the cold Canary Current upwelling creates some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, and Dakhla's lagoon supports Morocco's largest oyster-farming operation.

The food is Atlantic-Saharan: oceanic freshness meets desert simplicity. Grilled fish and seafood are the daily staple, oysters are shucked at waterside farms, and the few restaurants in town serve a mix of Moroccan tagines and Spanish-influenced seafood dishes reflecting the region's colonial history.

Signature dishes of Dakhla

These are the dishes that define Dakhla's food identity -- the plates that locals are proud of and visitors should seek out.

Where to eat in Dakhla

Every city has its food neighbourhoods -- the streets, quarters and markets where locals eat and where you should too.

The cooking identity of Dakhla

Dakhla cooking is defined by extreme freshness and extreme simplicity. The ocean provides an abundance of fish, octopus, oysters and lobster. The desert provides dates, camel meat and the hospitality traditions of the Saharan communities. Cooking techniques are basic -- grilling, frying, tagine-braising -- because the ingredients need nothing more. Spanish colonial influence lingers in the preparation of some seafood dishes.

Market guide

Dakhla's fish market on the corniche has an extraordinary variety of Atlantic seafood at very low prices. The oyster farms along the lagoon welcome visitors for tastings and direct purchases. The town's small souk has basic spices and provisions.

Best time to visit for food

Year-round -- Dakhla's desert-coast climate is warm and sunny throughout the year. October to March is the best kite-surfing season and also excellent for fishing.

Food tips for Dakhla

• Visit the oyster farms on the lagoon -- the experience of eating oysters at the water's edge in the Sahara is surreal.
• Ask at restaurants for lobster -- it's available at prices that would be unthinkable in Europe.
• Dakhla is extremely remote; plan your travel carefully. Flights from Casablanca are the fastest option.
• The wind is constant -- it's part of the charm but choose sheltered restaurants if dining outdoors.