Practical tips
How to Order Food in Morocco: Language Tips
You do not need to speak Arabic to eat well in Morocco, but a dozen words transform the experience — they open doors, earn smiles, and get you better food. Moroccans speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and widely French, with English common in tourist areas. Learn a few key terms and how to handle the no-menu cook-shops where the best food often hides, and ordering becomes a pleasure.
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- 7 min
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- Practical tips
- Updated
- 19 July 2026
At a glance
- A few words of Darija or French hugely improve the welcome and the food.
- Many of the best cook-shops have no menu — ask what is cooked today.
- Politeness and greetings matter; they set the tone before you order.
The essential words
Start with greetings and gratitude, which matter enormously in Moroccan culture, then add food basics. French works in most restaurants and cities, so a mix of French and a little Darija covers almost everything.
- Salam / bonjour: hello — always greet before ordering.
- Shukran / merci: thank you, used constantly.
- Bghit / je voudrais: I would like, to start an order.
- Lhsab / l'addition: the bill, please.
- Bnin / delicieux: delicious — a compliment always welcomed.
Handling no-menu cook-shops
Some of the best, most local eating happens at places with no written menu — a cook-shop with a pot or two of the day's dishes. Rather than a list, you ask what is available today (ash kayn al-yum, or simply what is good), and often you can peer into the pots or point. Do not be put off by the lack of a menu; it usually signals fresh, focused, home-style cooking.
At informal stalls, confirm the price before you order, especially where there is no board. This is normal and expected, not rude, and it avoids the occasional tourist mark-up. A friendly manner and a couple of local words go a long way to being treated as a welcome guest rather than a mark.
Numbers, prices and politeness
Knowing numbers helps with prices and quantities, whether in Arabic or French. Prices are in dirhams; learn to recognise the figures and carry small notes and coins. In markets, gentle bargaining is expected in the tourist souks but not at fixed-price local shops and eateries.
Above all, lead with warmth. Greeting people, accepting a glass of mint tea, and showing genuine interest opens the real Morocco. For dietary needs specifically, pair this with our Darija dietary phrases, and for the wider table manners, our food etiquette guide.
Frequently asked questions
What language do I order food in in Morocco?
Moroccans speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and widely French, with English common in tourist areas. In restaurants and cities French works almost everywhere, and a few words of Darija earn a warmer welcome. You rarely need fluent Arabic, but greetings and thanks in either language help a lot.
How do I order at a cook-shop with no menu?
Ask what is available or good today rather than expecting a list — often you can look into the pots or point at what you want. A menu-free cook-shop usually signals fresh, focused, home-style cooking. Confirm the price before ordering at informal places, which is normal and expected.
Do I need to speak Arabic to eat in Morocco?
No. French covers most restaurants and cities, English is common in tourist areas, and a dozen words of Darija for greetings, thanks and basic ordering go a long way. Politeness and a friendly manner matter more than fluency, and greeting people before ordering sets a good tone.
Should I confirm prices before ordering?
Yes, at informal stalls and cook-shops without a written menu or board, confirming the price first is normal and sensible, avoiding the occasional tourist mark-up. It is not considered rude. In fixed-price restaurants and local shops the prices are set, so this applies mainly to informal settings.