Moroccan pastry richness fully expresses itself in Essaouira through ancestral specialties that blend honey, almonds, and spices. Here are twelve essential sweets that will delight American travelers seeking gourmet authenticity.
Gazelle Horns (Kaab el Ghazal)
These delicate crescent-shaped pastries contain almond paste perfumed with orange blossom water, wrapped in a thin crispy dough. A signature specialty of Pâtisserie Driss, they’re ideally enjoyed with mint tea in late afternoon. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle aroma make them an absolute must-try for visitors.
Chebakia – Honey Flowers
These braided rosette-shaped pastries, fried then dipped in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, are traditionally served during Ramadan. Their shiny appearance and intensely sweet taste pleasantly surprise Western palates. In Essaouira, the best versions avoid glucose overload to favor local eucalyptus honey.
Ghriba – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cookies
These soft almond or coconut cookies crackle on the surface while remaining tender inside. Perfect for accompanying Moroccan tea, they keep for several weeks and make an excellent souvenir to bring back. Essaouira versions often incorporate local argan oil for a unique regional touch.
Fekkas – Almond Crisps
These crunchy twice-baked cookies, enriched with roasted almonds, anise seeds, and sesame, offer a texture comparable to Italian biscotti. Their long shelf life (2-3 weeks) makes them the preferred choice for travelers wanting to bring pastries back to America. Ideal for Moroccan breakfast with coffee or tea.
Sellou (Sfouf) – The Energy Paste
This unique preparation blends roasted almond flour, toasted sesame, honey, and spices into a nutritious crumbly paste. Traditionally consumed by new mothers to regain strength, it surprises with its grainy texture and complex taste. An authentic discovery for culinary adventurers.
Briwats with Almonds – Golden Triangles
These small triangular phyllo pastry cigars contain a ground almond filling perfumed with cinnamon and orange blossom water. Fried then dipped in honey, they offer an irresistible textural contrast between crispy and melting. Available year-round in Essaouira’s fine pastry shops.
Makrout – Date Diamonds
These traditional pastries feature fine semolina dough stuffed with dates perfumed with cinnamon, fried then coated in honey. Their characteristic diamond shape and dense texture make them an energizing snack appreciated during long sightseeing days. Local version often perfumed with geranium water.
Msemen – Layered Pancakes
These square layered pancakes, prepared in front of customers at Miloud’s on Avenue Al Istiqlal, are enjoyed plain, with honey, or melted butter. Their slightly greasy texture and multiple crispy layers perfectly accompany mint tea or soup in the morning. An authentic street-food experience at unbeatable prices.
Baghrir – Thousand-Hole Pancakes
These spongy pancakes pierced with tiny holes perfectly absorb the melted butter and honey generously poured over them. Served hot at breakfast, they constitute a comforting classic of Moroccan family cuisine. Unique fluffy texture thanks to their semolina-based leavened batter.
Halwa Chebakia – The Premium Version
A refined variant of classic chebakia, this version uses blanched almonds and pure orange blossom honey for a more delicate result. Less greasy than its traditional cousin, it appeals to palates seeking the perfect balance between sweetness and aromas. Available in upscale pastry shops like La Bienvenue.
Feqqas with Peanuts
Local version of fekkas enriched with roasted peanuts grown in the neighboring Souss region. This more affordable variant partially replaces almonds without sacrificing taste or crunch. Perfect for discovering the local adaptation of traditional recipes.
Almond and Honey Cake
Typical Essaouira fusion pastry combining French techniques (sponge cake) and Moroccan ingredients (local almonds, eucalyptus honey). Soft and fragrant, it illustrates the multicultural heritage of this coastal city. Served in generous portions in the medina’s elegant tea salons.
