Fez is a perfect place to experience Moroccan pastry in its natural habitat: almonds, honey, orange blossom, sesame, delicate thin dough… and that whole sharing culture built around mixed assortments. In this pillar guide, I’m giving you a clear game plan for what to try, where to buy, how much to budget, and how to bring pastries back to the USA without stress.
Understanding pastry in Fez (how to do it right)
In Fez, people often buy pastries by weight, mixing several pieces in a box instead of grabbing one single “slice” dessert. The magic is in the variety: one almond bite, one sesame bite, one honeyed bite, then a dry cookie to balance it out.
Flavors you’ll see everywhere:
- Almonds (super common, as paste or crunchy bits)
- Honey/syrup (on some families—stickier)
- Orange blossom (signature scent)
- Cinnamon, sesame, anise (frequent aromatic notes)
If you’re coming from the USA: don’t expect the typical “one pastry per person” bakery vibe. Here it’s more like trays, bite-size pieces, and assortments—shareable, easy, and honestly kinda addictive.
What to try in Fez: the must-haves (how to choose fast)
If you want to keep it simple, start with these five crowd-pleasers:
- Gazelle horns (kaab el ghazal): almonds + thin dough, elegant, and usually easy to travel with
- Sweet briouates: triangle/cigar shapes, almond-filled, crunchy (often honeyed)
- Ghriba: cracked shortbread-style cookies (almond/sesame/coconut)
- Fekkas: sliced dry cookie (biscotti vibes), perfect with coffee and super travel-friendly
- Chebakia: flower-shaped, fried, honey + sesame (very sweet, but iconic)
Easy rule for your first assorted box (no mistakes):
- 60% dry (fekkas, ghriba, shortbread) if you’re traveling or you don’t love super-sweet
- 40% indulgent (almonds + a little honey) for the full Moroccan experience
Where to buy: medina vs Ville Nouvelle (traditional vs premium)
You’ve got three main options in Fez, and each one fits a different vibe.
Option A: Traditional Moroccan pastry shop (sold by weight)
Best for a varied, authentic assortment. You ask for a mix, choose the weight, pay, and walk out with your box.
Option B: “Fine pastry” / gift tray style
More premium: prettier presentation, more uniform pieces, rigid packaging (great if you’re gifting or traveling).
Option C: Tea room
Perfect for tasting without dealing with packaging, and for figuring out what you actually like before buying by weight.
Quick checklist to spot a good place:
- Visible turnover (busy shop) = better chance of freshness
- Clean/protected display, pastries handled with tongs
- Rigid boxes available (important if you’re walking a lot)
Prices & budget: how much to plan
Prices mainly depend on:
- How almond/pistachio-heavy the pastries are (more nuts = more expensive)
- The finish (fine pastry vs traditional)
- On-site tea room experience vs take-away
Simple budgeting strategies:
- Discovery: 200–400 g assorted + 1–2 signature pieces
- Gift: two medium boxes instead of one huge tray (travels better, looks cleaner)
- Break: drink + 2–3 pieces (budget control, no waste)
Satellite link: /prix-patisserie-fes/
Bringing Fez pastries back to the USA: the no-stress plan
For a USA return, keep it simple: solid pastries, rigid box, and separate categories.
Best picks for travel:
- Dry cookies: fekkas, ghriba, shortbread (stable, clean, keep better)
- Less-sticky almond pastries: gazelle horns, some non-glazed almond pieces
What complicates things (still doable):
- Very honey-soaked pastries: delicious, but sticky, leaky, and easy to crush if packed wrong
“Box inside a box” method:
- Snug rigid box + anti-movement padding + keep it flat in your carry-on if possible
Foodie itineraries (1 day / 2 days) + one experience to book
If you have 1 day in Fez
- Morning: simple break (coffee + dry cookie)
- Afternoon: tea room + 2–3 pieces to test
- End of day: buy by weight (assortment + dry cookies to-go)
If you have 2 days
- Day 1: discovery + tea room tasting
- Day 2: targeted buy (your top 3–5 favorites), then your “USA return” box
Best time-saver experience:
A food tour or pastry class helps you understand specialties and buy smarter especially if your schedule is tight.
