Essaouira’s pastry history is embodied in century-old institutions that perpetuate unique craftsmanship in Morocco. Founded in 1928 by Maâlem Driss, Pâtisserie Driss remains one of the country’s oldest establishments, passing down its recipes from generation to generation for nearly a century. This iconic shop located at 10 rue El Hajjali illustrates the successful fusion between French pastry traditions inherited from the protectorate and ancestral Moroccan know-how.
A Crossroads of Culinary Cultures
Essaouira, formerly Mogador, was built according to 18th-century European architectural principles, creating fertile ground for gastronomic exchanges. This European influence, particularly French, is reflected in the local pastry offerings that combine French viennoiseries (croissants, chocolate croissants) and traditional Moroccan sweets (gazelle horns, chebakia). Essaouira’s pastry chefs have managed to preserve this dual identity, offering both frangipane puff pastries and those made with local peanuts.
Family Transmission and Preserved Authenticity
The multi-generational success of these establishments relies on rigorous transmission of artisanal craftsmanship. The founding family of Pâtisserie Driss has maintained its authenticity while adapting to contemporary tastes, attracting both local Essaouira residents and international celebrities. The shaded patio decorated with hundreds of vintage photographs tells the living story of this pastry culture that has made Essaouira world-renowned today.
Affordable Prices and Consistent Quality
Unlike overpriced tourist destinations, Essaouira’s historic pastry shops have maintained affordable rates without compromising quality. This democratic pricing policy allows American travelers to discover Moroccan pastry excellence without breaking the bank, while supporting a local economy where more than 30% of the population lives from handicrafts.
