In the vast Sahara Desert, where nothing but sand stretches for miles, the question arises — what do you eat? For the communities who have lived in this harsh environment for centuries, they have devised their own cooking methods and dishes that have not only enabled them to survive, but thrive. These foods are a reflection of their resilience and the heritage of nomadic Berbers.
While we at Desert Luxury Camp provide our guests a comfortable stay in our Luxury Desert Camps in Morocco, being in the Sahara Desert presents a unique opportunity to discover the way of life in this landscape. That’s why as part of the experience we take guests to meet local nomad communities and take part in cultural activities such as the tea ceremony.
To help you learn more about the food and culture of the Berbers, we’ve created this guide to what people eat in the Sahara Desert, from delicious couscous to Berber pizza. If you have any questions for us as you read, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Typical Ingredients in the Moroccan Sahara
Because nomadic Berber communities in the Sahara Desert live in remote areas with limited resources, the ingredients they use are dependent on what they can grow or raise, specifically in an environment with little water.
Wheat is a staple ingredient used to make breads and couscous, and is grown by families more easily thanks to its low water usage. People also grow dates, olives, figs, and herbs and vegetables. Common spices used in cooking include cinnamon, parsley, coriander, cumin, and mint.
For meat, farmers typically raise goats, sheep, and camels. Their milk would then be used to make yoghurt and cheese. All together, this medley of ingredients has culminated in numerous dishes that are fulsome, nutritious, and delectable.
If you’re interested in visiting, learn more about how to reach the Moroccan Sahara with our blog: Where is the Desert in Morocco and How Do I Get There?
Traditional Berber Dishes of the Sahara Desert
Not only has the environment determined what types of ingredients may be used, it has also meant people have had to devise unique cooking methods. The result is utterly unique meals, some of which have become well-known around the world. Here are some of the most common ones you’ll come across in the region:
Madfouna
Pizza in the desert, anyone? While not technically pizza, madfouna has been compared as the Berber version of the Italian staple. This traditional bread has its roots in the Tafilalt region, right near the Erg Chebbi dunes, which you can learn more about with our Erg Chebbi Travel Guide.
Baked in the sand or over a woodfire, the flatbread is unlike pizza in that it is typically stuffed with ingredients such as meat, cheese, and herbs and spices. After eating madfouna, you’ll wish there was a takeaway option at home!
Couscous
Couscous is fundamental to Moroccan cuisine. Made from semolina which is rolled into small balls and then steamed, couscous forms the basis of many stews with meat and vegetables, flavored with spices like saffron and turmeric and topped with additional ingredients like chickpeas and raisins.
Tajine
The tajine is possibly one of Morocco’s greatest dishes, thanks to the unique clay pot the stew is cooked in. With its conical shape, the pot helps the stew retain its moisture and slow cook the food. This is an ingenious invention in the desert where water is scarce, and results in one of the most succulent meals imaginable, with tender meat, soft vegetables, and flavorful spices.
Shakshouka
A popular Maghrebi dish eaten for breakfast or brunch, shakshouka is a sumptuous meal of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. Served with flatbread to soak up the sauce, it elevates your typical egg breakfasts.
Mechoui
When it’s time for a feast, mechoui is the star of the show. Mechoui is either a whole lamb or sheep slow roasted on a spit. Comparable to a barbecue, in the desert mechoui may be cooked over an earthen oven for up to six hours. It’s then served with spices and salt which perfectly complement the smoky flavor.
Moroccan Mint Tea: More Than a Drink
There’s no mention of food in the Sahara Desert without mint tea. Not only a drink, the serving of mint tea is an essential tradition and show of hospitality in Berber culture. While it can be served at any time of day, it usually forms a part of meal time and is a way to welcome guests.
There is an entire ceremony involved, where the tea is prepared and steeped before guests. Flavored with fresh mint leaves and sugar, the tea is poured from an optimal height into glasses to aerate it and create a foamy layer on top. It’s simply delicious, and often enjoyed with a sweet treat.
Experience the Sahara with Desert Luxury Camp
While it’s one thing to read about Berber cuisine, it’s another thing to taste it in the country of its origin. If you want an authentic experience of the Moroccan Sahara, you can join us at either our Erg Chebbi Luxury Desert Camp by Merzouga or our Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp by M’Hamid. As part of your stay, we can take you to meet the nomadic Berber communities who continue the way of life of their ancestors. They’ll welcome you with a traditional tea ceremony and share tales of their heritage. And at our camps, you’ll get to dine on meals such as tajine and couscous in the breathtaking Saharan setting. If you have any questions about our camps and experiences, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to welcome you to the desert.
