Moroccan tagine
طاجين Tagine · Marrakesh, Morocco
A North African stew slow-cooked in a pointed clay pot — the dish is named after the pot.
Know before you go
- Eat only with your right hand
- never throw bread away or put it on the ground
- during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The tagine is a Maghrebi stew named after the clay pot it is cooked in. The pot has two parts: a round, flat-bottomed base with low sides, and a large conical or domed lid. The tagine with a conical lid originated in Tafraout in Morocco. In traditional cooking the lid is sometimes replaced with a flat clay dish holding hot coals, a method called 'between two fires'. Marrakesh also has another clay-pot stew called tanjia.
Local customs
- Several people eat from one tagine, scooping with bread
- take food only from the side in front of you
Religion & beliefs
Islam is Morocco's state religion, and restaurants do not serve pork.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Morocco: don't proselytise
- Respect the local Islamic faith
- Trying to convert Muslims to another religion or handing out missionary material
- Publicly criticising Islam (including online)
Proselytising can mean a fine or up to 3 years in prison; publicly criticising Islam can mean up to 2 years.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Eat only with your right hand
- never throw bread away or put it on the ground
- during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day
Locals appreciate DO
Moroccans appreciate guests who hold bread in their right hand and eat from their own side.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- You'll find it at the Jemaa el-Fnaa night market and medina restaurants
- clay tagines are heavy, so pack them carefully if you take one home. Prices and opening hours are set by each restaurant
- popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Photos
Photos
Jafri Ali · CC BY-SA 4.0
Timothy · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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