Eating Out in Morocco

Essential Darija Phrases for Restaurants & Cafés

Eating in Morocco is an experience full of flavor, culture, and hospitality. But if you don’t speak Darija, ordering food can be a little intimidating. In this guide, we’ll teach you the must-know Moroccan Arabic phrases for restaurants and cafés — plus real-life dialogues and local tips.

1. Essential Darija Phrases for Restaurants

Here are the most common expressions you'll need:

• 3afak, fin kayna shi restora 9riba?
  Meaning: Excuse me, where’s a nearby restaurant?

• 3afak, 3tini lmenu. 
  Meaning: Please, give me the menu.

• Shnu dayrin lyouma?
  Meaning: What’s available today? / What’s on today’s menu?

• Bghit n reserver tabla dyal joj.
  Meaning: I’d like to book a table for two.

• 3afak, kayna shi makla bla l7am? 
  Meaning: Excuse me, do you have vegetarian food?

2. Ordering Food in Darija

• Bghit tajine dyal l7am. 
  Meaning: I want a meat tajine.

• Bghit harira. 
  Meaning: I want harira soup.

• Bghit lma, 3afak.
  Meaning: I’d like water, please.

• 3afak, kayna Oulemes?
  Meaning: Do you have sparkling water?

• Bghit atay b na3na3. 
  Meaning: I want mint tea.

3. Phrases for Cafés

• 3afak, wa7d atay.
  Meaning: One tea, please.

• Bghit wahd 9ahwa b la7lib. 
  Meaning: I’d like a coffee with milk.

• Bghit wa7d nass nass. 
  Meaning: I want a “nass nass” (half milk, half coffee – Moroccan style).

• Kayna lwifi hna? 
  Meaning: Is there Wi-Fi here?

4. Real-Life Dialogues

Dialogue 1 — At a Restaurant

• You: 3afak, 3tini lmenu.
  (Please, give me the menu.)

• Waiter: Hahowa lmenu.
  (Here’s the menu.)

• You: Shnu dayrin lyouma?
  (What’s on today’s menu?)

• Waiter: Kayn tajine, couscous, o la7rira.
  (We have tajine, couscous, and harira.)

• You: Bghit tajine dyal l7am.
  (I want a meat tajine.)

Dialogue 2 — At a Café

• You: 3afak, wa7d atay.
  (One tea, please.)

• Waiter: Sghir wla kbir?
  (Small or large?)

• You: Kbir, 3afak.
  (Large, please.)

Dialogue 3 — Asking for the Bill

• You: 3afak, la7sab. 
  (The bill, please.)

• Waiter: Hahowa la7sab, shukran.
  (Here’s the bill, thank you.)

• You: Shukran bzaf!
  (Thank you very much!)

5. Local Dining Tips in Morocco

• Friday couscous: Many restaurants serve couscous only on Fridays — a Moroccan tradition.

• Tipping culture: Leaving 5–10 MAD for cafés and 10–20 MAD in restaurants is normal.

• “Service included” bills: Check if the service charge is already added.

• Street food safety: Choose busy stalls — fresh food moves faster.

• Atay culture: Always accept mint tea when offered; it’s a sign of Moroccan hospitality.

Practice Your Darija While Eating Out

Eating out is one of the best ways to practice Darija. Moroccan waiters are friendly and often happy to help you pronounce words correctly. A little effort goes a long way!

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