Vegetarian cuisine in Marrakech : ‘Earth Cafe’

Although meat dishes are a specialty in Marrakech as well as the whole of Morocco, you will be surprised at the outstanding selection of vegetarian eating experiences available in the city. Whether it’s in the restaurants of the new-town of Guillez or the market stalls of Djemaa El Fnaa, you never need to worry about dining out and there not being vegetarian options.

After falling in love with some of the meat dishes here in the city such as the slow cooked, marinaded lamb Tanjia (a specialty unique to Marrakech) I found it difficult to break away from this pattern of eating! However I knew I had to break out of my comfort zone and discover some of the non-meat dishes that the city has to offer.

After a 2 minute walk from the Riad Dar Habiba towards the central square, I discover the ‘Earth Cafe’, a restaurant specialising in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Inside the Earth Cafe the atmosphere is calm and relaxing, black and white print photo’s of Berber tribesmen decorate the orange walls and the separate vegan and vegetarian menus are painted onto a large mirror in the foyer, making it easy to make a decision.

Earth Cafe inside

Among the choices  available are a variety of salads, filo pastries, veggie burgers and spring roll dishes garnished with everything from coconuts, gingers and fresh herbs to spinach, goats cheese and apple sauce. The selection of healthy, delicious alternatives doesn’t stop at food in the Earth Cafe.  As you dine you can enjoy a typically Moroccan fused fruit drink such as a beetroot, ginger and orange or you could play it safe and get a traditional mint or yogi tea for two.

Whether or not being a vegetarian or vegan is part of your lifestyle, the Earth Cafe has a remarkable selection of healthy and delicious dining options, the staff are welcoming, speaking both French and English and the Cafe is perfectly situated only a 3 minute walk from the cities central square. Also at only 70 Dirhams (£5.49) for a large portioned meal you can walk away from the restaurant knowing you got fantastic value for money. It’s somewhere I look forward to taking friends who are vegetarians and perhaps more so those who aren’t!