Food in Ifrane

Ifrane is Morocco's most unexpected town -- a French-Alpine ski resort set in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas at 1,650 metres elevation. Known as "Little Switzerland," Ifrane has clean streets, chalets and a climate that drops below freezing in winter. Its food reflects both its mountain environment and its French colonial heritage.

Fresh trout from the mountain streams is the local signature -- pan-fried, grilled or baked with herbs, it's a world away from the coastal seafood found elsewhere in Morocco. The cedar forests yield wild mushrooms, herbs and honey. Dairy farming in the region produces excellent fresh milk, yoghurt and cheese. The restaurants in town are split between French-style brasseries (serving steak frites, croque-monsieur and pastries) and traditional Moroccan tagine joints that use mountain-grown vegetables and herbs.

Signature dishes of Ifrane

These are the dishes that define Ifrane's food identity -- the plates that locals are proud of and visitors should seek out.

Where to eat in Ifrane

Every city has its food neighbourhoods -- the streets, quarters and markets where locals eat and where you should too.

The cooking identity of Ifrane

Ifrane's cooking blends French mountain cuisine with Moroccan tagine traditions. The altitude and climate favour hearty, warming dishes -- rich tagines, grilled meats, trout and generous use of local butter and honey. Wild herbs from the cedar forests give dishes a distinctive aromatic character. French patisserie and boulangerie traditions are stronger here than in most Moroccan cities.

Market guide

Ifrane's small market sells local produce, honey, dairy and seasonal wild mushrooms. The larger markets at Azrou (30 minutes) and Fes (1.5 hours) have more variety. Cedar-forest honey is the best souvenir -- buy it from local beekeepers or at shops in the town centre.

Best time to visit for food

Spring (April-June) for wildflowers and hiking, or winter (December-February) for snow, skiing and hearty mountain cooking.

Food tips for Ifrane

• Order trout at any restaurant -- it's likely the freshest fish meal you'll have in Morocco.
• Visit in winter for an entirely different Morocco: snow on the cedars, wood fires in restaurants and hearty mountain stews.
• Buy cedar-forest honey as a food souvenir -- it's distinctive and not easily found elsewhere.
• Combine an Ifrane visit with a trip to Azrou's Barbary macaque forests and Tuesday souk.