Budget Moroccan
Cheap Eats in Taroudant — Budget Food in the Walled Town
Taroudant is a relaxed, untouristy walled town in the Souss Valley, and it eats cheaply and well. The souks' grills and soup stalls, plus the region's argan, almonds and dates, feed both locals and visitors for very little.
- City
- Taroudant
- Cuisine
- Budget Moroccan
- Typical price
- 10-45 MAD
The cheapest meals in Taroudant are the national staples served in and around the two souks: bissara and harira soups with bread for around 10-15 MAD, sandwich counters stuffing baguettes with kefta, egg or grilled meat for 15-40 MAD, and small canteens serving a plate of the day — tagine, lentils, or grilled meat — for 30-45 MAD. Because the town sees few tourists, these are pitched at locals and priced accordingly.
Taroudant's budget-eating advantage is the Souss produce sold in its souks. A picnic of fresh bread, local olives, cheese, dates and almonds costs very little, and drizzling on some of the region's argan oil or spreading amlou turns it into something special and distinctly local. The excellent local almonds, dates and honey make cheap, nourishing snacks, and they are far cheaper here at the source than in the tourist cities.
The relaxed, walkable town makes cheap eating easy and pleasant: you can graze the souks, pick up a soup or sandwich, and eat by the ramparts without spending much. The kasbah-hotel and riad restaurants cost more for their atmosphere, but the medina canteens and souk stalls serve the same honest Souss food for a fraction of the price. Sfenj doughnuts and griddle breads round out the cheap options.
To eat cheaply, base yourself on the souk soup stalls, sandwich counters and canteens, and use the markets for picnics and the region's argan, almonds and dates. Follow the locals, agree prices before ordering, and Taroudant will feed you authentic Souss food for the price of a coffee.
How to eat well
- 1
Build a cheap picnic from the souks: bread, olives, cheese, dates, almonds and a drizzle of local argan oil.
- 2
Bissara and harira soups with bread cost around 10-15 MAD.
- 3
Taroudant is untouristy, so souk stalls and canteens are honestly priced for locals.
- 4
Medina canteens serve the same Souss food far cheaper than the kasbah-hotel restaurants.
- 5
Local almonds, dates and honey make cheap, nourishing snacks — much cheaper here at the source.
Frequently asked questions
Is Taroudant cheap to eat in?
Yes — as a relaxed, untouristy walled town, its souk soup stalls, sandwich counters and canteens are priced for locals, and the region's produce makes for very cheap picnics.
What cheap local food should I try in Taroudant?
The Souss produce — local almonds, dates, honey, olives and argan oil or amlou — makes cheap, distinctive snacks and picnics, alongside bissara soup and stuffed sandwiches from the souks.
Where do locals eat cheaply in Taroudant?
In and around the two souks, at the soup stalls, sandwich counters, grills and small canteens, and by shopping the markets for bread, produce and the region's argan and almonds.