When you think of Casablanca, the first things that come to mind might be palm-lined boulevards, Atlantic Ocean breezes, and, of course, Morocco’s rich culinary traditions. But if you’re vegan you'll instantly start wondering: can I find delicious plant-based food in this bustling Moroccan city? The answer is a big yes!
Casablanca is a city where tradition meets modernity, and its food scene reflects that perfectly. From slow-cooked tagines to trendy cafes serving smoothie bowls, there’s something for every vegan traveller! If you’re planning on going on any Casablanca tours, this guide will help you discover the best vegan options in the city, whether you’re a foodie eager for local flavours or a traveller looking for quick, healthy meals.
Why Casablanca Is Great for Vegan Travellers
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its economic hub. That means it has a wide mix of people: locals, expats and travellers, who all shape the dining scene. While traditional Moroccan cuisine leans heavily on lamb, chicken and seafood, it also has a beautiful plant-based side (think couscous topped with vegetables, hearty lentil soups and fresh salads bursting with herbs and spices).
On top of that, Casablanca has embraced modern food trends. Many cafes and restaurants now offer vegan dishes (and sometimes even label them as such too!), catering to a growing demand for healthy, sustainable eating. So, you don’t need to worry about surviving on just bread and olives (though Moroccan bread and olives are truly amazing imo).
Before diving into modern vegan restaurants, let’s talk about the accidentally vegan traditional Moroccan dishes you should defo try. These meals showcase how plant-based Moroccan food can be both comforting and super flavourful too!
On top of that, Casablanca has embraced modern food trends. Many cafes and restaurants now offer vegan dishes (and sometimes even label them as such too!), catering to a growing demand for healthy, sustainable eating. So, you don’t need to worry about surviving on just bread and olives (though Moroccan bread and olives are truly amazing imo).
Traditional Moroccan Dishes That Are Naturally Vegan
Before diving into modern vegan restaurants, let’s talk about the accidentally vegan traditional Moroccan dishes you should defo try. These meals showcase how plant-based Moroccan food can be both comforting and super flavourful too!
- Vegetable tagine: A slow-cooked stew made in a clay pot, filled with carrots, zucchini, potatoes, olives and often flavoured with cumin, saffron and preserved lemon.
- Couscous with vegetables: Served on Fridays across Morocco, this dish often comes with chickpeas, pumpkin and seasonal vegetables. Just ask for it without meat broth!
- Harira soup: A lentil and tomato-based soup that’s often eaten during Ramadan. It can be and sometimes is vegan if made without meat stock or eggs (once again, you gotta ask);
- Zaalouk: A smoky eggplant and tomato dip that’s usually served with bread, mmmm....
- Taktouka: A cooked salad of peppers and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic and olive oil.
These dishes showcase how Moroccan cuisine doesn’t require meat to be rich and satisfying. They’re also widely available in local eateries, so you’ll always have vegan-friendly options around.
Now let’s explore the real gems: restaurants and cafes in Casablanca where vegans can eat happily.
Taste the Divine - Cloud Kitchen is one of only two fully vegan restaurants in Casablanca. The joy of this is you can go in there relaxed (not worrying about having to check and double check that nothing has eggs in it). And the joy doesn't stop there, known for it's high-protein, oil-free burgers you truly can have the best of all worlds here - taste, health, and, of course, no cruelty to animals!
The other fully vegan restaurant in Casablanca is NIYA which whilst small, is big on taste - pizzas, cakes and even "cheese" naans can be found here! If I had to choose between NIYA and Taste the Divine, I'd choose both (I hope you can too).
Next are three restaurants in Casablanca that aren't fully vegan or even vegetarian, they just have a couple of vegan options - usually I wouldn't feature such restaurants here, but if you've tried Taste the Divine and NIYA and want to try something else, here's what you can do:
Fully Vegan Restaurants in Casablanca
Now let’s explore the real gems: restaurants and cafes in Casablanca where vegans can eat happily.
Taste The Divine - Cloud Kitchen
Taste the Divine - Cloud Kitchen is one of only two fully vegan restaurants in Casablanca. The joy of this is you can go in there relaxed (not worrying about having to check and double check that nothing has eggs in it). And the joy doesn't stop there, known for it's high-protein, oil-free burgers you truly can have the best of all worlds here - taste, health, and, of course, no cruelty to animals!
NIYA
The other fully vegan restaurant in Casablanca is NIYA which whilst small, is big on taste - pizzas, cakes and even "cheese" naans can be found here! If I had to choose between NIYA and Taste the Divine, I'd choose both (I hope you can too).
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Casablanca
Next are three restaurants in Casablanca that aren't fully vegan or even vegetarian, they just have a couple of vegan options - usually I wouldn't feature such restaurants here, but if you've tried Taste the Divine and NIYA and want to try something else, here's what you can do:
Organic Kitchen
Organic Kitchen might lose points from me for not being vegan, but it gains a couple for being organic at least. Some vegan options here include cauliflower wings, quinoa sushi (vegan upon request) and falafel bowl (of course). Be extra careful here by double checking with your waiter that things are vegan (because the menu isn't always trustworthy unfortunately).
L'Etoile Centrale is probably the most authentically Moroccan out of this list. Here you can try 'vegetarian cous cous' and tagine which by accident is technically vegan cous cous and tagine (again, this is a place you need to double check with your waiter).
If you're anything like me (so desperate to try all the local vegan options that you over-do it and get sick of local cuisine and want to try something different) then you'll love Le Nouveau Dragon.
L'Etoile Centrale
L'Etoile Centrale is probably the most authentically Moroccan out of this list. Here you can try 'vegetarian cous cous' and tagine which by accident is technically vegan cous cous and tagine (again, this is a place you need to double check with your waiter).
Le Nouveau Dragon
If you're anything like me (so desperate to try all the local vegan options that you over-do it and get sick of local cuisine and want to try something different) then you'll love Le Nouveau Dragon.
This is a Chinese restaurants and like most Chinese restaurants across the world, it always has at least one or two vegan options.
While Casablanca has many vegan-friendly restaurants, you might still encounter situations where menus lean heavily on meat and fish. Here are some tips to help you navigate:
Food is just one part of your Casablanca tours - while you’re enjoying vegan meals, don’t forget to explore the city’s highlights:
Pairing good food with cultural exploration will make your trip even more memorable!
Travelling as a vegan can sometimes feel limiting, but in Casablanca, it becomes an adventure! The mix of tradition and modernity makes the city’s food scene special. On one day, you could be savouring a centuries-old recipe for vegetable tagine, and the next, you might be enjoying a smoothie bowl at a trendy café.
Tips for Eating Vegan in Casablanca
While Casablanca has many vegan-friendly restaurants, you might still encounter situations where menus lean heavily on meat and fish. Here are some tips to help you navigate:
- Learn a few key phrases in French or Darija Arabic: Saying “Ana nabati” (I’m vegetarian/vegan in Arabic) or “Je suis végétalien(ne)” in French can help.
- Ask politely for modifications: Most places are happy to prepare couscous or tagine without meat if you ask.
- Look for side dishes: remember, Moroccan side dishes like zaalouk, lentil salads and grilled veggies make a full meal!
- Check out local markets: Casablanca’s markets are full of fresh fruits, nuts and breads, perfect for vegan snacking on the go!
- Use food delivery apps: Many modern restaurants in Casablanca offer delivery, making it easy to find vegan meals if you’re tired from sightseeing.
Beyond Food: Experiencing Casablanca’s Culture
Food is just one part of your Casablanca tours - while you’re enjoying vegan meals, don’t forget to explore the city’s highlights:
- Hassan II Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, with stunning architecture overlooking the Atlantic;
- The Corniche: A seaside promenade perfect for walking after a big meal;
- The Medina: A lively market area where you can snack on roasted nuts and shop for spices;
- Art Deco Architecture: Casablanca is known for its unique blend of French colonial and Moroccan design.
Pairing good food with cultural exploration will make your trip even more memorable!
Wrapping Up
Travelling as a vegan can sometimes feel limiting, but in Casablanca, it becomes an adventure! The mix of tradition and modernity makes the city’s food scene special. On one day, you could be savouring a centuries-old recipe for vegetable tagine, and the next, you might be enjoying a smoothie bowl at a trendy café.
This balance of old and new reflects Casablanca itself: a city that holds on to its heritage while embracing global influences. For vegan travellers, that means more variety and more opportunities to explore.
All in all, Casablanca may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about vegan travel, but it’s one of the most exciting places to explore if you’re open to discovery. Traditional Moroccan food already offers a strong base of plant-based dishes and modern cafes are slowly filling in the gaps with global vegan favourites.
So as you plan your Casablanca tours, know that great vegan food will be part of your journey! Whether you’re dining in a charming garden, sipping coffee at a hip café or enjoying couscous in a family-style restaurant, Casablanca is ready to surprise you with flavour, culture and unforgettable experiences! (Photo credits Unsplash: 1, 2 and 3)
