Introduction: Morocco’s Love Affair with the Bocadillo
If there’s one thing that unites all Moroccans, from busy city dwellers in Casablanca to fishermen on the coasts of Essaouira, it’s the love for sandwiches — or as they’re fondly called, “bocadillos.”
A bocadillo is more than just a quick bite. It’s a culinary tradition — a reflection of Morocco’s multicultural history, where French baguettes meet local spices, Mediterranean ingredients, and North African soul.
You’ll find these sandwiches everywhere:
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In school bags, wrapped in paper for a quick lunch.
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At street corners, sold by friendly vendors.
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In homes, lovingly prepared for picnics or travel.
From Kefta Bocadillo to Tortilla Bocadillo, Egg and Potato Sandwich, and Tuna Delight, Moroccan sandwiches offer a world of flavor and texture in every bite.
So, let’s dive into the most iconic Moroccan Sandwiches Recipes — authentic, comforting, and unforgettable.
1. Kefta Bocadillo — Morocco’s Meat Lover’s Favorite
A Street Food Legend
The Kefta Bocadillo is one of Morocco’s best-loved sandwiches — flavorful ground beef or lamb seasoned with warm spices, grilled to perfection, and served inside a crispy baguette.
In Morocco, it’s the go-to snack after school, during football games, or at night stalls where the air smells of sizzling meat and cumin.
Ingredients
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250g ground beef or lamb
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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2 tbsp chopped parsley and cilantro
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp chili powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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Olive oil for cooking
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Fresh baguette or khobz (Moroccan bread)
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Optional: cheese slices, harissa, or tomato salad
Preparation
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In a bowl, mix meat, herbs, and spices until well blended.
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Shape into small patties or long kebab shapes.
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Cook on a grill or frying pan with olive oil until brown and juicy.
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Slice open the baguette and fill it with the hot kefta.
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Add optional toppings like cheese, olives, or harissa.
Result: a smoky, juicy sandwich bursting with Moroccan spice and personality.
2. Tortilla Bocadillo — The Moroccan-Spanish Connection
A Spanish Recipe with a Moroccan Twist
The Tortilla Bocadillo is a beautiful marriage of cultures. It takes inspiration from the Spanish omelette (tortilla de patatas) and transforms it into a Moroccan comfort food.
This sandwich is soft, golden, and rich — a mix of eggs, onions, and potatoes wrapped in warm bread.
Ingredients
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3 eggs
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2 potatoes (peeled and diced)
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1 onion (chopped)
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil
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Fresh baguette
Preparation
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Fry the potatoes and onions in olive oil until tender and lightly golden.
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Beat the eggs in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, then pour over the mixture.
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Cook slowly until the tortilla is firm and fluffy.
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Slice it and tuck it inside a baguette with a drizzle of olive oil or harissa.
🥰 Perfect for breakfast, picnics, or quick lunches.
3. Egg and Potato Sandwich — Simple Yet Comforting
A Popular Morning Treat
Among the most classic Moroccan sandwiches recipes, this one is comfort on a plate — or in a baguette. It’s made with fried or boiled potatoes and eggs, seasoned with paprika, cumin, and a touch of chili for warmth.
Ingredients
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2 eggs (boiled or scrambled)
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Fried or boiled potatoes
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper
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Baguette
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Optional: olives or chili sauce
Preparation
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Cut your baguette in half.
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Layer eggs and potatoes, then sprinkle with spices.
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Add olives or a hint of harissa.
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Serve with Moroccan mint tea.
This humble sandwich is found in cafés across Morocco, often served for breakfast or brunch.
4. Tuna Bocadillo — A Coastal Classic
A Fresh Mediterranean Bite
In Morocco’s coastal cities like Agadir, Essaouira, and Tangier, tuna sandwiches are a seaside staple. They’re light, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
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1 can of tuna (in oil)
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1 boiled egg (sliced)
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1 tomato (chopped)
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½ cucumber (sliced)
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Lettuce leaves
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1 tbsp mayonnaise
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Olives
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Baguette
Preparation
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In a bowl, mix tuna, vegetables, and mayonnaise.
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Spread it generously inside the baguette.
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Add boiled egg slices and olives.
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Wrap and chill before serving — perfect for picnics!
5. Harissa and Veggie Bocadillo — The Fiery Favorite
For Spice Lovers
If you like your sandwiches hot and bold, this one is for you. Harissa, Morocco’s famous chili paste, turns a simple veggie sandwich into a flavor explosion.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp harissa
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Grilled peppers and carrots
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Lettuce or cabbage
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Olives
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Olive oil
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Bread or baguette
Preparation
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Spread harissa on the bread.
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Add grilled vegetables and olives.
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Drizzle olive oil for richness.
This bocadillo is vegan-friendly, quick to prepare, and bursting with flavor.
6. Cheese and Olive Sandwich — A School Lunch Classic
A Moroccan Favorite Since Childhood
Every Moroccan has fond memories of this one — simple cheese triangles or cream cheese spread on bread, topped with green or black olives.
Ingredients
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Cheese triangles or cream cheese
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Sliced olives
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Olive oil
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Bread
Spread, drizzle, and enjoy — this sandwich might be simple, but it’s pure nostalgia for millions of Moroccans.
7. Chicken Bocadillo — Juicy and Flavorful
A Street Food Star
If you walk through a Moroccan souk around lunchtime, you’ll smell grilled chicken marinated in paprika, garlic, and cumin. That’s the Chicken Bocadillo — flavorful, smoky, and satisfying.
Ingredients
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Grilled chicken breast (sliced)
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp cumin
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Lettuce and tomato slices
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Mayonnaise
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Baguette
Preparation
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Grill or pan-fry the chicken with spices.
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Layer it in bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
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Toast slightly for crunch.
It’s the perfect sandwich for anyone craving protein-rich Moroccan flavor.
8. Bocadillo with Sardines and Herbs — Tangier’s Coastal Delight
Taste of the Sea
Moroccans love sardines — fresh, spiced, and rich in omega-3. This bocadillo combines herbed sardines with fresh herbs and lemon for a refreshing bite.
Ingredients
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2 fresh sardines (cleaned and grilled)
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1 tbsp chopped cilantro
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Lemon juice
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1 tsp paprika
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Olive oil
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Bread
Preparation
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Mix grilled sardines with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil.
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Spread inside a baguette.
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Add olives or pickles for tang.
9. Bocadillo Tortilla with Kefta — The Ultimate Combo
Double Flavor, Double Satisfaction
This version is pure Moroccan genius — combining the rich flavor of kefta and the soft texture of tortilla in one sandwich.
Ingredients
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Cooked kefta (from recipe above)
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1 small tortilla omelette
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Cheese or mayonnaise (optional)
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Bread
Layer the tortilla and kefta together for a melty, protein-packed sandwich that’s a Moroccan favorite among students and workers.
10. What Makes Moroccan Sandwiches Unique?
The Secret Is in the Details
What sets Moroccan sandwiches recipes apart isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the love, freshness, and spice balance.
Here’s what makes them special:
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Spices: Cumin, paprika, black pepper, turmeric, and coriander.
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Bread: Crispy baguettes or soft Moroccan khobz.
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Fresh Ingredients: Herbs, olives, tomatoes, eggs, tuna, or cheese.
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Personal Touch: Every Moroccan family has its own twist — from added harissa to pickled lemons or fries inside!
11. When and How to Serve Moroccan Sandwiches
You can enjoy Moroccan sandwiches at any time of the day:
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Breakfast: Egg and potato bocadillo with mint tea.
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Lunch: Kefta or tortilla sandwich with salad.
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Dinner: Tuna or chicken sandwich for a light meal.
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Travel: Packed for trips or picnics across the country.
Pair them with fresh juice, Moroccan tea, or yogurt drinks for a complete meal.
12. Moroccan Bocadillos Around the World
Moroccan immigrants have carried the tradition of bocadillos abroad — especially to France, Spain, Belgium, and Canada.
Moroccan delis worldwide now serve kefta bocadillos and tuna baguettes, giving international foodies a taste of Moroccan authenticity in every bite.
Conclusion: A Bite of Morocco Between Two Breads
From spicy kefta to fluffy tortilla and zesty tuna, Moroccan sandwiches recipes prove that simplicity can be powerful.
Each sandwich tells a story — of tradition, spice, and street culture. Whether enjoyed at a roadside stall or made at home, Moroccan bocadillos capture the warmth and creativity of Moroccan life.
So next time you crave something quick yet soulful, grab a baguette, fill it with Moroccan flavor, and take a delicious journey through Morocco’s culinary streets.
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