Dining in the Sahara isn’t just about eating—it’s an integral part of the magic. Under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the silent Erg Chebbi dunes, meals at Original Desert Camp become memorable rituals of flavor, warmth, and Berber tradition. The camp specializes in authentic Moroccan cuisine, prepared fresh with local ingredients, generous portions, and thoughtful touches that reflect genuine hospitality.
All stays include full-board options (dinner and breakfast), with food consistently praised as “superb,” “plentiful,” “very good,” and “abundant” in recent reviews. The small, intimate scale means meals feel personal—often served family-style around the bonfire or in the communal tent—far from the rushed buffets of larger camps.
Whether you’re craving classic tagines, fresh salads, or sweet Moroccan pastries, here’s a detailed look at what to expect on the menu at Original Desert Camp.
Sunset cocktails and appetizers around the bonfire— the perfect prelude to dinner in the dunes.
Dinner: A Multi-Course Moroccan Feast Under the Stars
Dinner is the highlight, served after your camel trek and sunset views, often with live Berber music or drumming adding to the atmosphere. Expect a hearty, multi-course spread that showcases traditional flavors:
- Starters/Salads: A colorful array of fresh Moroccan salads (known as “salades marocaines”). Think zaalouk (smoky roasted eggplant and tomato dip), taktouka (spicy pepper and tomato salad), carrot with cumin, beetroot, cucumber-orange refresher, and more. These are light, zesty, and made with seasonal produce—perfect for sharing.
- Main Course: The centerpiece is usually a slow-cooked tagine, bubbling hot and aromatic. Popular options include:
- Chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives
- Lamb tagine with prunes, almonds, and warm spices
- Vegetable tagine for vegetarians/vegans (hearty with root veggies, chickpeas, and ras el hanout) Portions are generous—”very plentiful”—ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
- Sides: Fluffy couscous (sometimes on Fridays, as tradition dictates), fresh homemade bread (khobz), and rice or potatoes. Bread is often baked in the desert style for that authentic touch.
- Dessert: Sweet endings like fresh seasonal fruits (dates, oranges from nearby oases), Moroccan pastries (chebakia sesame cookies, baklava-style treats), or simple yogurt with honey.
- Drinks: Unlimited mint tea (Berber whiskey), water, soft drinks, and often Moroccan red wine or sunset cocktails by the fire.
Guests rave about the quality: “The dinner very good and very plentiful,” “food superb,” and “abundance of food.” Special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free) are accommodated with advance notice—the camp’s family-friendly approach ensures options for all.
Traditional tagine served hot in the communal tent—aromatic, flavorful, and made with love.
Breakfast: A Fresh, Energizing Start to the Day
Mornings in the desert are crisp and quiet, and breakfast refuels you for sunrise dune climbs or relaxed terrace time. It’s typically a generous buffet-style spread with local specialties:
- Freshly squeezed juices and fruits (oranges, dates, seasonal picks)
- Warm breads and pastries: Moroccan msemen (layered pancakes), baghrir (spongy semolina crepes), harcha (semolina flatbread), plus croissants or rolls
- Eggs (boiled, scrambled, or omelets on request)
- Yogurt, cheese, jams, honey, and olives
- Coffee, mint tea, and hot chocolate
Reviewers call it “very good,” “the most interesting and varied,” and “abundant”—a perfect mix of sweet and savory to power your desert day.
Abundant Moroccan breakfast spread: fresh breads, fruits, eggs, and endless mint tea to greet the morning light.
Special Touches & Desert Dining Experience
What elevates the meals beyond the food itself is the setting and service:
- Bonfire & Entertainment: Dinner often transitions to the central fire pit for Berber songs, drumming, and storytelling—guests join in, learning bongos or dancing. It’s interactive and joyful.
- Personalized Service: The small team (Hamid, Yousef, Idriss, Tris) serves with warmth—refilling tea, accommodating requests, and creating a family-like vibe.
- All-Inclusive & Flexible: Packages include meals; extras like wine or special requests (e.g., Coke Zero or fries) are handled cheerfully.
- Authenticity: Ingredients draw from local Berber traditions—fresh, simple, spiced just right—without pretension.
In a desert where food can vary, Original Desert Camp stands out for consistency and heart: “superb food,” “delicious and abundant,” and “one of the best meals.”
Why the Food Matters at Original Desert Camp
Meals here aren’t an afterthought—they’re a cultural immersion. Sharing tagine under stars, sipping mint tea by the fire, tasting flavors tied to centuries of nomadic life—it deepens your Sahara connection.
If you’re in Marrakesh planning your escape, know that the dining at Original Desert Camp will be as memorable as the dunes themselves.
Ready to taste the Sahara? Book your stay at originaldesertcamp.com. Your table under the stars awaits.