When one thinks of Moroccan cuisine, the tajine or couscous comes to mind. But Morocco has oh so much more to offer. Unfortunately, much of it remains undiscovered. One of those dishes is the Tanjia. Quite possibly the most popular dish in Marrakech, more so than the tajine! The tanjia is specific to Marrakech and something locals are very proud of. A proper Marrakech speciality. Whereas the tajine is a dish found all over Morocco.
Tanjia is the name of the clay urn the dish is cooked in. So, the name of the dish and cooking vessel is tanjia. You have to travel to Marrakech to experience the tanjia. And as you experience the tanjia you travel through Marrakech too! Let me explain…
Firstly, the famous Marrakech markets are explored to buy the ingredients – different cuts of meat and spices.
Then the urn is filled with said ingredients and then taken to a communal oven/furnace.
These furnaces primarily heat the water for the hammams in the area, but they also keep the coals warm to slow cook the tanjia meat.
The urn is then placed deep deep in the warm ashes of this massive communal oven. The expert at these communal ovens will be looking after the tanjia until it’s ready – and it takes hours!! It is typical for men to leave it with them in the morning before work and then pick it up in the evening after work right before dinner.
Then you’ll need bread to consume all the delicious meat with – and yes, there’s a communal oven for that too. This expert knows exactly which bread is for who when they come to pick it up. That’s a testimony to the communal nature of Marrakech!
So, as you can see, the tanjia is a travel experience in and of itself through Marrakech. From the buying of ingredients to the communal oven to the communal dining at the end of the day. A true communal Marrakech dining experience!
Marrakech is difficult to navigate around. So, to locate this dish look out for Mashwi Alley (once you see sheep head and tanjia pots, you’re there) in Jamaa al Fna where you’ll find a number of roast meat dishes and specifically look out for the tanjia pots – that’s the sign of a place that does this dish. Try to choose a restaurant with a rooftop view for the added oomph to your experience. An absolute must try when in Marrakech!
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[…] The number 1 Marrakech dish that also has a wonderful story to go with it. Ask any local and they’ll advise this dish all day long! To read more about this delicious slow cooked meat dish click here. […]