Behind the Cart: Meet the Food Vendor Serving Soccer Fans in Marrakech

In the bustling lanes just outside Stade de Marrakech, a humble food cart draws bigger lines than some souvenir stands. Meet Nadia, a street food vendor who has become a pre-match favorite for her legendary maakouda sandwiches—crispy Moroccan potato fritters stuffed into khobz bread and topped with harissa, olives, and pickled carrots.

Her Story: Nadia started her cart in 2018 after losing her job at a textile factory. With a passion for cooking and a family recipe for maakouda, she staked her claim just two blocks from the stadium entrance. Today, she feeds hundreds of hungry fans on match days.

Match-Day Buzz: “I always come here before kickoff,” says Rachid, a die-hard Wydad fan. “Her sandwiches are as much a part of the experience as the final score.”

What to Try:

Maakouda sandwich – Spicy, crispy, and comforting

Mint tea to-go – Served in tiny plastic cups with fresh herbs

Charred kefta skewers – Only sold on derby days

Vendor Culture in Morocco: These food stands aren’t just selling snacks—they’re building community. Families, friends, and strangers gather, eat, and banter over predictions before filing into the stadium. In places like Marrakech, food is the match before the match.

GrubPassport Tip: Don’t just snap a photo—ask the vendor their story. You’ll leave with a full belly and a deeper connection to the culture.