Portugal celebrates the richness of Moroccan cuisine

Monday 28 September 2026 - 11:11

By: Azzat Manal

Portugal celebrates the richness of Moroccan cuisine

Portugal is turning the spotlight on Moroccan gastronomy as Morocco takes part for the first time as guest of honour at the 22nd edition of the Culinary Arts Congress, held on September 27 and 28 near Lisbon. The event brings together more than 80 local and international professionals, offering a platform for chefs, culinary experts and industry representatives to exchange ideas and explore different food traditions.

Morocco’s participation, supported by the Moroccan Embassy in Portugal and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, combines the promotion of the country’s diverse culinary heritage with an introduction to its hospitality traditions and tourism potential. Particular attention is being given to the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region and its maritime resources, in line with this year’s focus on the sea.

The Moroccan pavilion has attracted strong interest from visitors and professionals attending the congress. Guests have been able to discover a variety of Moroccan flavours, cooking traditions and hospitality practices, while gaining a broader insight into the cultural heritage associated with Moroccan cuisine.

Morocco’s ambassador to Portugal, Othman Aba Hanini, said the event provides an opportunity to strengthen the role of gastronomy in Moroccan-Portuguese relations. He highlighted the way culinary exchanges can complement the political, economic and cultural dimensions of bilateral ties and create additional opportunities for people in both countries to connect.

The ambassador also pointed to the geographical proximity and shared historical links between Morocco and Portugal. He stressed the importance of passing this cultural heritage on to younger generations, with gastronomy serving as one of the most accessible ways to introduce audiences to Moroccan traditions and cultural identity.

Moroccan and Portuguese cuisines share several historical influences, ingredients and culinary techniques, while both place considerable importance on hospitality and communal dining. The congress therefore provides an opportunity to explore these similarities while also highlighting the distinctive character of each country's culinary heritage.

Moroccan chef Lahcen Hafid, president of the Escoffier Students Association in Morocco, is taking part in practical masterclasses designed to introduce Portuguese audiences to Moroccan dishes that are less widely represented internationally. His programme presents different recipes and culinary approaches intended to demonstrate the breadth of Morocco’s gastronomic traditions.

The Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region occupies a prominent place in Morocco’s participation. Its representatives are using the event to promote the region as a tourism destination and showcase its seafood resources. Fish and other products from the Atlantic coast form an important part of the area's local culinary traditions, adding a maritime dimension to Morocco’s wider gastronomic identity.

The Moroccan culinary tradition was also highlighted during a special dinner held at a Michelin-starred restaurant ahead of the congress. The meal was jointly prepared by Moroccan chef Lahcen Hafid and Portuguese chef Marlene Vieira, bringing together Moroccan and Portuguese dishes in a menu designed to highlight both the differences and common elements between the two cuisines.

Alongside Morocco, Portugal’s Madeira region is also a guest of the 2026 edition. The programme addresses issues including sustainable use of marine resources, aquaculture and the relationship between gastronomy and local products through professional discussions, demonstrations and tasting sessions.

First launched in 2005, the Culinary Arts Congress has become an established professional gathering in Portugal, bringing together chefs, researchers and food-industry professionals to discuss developments in gastronomy and exchange expertise. Morocco’s participation as guest of honour places its culinary heritage at the centre of a wider cultural and professional exchange between the two countries.