With a labyrinth of cultures represented in every nook and cranny of town, Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America. To celebrate this world-class melting pot, we’ll be exploring a new region of the globe through a Houston lens each week, from annual festivals and museums to restaurants and cultural experiences. Join the journey with our Around the World in Houston series.
From cultural events and socials to restaurants serving tagine and b’stilla, here’s how to get a taste of Morocco in Houston.
Arts, Cultural Organizations & Events
- Moroccan Society of Houston – This local organization seeks to strengthen the relations between members of the Moroccan Community in Greater Houston and surrounding areas, coordinating social, cultural, and sports activities to promote its cultural heritage. Look out for galas, cultural events, picnics, documentary outings and more, and join the Facebook group to connect.
- Arts of the Islamic Worlds at MFAH – The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston exhibits and interprets art from the Islamic worlds, with its collection including sacred and secular art, like an elaborately illuminated 14th-century Qur’an from Morocco.
- Arab American Cultural & Community Center – Formed in 1995, the Arab-American Cultural and Community Center is a non-profit organization that offers cultural programs, outreach, and social services. The group promotes Arab culture and heritage, serves as a liaison and resource center, and sponsors social and educational events like culture night and Egyptian, Tunisian, and Libyan celebrations. Its summer camp curriculum offers an introduction to Arabic classes for kids in three levels.
- Houston Iftar – This annual Ramadan Dinner with the Mayor of Houston is open to the public each year.
Moroccan & Mediterranean Food & Drink
- Baba’s Mediterranean Cuisine – You’ll find typical Moroccan eats like stewed lamb shank, kabobs, fresh salads, and couscous at this modern Mediterranean cafeteria. Guests should note, this restaurant has been temporarily closed due to a fire that took place at the start of 2019.
- Café Mawal – Get Arabic eats alongside jams and hookah at this popular spot.
- Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill – This Mediterranean grillhouse rocks multiple Houston locations, offering everything from lamb shank to Moroccan chicken.
- Mediterraneo – Mediterraneo’s specialty plates include lamb and chicken tagine, studded with prunes, apricots, couscous, and herbs.
- Mi Luna – This Spanish tapas bar rocks a few Moroccan classics, including b’stilla pastries, and kafta meatballs.
- Phoenicia Specialty Foods – Hit either the Downtown or Galleria location of this international specialty food store to find goods, flavors, and spices typically found in Moroccan cuisine, from saffron, mint and olives to citrus, couscous, and Morocco’s most famous spice mixture, ras el hanout.
Language Classes, Groups, & Meetups
- Arabic Language Institute – Established in 2015, this language school was formed with the purpose of teaching languages to the youth of Houston and surrounding areas.
- Arabic at the European School of Languages – These Arabic classes are designed for all adults and education professionals who either want to start learning Arabic for the first time or want to maintain/improve their level of comprehension and pronunciation.
- Moroccan Americans in Houston, TX – This Facebook group brings together the Moroccan community in the Houston area.
- Houston Arab & Muslim Community – This Facebook group was created to connect Arab/Muslim residents in Houston.
Other Notables
- The Hammam Spa in Houston – With its owner born and raised in Morocco, this spa offers the traditional the Hammam Spa experience, starting with a steam shower or bath and using natural ingredients found only in Morocco, including Moroccan Argan oil and Moroccan black soap.
- Arab Voices Radio Talk Show – Tune into 90.1FM (89.5FM in Galveston) to listen to this award-winning independent radio talk show, which showcases special programs and covers a wide range of topics including the history of the Arab world, culture, world events and more.
