Msemen Sandwich

● Morocco
Origin Story

Msemen (sometimes called malawi or rghaif) is a semolina and flour flatbread folded into multiple layers before cooking, creating a flaky, chewy texture. It is cooked on a flat griddle and is a staple across North Africa and parts of the Middle East. The breakfast sandwich version — with butter and honey — is eaten at every Moroccan breakfast table.

Cultural Significance

Msemen is the archetypal Moroccan breakfast bread, eaten with argan oil and honey at the morning meal across the country. The savoury filled version — with spiced kefta or cheese — is a more recent street food adaptation. Both versions are sold from traditional Moroccan bakers (farranin) who set up stalls in souks from 6am.

Msemen Sandwich sandwich
The Recipe

Mix fine semolina, flour, salt, and water into a smooth dough. Rest 30 minutes. Roll thin, fold with butter and a sprinkle of semolina into a square parcel. Flatten and cook on a dry griddle until golden on both sides. For savoury filling: place spiced kefta (minced lamb with cumin and coriander) inside before the final fold. For sweet: serve plain with butter and honey.