Crossing the desert from Fez to Erfoud took the better part of a day. We didn’t drive straight through or rush. When traveling, particularly by bus, it’s nice to stop and smell the roses. Before stopping for lunch at the Kasbah Asmaa, we had a short visit with wild Barbary Apes alongside the road we were traveling.
Unplanned Stop with Barbary Apes
Our journey included an unplanned stop in the middle-Atlas Mountains. Here, we interacted with a troop of Barbary Apes. This unexpected experience added a delightful touch to our day.
Lunch at Kasbah Asmaa
We stopped for lunch at a desert restaurant and hotel called Kasbah Asmaa. The restaurant is located at Route d’Er Rachidia, Midelt 54350, Morocco. Midelt is strategically placed about halfway between Fez and Erfoud, making it a convenient stop.
Convenient Location and Spacious Parking
Kasbah Asmaa sits right along the highway with plenty of parking. The parking can accommodate tourist buses, making it accessible for large groups. The restaurant is large enough to seat several buses at a time. However, it wasn’t crowded during our visit.
Unique Dining Atmosphere at Kasbah Asmaa
We chose a room at the back of the restaurant where our entire group could fit. The rooms were different colors, with photos and pictures on the otherwise sparsely occupied walls. Our room was green with small chandeliers hanging beneath mildly gaudy colored glass.
Limited Menu but Tasty Options
The lunch menu was a bit limited but offered something for everyone. It featured traditional Moroccan fare, primarily a variety of tajines. The daily special was fish. I ordered the chicken tajine, a dish I enjoyed throughout Morocco. It’s flavorful and always on the menu. My wife ordered the same but asked for white meat. Both dishes were tasty, although her chicken was a bit tougher.
Beverage Options and Pricing at Kasbah Asmaa
My lunch included a choice of drink. Morocco is a Muslim country, but you can usually buy beer and wine. I had a choice between Casablanca Beer or Flag Speciale. I opted for the Flag, a typical lager that was decent. The food was good, which is most important. Tajines cost around seven to eight dollars, standard for the places we visited.
Service and Facilities
Service at Kasbah Asmaa was decent but nothing to brag about. It was difficult to get the waiter’s attention, except when he took our order. The menus were in English, making things easier. The bathrooms were moderately clean and required a small fee. While not the most exceptional meal, the food was good and the atmosphere interesting.
Final Thoughts
Kasbah Asmaa provided a pleasant lunch stop on our journey from Fez to Erfoud. The experience with the Barbary Apes and the unique atmosphere of the restaurant made it memorable. If you find yourself on this route, Kasbah Asmaa is a convenient and tasty option.
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