In the golden age of Fes, when the city was a beacon of learning and culture, the sultan's chefs created Mhanncha to celebrate the Prophet's birthday. They shaped the chicken into a serpent to symbolize eternity, with almonds representing wisdom and saffron the divine light. As the dish emerged from the tadjine, its aroma filled the palace, drawing nobles from across the empire. The serpent form, with its head raised toward heaven, was said to bring blessings to all who partook. Today, Mhanncha Fessia remains a centerpiece of celebrations, embodying Fes's intellectual heritage and its people's devotion to beauty and tradition.
Original traditiontagineFès-Meknès
Fes Snake-shaped Chicken
A festive dish where chicken is cooked with almonds, cinnamon, and saffron, then shaped into a serpent and decorated with eggs and almonds.
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Fes Snake-shaped Chicken belongs to the Fès-Meknès table. Taste it where its imperial Moroccan heritage kitchen tradition lives, or fold it into an itinerary through the region.
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