The Unseen UNESCO Kitchen: Informal Foodways, Socio-Economic Power, and Jemaa Lfna’s Living Heritage

Mohamed Boukherouk () and Chorouk Bousbaa
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Mohamed Boukherouk: Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Studies on Resources, Mobility and attractiveness
Chorouk Bousbaa: Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Laboratory of Studies on Resources, Mobility and attractiveness

Chapter Chapter 34 in Human Resource Development for Sustainability and Social Responsibility, 2026, pp 501-516 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Street food has become a core element of modern gastronomy, offering tourists an authentic way to experience local culture and cuisine. It acts as a powerful driver for socio-economic development, creating jobs and economic activity due to its accessibility and simple logistics. However, a significant challenge lies in the informal nature of most street food operations. Vendors often operate under precarious hygiene conditions, lacking proper traceability and adherence to catering standards, which also raises environmental concerns. This study explores the dynamics of street food in Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Through a comprehensive literature review and surveys with vendors, the research highlights how street food promotes Moroccan gastronomy and culinary heritage. It examines the square’s unique informal organizational system, which, despite its nature, is tolerated and even structured by local authorities. The findings reveal that this sector transcends mere food provision; it actively cultivates social exchanges and generates vital opportunities, demonstrating remarkable resilience in overcoming inherent challenges.

Keywords: Informal; Street food; UNESCO; Jemaa Lfna; Resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-09683-8_34

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-09683-8_34

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