Fez — US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau brought an unexpected note of culinary praise to Casablanca this week, telling guests at the inauguration of the new US Consulate General that Morocco has “the best food in Epcot.”

The remark came during Landau’s address at the opening of the new American diplomatic compound in Casablanca Finance City, where US officials presented the project as a symbol of the long-standing partnership between Morocco and the United States.

For Landau, the ceremony also carried a personal first: he said it was his first visit to Morocco, though not his first encounter with Moroccan culture.

“This is my first time in Morocco, except for the fact that for many, many years, our family has been taking our children to Disney World in Florida, and at Epcot, there is actually Morocco,” Landau said.

A Disney memory turns into a food compliment

Landau told the audience that his family repeatedly chose the Moroccan restaurant at Epcot, the Disney World park known for its country pavilions.

“And that is always where the restaurant, out of all the countries in the world, you have France, you have Canada, you have the United Kingdom, you have Germany, we always ate in Morocco,” he said.

The deputy secretary then delivered the line that stood out most from the speech: “We love the best food in Epcot.”

His comments placed Moroccan cuisine at the center of a light, human moment during a formal diplomatic event. 

He also encouraged Moroccans to visit the pavilion themselves.

“All of you should come to Epcot if you do not know it, and you will be so proud to see Morocco so beautifully represented there,” he said.

Morocco at Epcot and an invitation to Moroccans

Epcot’s Morocco pavilion has long served as one of the most visible representations of Moroccan architecture, food, and craft in a major American tourist destination. The pavilion is known for its Moroccan-style design, souk-inspired spaces, and restaurants serving dishes associated with Moroccan cuisine.

Landau’s remarks also looked ahead to football diplomacy, as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. FIFA lists the three countries as the host nations for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams.

“We are really looking forward to receiving many of you, hopefully, for the World Cup soccer tournament in the United States this summer,” Landau said. “We will be really welcoming our Moroccan friends.”

A softer side of diplomacy

The comment comes as Morocco’s national team continues to command strong support abroad, especially among diaspora communities in North America and Europe.

The inauguration of the new consulate was a major diplomatic moment, but Landau’s Epcot story gave the event a warmer public-facing detail. 

Food, tourism, and football became part of the same message: Morocco and the United States are connected not only through official ties, but also through everyday encounters.