The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: food and drink in marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Being Vegetarian or Vegan In Marrakech.

    Does Marrakech cater for all dietary preferences?

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a meat eaters’ paradise, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.

    I was concerned that I’d spend my time in Marrakesh living off the delicious olives on sale in the souks because I am vegetarian. I am happy to tell you that that wasn’t the case, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find good food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are a number of restaurants popping up that serve only vegetarian and vegan food. The choice of food on the menus in a lot of restaurants and cafes is steadily improving as tourism grows and more people are switching to a plant based diet.

    One restaurant I highly recommend is La Famille. Run solely by women and in a pleasant outdoor setting. The food here is incredibly good. The menu is small and creative and changed daily to keep it exciting. The tables are large wooden tables and seat a number of people around them in the pretty and peaceful garden. It’s an outdoor restaurant with a small shop and very popular.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of choices for non meat eaters on the menu in most restaurants and cafes around the medina. Sumptuous vegetable tagine, vegetable couscous, salads, and pasta dishes, to name just a few of the tasty options available for vegetarians and vegans.

    I never have a problem sourcing tasty, beautifully prepared meals whilst staying in Marrakesh. The smaller cafes tucked away in the souks are slightly less accommodating, and you might not find vegetarian food being cooked by street food vendors.

    In the more luxurious restaurants, there is a good variety of dishes on offer for vegetarians and vegans, and menus are imaginative and exciting.

    For a snack whilst you are sightseeing, there is an abundance of freshly cooked seasonal vegetables and fruit for sale around the medina, which is mouth wateringly delicious. Lightly spiced olives and delicious pastries also make a wonderful alternative treat.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Harissa soup is also a huge favourite of mine. It’s available everywhere and deliciously tasty served with traditional Morroccan bread. There is also a popular soup made with white beans, which is a breakfast staple in Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Some restaurants serve a healthy meat free brunch. I particularly enjoyed the avocado toast at La Ferme. It was beautifully presented, and a healthy, filling midday meal

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The clock cafe in the kasbah does a really nice vegetable pastilla and has a few other interesting choices on the menu for vegetarians and vegans.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Please don’t put off visiting Marrakech because you consider it to be a meat eaters paradise only. By doing a little bit of research beforehand, you will find a good selection of fine restaurants and cafes serving great food that doesn’t use animal products.  Both vegetable tagine and vegetable couscous are widely available if you want traditional Morroccan food.

    A few restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans that I can recommend are;

    . La Famille

    . La Ferme

    . Enjoy your meal

      Veggie Lovers.

    . Mandala Society.

    . Broc The Kasbah.

    Palais Donab also does a lovely vegetable tagine, and it’s a beautiful, tranquil place to have lunch or dinner.

    I suggest writing down the names and addresses of restaurants you wish to try before travelling, including opening times. This will save wandering around in the heat, looking for places suitable for your dietary preferences. I always do this, and I also read the reviews before deciding. It helps me to plan my itinerary, and it’s helpful knowing the opening times and the addresses. A lot of restaurants also have food on the menu that is gluten-free. Most menus are displayed outside restaurants so that you can check. You could also look online before you travel.

    Lastly, if you’re staying in an apartment, there are plenty of amazing markets in the medina selling a great variety of fresh vegetables and fruit to prepare your own meals with.

    Bon appetite.

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  • What Is The Food Like In Marrakech?

    A look at popular food choices in Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The famous red city is a culinary delight for foodies. The streets are abundant with fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit. There are herbs and spices galore in colourful barrels everywhere you look. The fragrance of street food fills the air, tempting your tastebuds. Restaurants with  decadent surroundings call out to you to sample their cuisine.

    But where do you start and what should you order?

    Like me, you may want to fully immerse yourself in the culture of a country you’re visiting. I enjoy sampling the signature dishes of places I visit and eating the food that the locals do. It’s the best way to get to know the culture, and food is a big part of life in Morrocco.

    Moroccan people are known for their hospitality and often invite tourists home for a meal with their family. If you get the chance to go do it. It’s a way to understand the people and their culture. Plus, there’s nothing better than traditional food homecooked by a local family.

    So,with an overwhelming choice of food to choose from, you may need a little help deciding what to try. I’ve put together a few ideas for you to choose from.

    The two most popular dishes in Marrakesh are tagine and couscous.Tagine is the name of the clay pot that the dish is cooked in. It consists of layers of fresh vegetables,with meat in the centre. Chicken or lamb is the most popular meat used. Dates, olives, preserved lemon, and spices such as the Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout are added to give the tagine flavour. Everyone has their own personal recipe for making a tagine, and they differ in each restaurant. However, they all use the same principle of layering the vegetables into a pyramid around the meat.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Couscous is a grain made from semolina and served with meat and vegetables. It is eaten religiously on Fridays and a staple dish in Morocco and other North African countries. Couscous is finely textured and often served with harissa sauce to make the consistency less dry.

    In Jamaa El Fna, you will find sheeps head and snails. Tourists are encouraged by  street food vendors to try a dish of snails, and those who do have said that they quite enjoyed the experience. Apparently, the broth that they’re cooked in tastes of aniseed, and although an unusual tasting dish, it’s not inedible. Many tourists actually liked them.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.
    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Sheeps head is for the brave amongst us. It’s a regular sight on display in the main square during the evening. Locals sit at stalls alongside tourists next to the  charcoaled heads eating spit roasted mutton and sausages. The open-air restaurants are very popular, and the aroma of food can be smelt all around the main square.

    In Marrakech, each meal is served with traditional bread. It is freshly baked every morning in communal ovens called Ferrans. Khobz is a traditional round crusty flatbread and used in place of cutlery to scoop up the food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Tangia is also a popular dish. It is meat (usually lamb), cooked very slowly in the embers of the local hammam. Traditionally, the tangia is taken to the hammam early in the morning and left to cook throughout the day. It is then collected and served for dinner with vegetables or bread. The meat is incredibly tender and simply falls off the bone. There is a row of street vendors dedicated to selling tangias in the medina. This is very popular with locals and tourists alike. The area gets very busy with people queueing for a vessel of succulent lamb or beef.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of street food vendors tucked away in the souks. They sell really good quality food and it’s cheap. Ideal for travellers on a tighter budget. Taking a street food tour is a great way to try all the best places serving traditional local food. There are several tours available during the daytime or evening. Tourists get the chance to sample authentic Moroccan cuisine with a registered guide. Delicacies like the spleen sandwich and Tripe are something that you may be introduced to during a street food tour. Remember to go with an empty stomach because there’s so much food to get through.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech also caters to people who are vegetarians and vegans. There is a good choice of food, including salad,vegetable tagine, pastilla, and couscous. Most dishes can be adapted for people who don’t eat meat. There are a few excellent vegetarian restaurants in the medina, and more are opening as tourism grows.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Pigeon is also eaten in Marrakech and traditionally used for the filling in Pastilla. There are camel burgers available at The Clock restaurant in the kasbah if you want to try something different.

    Italian restaurants in the medina offer excellent pizzas and pasta dishes if you fancy a change from morroccan food. I recommend Pepe Nero or Limoni Italian Restaurant.

    Olives are served with most beverages as a complimentary side dish in Marrakech. They are either lightly spiced or plain. They are really fresh when you buy them straight off the vendors in the souks. Don’t hesitate to try some. They are delicious.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The sweets and pastries in Marrakech are really good. Baclava is a traditional sweet and popular with the tourists. Moroccans have a sweet tooth as you will gather from the breakfasts high in carbohydrates and cakes. The choice of deserts on the menu in restaurants is really creative. There’s no point watching your waistline in Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Dates are a hugely popular snack in Marrakech, and medjool dates known as ‘The King of Dates’ are widely available around the medina. Make sure to try some. You won’t be disappointed with the soft caramaly taste.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fresh fruit is sold everywhere in Marrakesh. It’s used in tantalising sweet dishes and refreshing smoothies that make your mouth water. Sugarcane and pomegranate juice is a favourite of mine and only costs a few dirhams.

    Marrakech is a dream come true for people who love their food. With so much to choose from, you would need months to eat your way through it all. Not only is there a great variety, but it’s beautifully presented too. Imagine sitting in a tranquil setting next to exotic plants, with the sound of birds and trickling fountains. Or on a rooftop terrace at dusk watching the sunset as you tuck into a plate of delicious food. Those are memorable experiences of eating in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Be open to getting out of your comfort zone and give some of the traditional Moroccan dishes a go. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you’re not adventurous, many restaurants serve European, Mediterranean cuisine. The choice is endless.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • The Kasbah.

    Visiting an authentic district of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Kasbah is located in the southern part of Marrakech and is considered the jewel of the old city.

    The Kasbah is a quieter part of Marrakech, with fewer tourists than the medina. Staying in the Kasbah, you feel totally immersed in the culture of Marrakech as you rub shoulders with the friendly locals. There are plenty of shops, including a large fixed price store called Dar Bouchaib, selling everything you will find in the souks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Kasbah is home to popular tourist attractions like the Saadian tombs and El Badi Palace.There are a number of good restaurants in the area, many with rooftop terraces to catch the sunset.

    Zeitoune Cafe is a lovely restaurant for a spot of lunch. It’s in a strategic position and overlooks the mosque, making it a nice place to take a break from sightseeing in the area. The Kasbah mosque is the second largest mosque in Marrakech and is also referred to as ‘The Golden Apple Mosque’ it has a minaret reaching 80 metres tall. I enjoyed sitting on colourful cushions outside Zeitoune Cafe with the view of the mosque in front of me. It was a nice way to spend some time in the sunshine people watching.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The kasbah is a 20-minute leisurely walk from the main square with plenty to see along the way. There are plenty of shops selling all kinds of stuff, including spices, jewellery, clothing and perfumes.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    In the kasbah, there is a  range of budget and high-end accommodation. I stayed at Riad Hikaya and had a really positive experience. The luxurious five-star hotel La Sultana is also in the Kasbah.

    The Kasbah is a quieter neighbourhood than the medina. Parts of it are pedestrianised, and there is less traffic, making it feel less chaotic than the medina. The locals go about their daily business of buying bread, selling clothes,and feeding stray cats. It’s a typical scene of everyday life inside the ochre walls.

    The Kasbah has a slower pace of life, and it’s a lot less stressful than the touristy side of Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Kasbah is the historical citadel in Marrakesh with fortified walls. The narrow, winding alleyways make it an exciting place to visit, with their signature red colour glowing in different hues at certain times of the day.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The famous Bab Agnaou gate provides entry into the Kasbah, and out of the 19 gates around the medina, it’s one of the most ornate. The King’s Palace is also situated inside the walls of the fortress. Therefore, the whole area is heavily guarded, making it a safe place for visiting with children.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Kasbah is home to the Clock restaurant with its legendary camel burgers and storytelling evenings. Also, the Kasbah Cafe is a popular place for lunch and dinner. Krepchy does a fantastic breakfast, and the prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend the waffles. There are a few good coffee shops selling decent coffee, such as the popular Nos Nos.

    To return from the medina, consider taking a tuk-tuk if the weather is hot. It’s quite an adventure as you rattle along the bumpy streets back into the Kasbah.

    Tinsmiths Square and the Jewish quarter known as the Mellah are not far from the Kasbah, and there are plenty of things to see and great places to eat in both areas.

    Taxis can pick you up from your accommodation but they may struggle in some of the narrower streets. There is also a taxi rank close to the roundabout near Tinsmiths Square.

    Spending an hour or two in this historical area of Marrakech will add value to your visit. The locals are very friendly, and it’s a pleasure getting the opportunity to sit and chat with them.

    I would recommend staying in the kasbah if you prefer a quieter, more authentic experience of Marrakech. It’s further out from the madness of the busy souks and a more relaxed environment.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • The Spice Square.

    Visit the apothecary of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square, also known as Rahba Kedima, is a smaller market, less densely packed with tourists. It is located at the end of Souk Semmarine and a five minute walk from Jamaa El Fna.

    It is here that you will find a wonderful selection of spices, including saffron, cumin, and turmeric. The spices are beautifully displayed in pyramids around the square, and the air is fragrant with the scent of incense. There are dried herbs, oils, potions, dried tea, and the traditional Moroccan lip stain.

    The Spice Square is the traditional apothecary of Marrakech and a treasure trove of Moroccan culture.

    In the Spice Square, you will also find hand woven baskets,  straw hats, baby tortoises, and shops selling Amazigh jewellery ,Tuareg leather amulets and beautiful throws and wall hangings. It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square is home to popular restaurants like Cafe Des Espices and Nomad, a well-known restaurant amongst tourists who flock to watch the setting sun from the rooftop terrace.

    The Spice Square is not far from the Medersa Ben Youseff and Marrakech museum, so it’s ideal for making it part of your day when visiting both of these attractions.

    Until the 20th century, Rahba Kedima was the cities grain market and the place where slaves were sold. It is now the epicentre of the medina where you can pick up the famous Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout and watch the spice sellers who come down from the mountain villages at 4.00 in the afternoon to sell their trade. The smells and colours are heady, as friendly vendors demonstrate the benefits of eucalyptus and other herbal remedies to the tourists.

    The Spice Square is a photogenic place where you will be met with a glimpse of trading traditions from the past. It’s the perfect balance between a bustling market experience and a relaxed, more laid-back atmosphere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    As you meander your way through the busy Semmarine souk, it suddenly opens up to this feast of exotic colours that seem to appear out of nowhere. You will be greeted by a display of tantalising and pungent aromas that have become the essence of Marrakech.

    There are a few budget cafes around the spice square that are ideal spots for a pot of mint tea whilst sitting in the sunshine absorbing this sensual experience.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Le Jardin Secret.

    Spend time in a serene corner of the souks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret is a hidden gem inside the medina. It’s a restored 19th-century palace complex in the Mouassine district of Marrakech. An oasis of exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds singing in the trees.  Nestled secretly in the middle of the souks amidst the chaos, suddenly appears this quiet, enchanting space to spend a little time recharging your batteries.

    In the heart of this magical oasis, there is a decorative pagoda to sit in the shade and recollect your thoughts.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret boasts two attractive large gardens. One containing a range of plants from around the world, the other a traditional geometric Islamic garden. It also has one of the highest towers in the medina with panoramic views.

    There is also a museum, a boutique, and two coffee shops on site if you want to enjoy a drink or a few light refreshments sitting in the sunshine.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret dates back 400 years ago to the Saadian dynasty and was left to decay before being discovered and renovated in the nineteenth century. It is a prime example of the beauty of Islamic art and architecture, and you can find out more about its history inside the museum.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other exotic plants, flowers, and shrubs. There is a small pond with resident toads and turtles who sit basking on the rocks to the delight of passing tourists. The harmonious sound of birdsong allows you to feel like you’re a world away from the busy souks outside the walls.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens for you to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that surrounds you, sitting here peacefully, you forget you are still inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles, tourists, and donkeys.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    To get the most peaceful experience from your visit to Le Jardin Secret, I suggest arriving early in the daytime before the gardens become too busy with other tourists.

    Le Jardin Secret is located at 121 Rue Mouassine Marrakech 40030 Morocco. Opening times may vary depending on the time of year.It costs 100 dirhams to enter, and the gardens are wheelchair user-friendly.

    The cafes serve sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. They also offer hot and cold beverages, including juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, and a selection of delicious homemade cakes.

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  • Jamaa El Fna At Sunset.

    Experience the heartbeat of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you think that Jamaa El Fna  is a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set. Gone are the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, to be replaced by open-air restaurants, gnawa musicians, gambling, and exotic dancers.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The scene is organised chaos and a complete sensory overload. The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted. The drumming becomes intense as the main square takes on the image of a huge fair ground.

    Thousands of people from all over the city and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold. The exciting atmosphere is electric and pulsates with energy.

    Street vendors looking for potential customers pursue you with menus as you try to navigate your way through the crowds. They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are taking part in some sort of assault course.

    Images by Freebird Tracey

    The aroma from camel heads cooking on a spit drifts across the square, and fresh snails being plucked from their shells becomes a familiar sight.

    Although the scene is very intense, it is also magnetic and exciting. I love the energy in Jamaa El Fna after dusk, but some people find it too overwhelming. They prefer to sit at the edge of the square, away from the crowds, and watch everything from a safe distance with a drink.

    Jamaa El Fnaa at dusk is unlike anything else you may have experienced. There is so much to see.There are games being played, and a few little scams are taking place to try and trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.

    Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee. Families wander around the stalls that are brightly lit up and open until late. Young men enjoy kicking a football against the walls of the medina, and couples sit on benches chatting to each other in the warm evening air.

    Sugarcane and fruit juice are sold by lively vendors, and the banter is all done in high spirits. Tourists dine on rooftop terraces as the Koutoubia mosque rings out the call to prayer.

    As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes electrifying.The square is transformed into a social hub where anything is possible and everything appears to take place at the same time. It’s an incredible experience.

    Dazzling bright lights from the open air food vendors and Morroccan lamps for sale on blankets give off a warm, inviting glow. The heady fragrance from incense cones competes with the smell of food cooking, each wafting through the air on a gentle breeze.

    Henna ladies sit waiting for unsuspecting tourists and then grab their arms in an attempt to sell them a tattoo. They tell you,”It’s a gift,” but don’t you dare to walk away without paying once they’ve applied it.

    You can hear the sound of the gnawa musicians playing dressed in their brightly coloured clothing, belly dancers perform, and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd of curious onlookers, you can’t escape the mayhem. After all, the famous Jamaa El Fnaa is the heartbeat of the city, and it draws you in because it’s a special place and there’s nowhere else quite like it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Jamaa El Fna magnetises you. The chaos that surrounds you is an assault on the senses. It’s an experience, an education, and a head-first dive into the rich culture of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Although there’s so much going on after dusk, please be mindful when stopping to take photos. Someone in the thick of the action will be eagle eyed enough to catch you. They are continuously on the lookout for tourists who have stopped to watch. They will pounce upon you from out of nowhere, with a cap in their hand expecting a donation.

    After sunset, it’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play in Jamaa El Fna, and they are determined to have a good time. It’s a sight to behold, lively, energetic, colourful, aromatic, and incredibly loud. Be sure to visit this remarkable place and witness what it is that makes Marrakech so magical. It’s certainly an eye-opener.

    Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid any obvious scams.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee.

    Taste traditional Saharan Coffee. 

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee is a hidden gem inside Souk El Kebir. It is here that rich aromatic coffee is brewed using hot saharan sand, gently spiced with a touch of Cardamom, Turmeric, or Cinnamon to give it a distinct flavour.

    To make it, the coffee is added to iced water inside small brass pots and then heated by moving it around by hand in hot sand. It’s an ancient technique of brewing coffee that involves no electricity, simply hot Merzouga sand.

    The coffee has a rich, dense, creamy flavour unlike any other coffee found in the medina. It is soothing and velvety.

    This charming little spot is humble in appearance, cosy and inviting. There is a small rooftop terrace where you can sit and enjoy your coffee in peace, a moment of sheer self-indulgence

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Chez Bismillah offers you a serene refuge where you can sit watching the medina come to life tucked away in a quiet space away from the crowds.

    It’s an experience watching the coffee being made from rich arabica and fragrant spices. In moments, it has heated up as if by magic. I savoured its unique taste whilst congratulating myself for finding this amazing discovery in the alleyways of the souks.

    Chez Bismillah is a unique experience firmly rooted in place and tradition. The friendly proprietor gives you a glimpse into a past that conjures up images of camel traders selling cloth in the fondouk and stretches of vast desert terrain.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s not just a cup of coffee. It’s an escape from reality, a moment of peace from the hectic rhythm of the busy souks.

    Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee can be found at 193 Souk El Kabir, it is open daily from 9.00am until 9.00pm with the exception of Saturday and Sunday when it closes at 7.00pm.

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  • Riyadh Al Moussika

    Home to Pepe Nero Italian Restaurant.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I was fortunate to stay at Riyadh Al Moussika once home to the Pasha of Marrakech. The two impressive courtyards were a haven of peace and tranquillity each morning. The sound of birdsong and the gentle trickle of water from the fountains was a lovely way to begin each day.

    In one courtyard, there is a large pool with elegant seating around both sides. In the second, there are traditional zellige tiled fountains and water features. The interior decor resembles a calm oasis and includes an extravagant dining room with tasteful Moroccan and European furnishings.

    The riad is a popular Italian restaurant called Pepe Nero. When the restaurant opens at lunchtime, music is playing, but during the afternoon, between 4 and 6, it becomes peaceful again.

    The evenings can be livelier, so earplugs are a must if you retire to bed early. The tempo of the music is louder and can be heard in the guests’ rooms. I didn’t find this an issue because once the restaurant closes at 11.30, it soon becomes quiet again.

    Riyadh Al Moussika has been beautifully renovated. The rooms are spacious, and the blue suite is grand enough for royalty. I stayed in the single room. It was adequate and included all the amenities I required for a comfortable stay. Although rooms in riads are quite dark to keep them cool, this is part of their authenticity.

    Riyadh Al Moussika is aesthetically pleasing. There are exotic plants, including palms and pretty bougainvillaea, draping over the walls.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop terrace is separated into private areas for guests. There are sun loungers and foliage in large clay pots. It’s a large space with views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The afternoons in Riyadh Al Moussika were very relaxing. I appreciated listening to the sound of the fountain trickling into the clear pool surrounded by lush green foliage. Gentle background music added to the feeling of stillness, and it was such a calm setting.

    The location of Riyadh Al Moussika is excellent. It is in a quiet area with a small carpark close by. There are several restaurants and cafes  a short walk away, including Mandala Society. There is a hammam with a great rooftop restaurant called Les Bains Kenaria nearby.

    The staff at the riad were very professional.They were helpful and polite at all times. Despite this being a busy restaurant, they were always available for their guests. Complimentary water and mint tea were offered to guests each day, which added a nice personal touch.

    The breakfast was a hearty start to each morning. It was a typically sweet Moroccan breakfast with the option of having an omelette. Msemen pancakes, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, fresh orange juice, and coffee were served in the restaurant courtyard.

    I really enjoyed my stay in Riyadh Al Moussika and would highly recommend it. The music is something to bear in mind if you would like to retire to bed early. However, for a solo traveller, it reduces that feeling of isolation you sometimes struggle with. Taking a pair of earplugs helped.

    The excellent service and glamorous environment made up for any minor inconvenience caused by the bustling restaurant vibe.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riyadh Al Moussika can be located at 62 Derb Boutouil, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

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  • Kabana Rooftop Bar.

    A lively bar serving alcohol in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kabana Rooftop Bar is a popular place serving a range of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails. They also offer a wide selection of food with a menu to suit all palates.

    You enter the bar from the road, and it’s up a flight of stairs. From the outside, it looks rather unassuming.  Inside, it is modern and contemporary attracting all age groups.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are traditional straw lanterns hung around the perimeter, giving off a cosy glow. Music videos play on a large screen, and the tempo is lively. They play DJ sets, and it’s a vibrant setting with a relaxed dress code.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    Kabana rooftop bar has a cosmopolitan vibe. You can sit at tables facing the huge bar or outside where most people prefer to hang out. Table service is provided for drinks from the bar. It is not the place for a quiet romantic meal. I imagine it may be difficult chatting intimately amidst the crowds of people and loud music.

    The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu. I took my son for his birthday and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection. The staff looked after us well, and the evening was a success.

    Some people have mixed views about the Kabana rooftop bar. They say waiting times are lengthy and thought it was pricey in comparison to other places. It gets very busy, and booking is essential  to guarantee a place. Lunchtime is quieter, and the lunch menu is very good.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The bathroom at Kabana is rather special. It’s unisex, and the decor is extravagant.

    In summary, the Kabana rooftop bar is an exciting venue. It is typical of somewhere you’d expect to find in Gueliz. There is a spectacular view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, especially at night.It’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol in full view of the Mosque is prohibited in Islamic culture.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    This is a modern cocktail bar with a vibrant energy. It’s within walking distance for people staying in the old city. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want an exciting evening out in the medina selling alcohol. It’s also a nice place for lunch when it’s quieter.

    Kabana rooftop bar is situated at the gate of the medina and open daily from 11.00am-2.00am. The address is Kissariat Ben Khalid R’mila,1 Rue Fatima Zahra,40000 Marrakech Morocco.

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  • Cafe Clock.

    A cross-cultural cafe chain in the Kasbah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Cafe Clock is a cultural hub based in Fes, Marrakech, and Chefchouen. It was founded by Mike Richardson when he visited Fes in 2006 and fell in love with the ancient city. It was named after the centuries old water clock situated on the facing wall of the Bou Inania Madrasa.

    Cafe Clock is now a buzzing hub of culture where you can sample its famous camel burgers. This lively space in the Kasbah district was once an old school house. It has since been converted and is renowned for its storytelling and live music events.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Cafe Clock is popular with young Moroccans learning the ancient traditional art of storytelling and travellers who are curious. There is nice energy here, and it’s a great place to come and chill.

    At Cafe Clock, you can take  cookery classes. You will be taken to the local markets to buy fresh ingredients before learning how to make a traditional Morroccan dish.

    The interior of Cafe Clock has been decorated by local artists who have added their own unique touch.Colourful vintage berber cushions and thrifted whimsical finds are displayed around a large open fire place. There is a homely atmosphere at Cafe Clock.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I visited during December, and it was cold outside. Sitting next to the roaring fire, listening to a live acoustic guitar made me feel warm and cosy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The menu is good and offers an interesting choice for vegetarians and vegans.I particularly recommend the falafel Super Bowl and vegetable pastilla.

    If you’re travelling around Morocco, Cafe Clock is also extending its empire into other areas like Chefchouen.

    Opening times for Cafe Clock are 9.00 am until 11.00pm daily. The address is 224 Derb Chtouka, Marrakech.

    Cafe Clock is a popular cultural space dedicated to keeping the ancient culture of Marrakech alive. Whether it’s traditional gnawa musicians or the best raconteurs in Marrakech, you can expect an entertaining experience here.

    Cafe Clock is also open for breakfast, with a good variety of choices on the menu.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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