Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: Food

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • LE MARRAKCHI RESTAURANT.

    Situated in the heart of the medina,

    52 Rue des Banques, Av.

    Jamaa El Fna

    40000 Morocco

    A refreshing cocktail inside Marrakchi Restaurant.

    Le Marrakchi restaurant is beautifully intimate with dim lighting and candles lit on the tables, giving it a warm, cosy glow.

    It’s a popular place to dine in the square, attracting a variety of people, including locals and tourists alike.

    It’s a family-friendly establishment and has vegan options available.

    The whole ambience is very special, and the vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place.

    From the outside, the walls have a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and inviting.

    Vegetable cous cous in Marrakchi restaurant.

    The food is good, I especially enjoyed the tagines which were served with a spicy, Harissa sauce at the side.

    Service was also good, and the waiters were attentive and friendly.

    The decor was traditionally Morroccan, and it felt cosy and romantic inside.

    They serve alcohol including a wide range of beautifully presented cocktails.

    Marrakchi serves a range of wines and cocktails.

    Prices are average for a licenced restaurant close to Jamaa El Fna.

    I went back several times because the vibe was very pleasant, and I enjoyed listening to the sounds of the busy square outside the windows.

    I didn’t feel rushed despite the fact that the restaurant was busy and people were coming and going throughout the evening.

    There was a good selection of dishes on the menu, and I enjoyed the vegetarian options, including vegetable cous cous, typically eaten on Fridays in Marrakesh.

    The bathroom facilities were excellent and smelt very fragrant.

    There are a few steps to climb into the restaurant area, so it’s probably not suitable for people with mobility issues.

    Opening hours are 12.00-12.00am daily.

    They also offer a takeaway service if you don’t wish to visit in person.

    Outside Le Marrakchi during the daytime.
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  • MINT TEA AND MOROCCAN PASTRIES

    Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea.

    A pretty little spot inside the medina.

    The colourful, boho decor and tempting pastries are the perfect way to take a much needed breather from the chaos of the souks.

    Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming.

    I found out that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy my time looking around and navigating the maze of the souks.

    I especially loved the sweets and pastries on offer. They were absolutely delicious and complimented the refreshing mint tea perfectly.

    There were so many to choose from, and I decided to treat myself to a selection of smaller pastries to see which were my favourites.

    A tasty snack inside the medina.

    If you are shopping for gifts or spending time in the colourful, vibrant souks, I would highly recommend that you take some time out to rest and pace yourself.

    Sitting outside a cute little tea shop and sampling something light and tasty is a great way to engage in the culture of Morrocco and its people.

    Enjoying a breather from shopping.

    There are plenty of places offering mint tea and pastries dotted in and around the main square.

    The sweets are an absolute treat, but you will be spoilt for choice.

    The choice of delicious treats on offer in the souks.

    Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing further.

    Marrakech is known for its delicious pastries, and they’re a nice snack that won’t spoil your appetite for later in the day.

    Watching the world go by in the medina.

    A few suggestions are,

    . Medina Kawa Marrakech.

    . La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices

    . Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.

    Also, check out my blog post about traditional Morroccan mint tea.

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  • LE SALAMA RESTAURANT

    Traditional Morroccan Soul Food.

    Le Salama restaurant serves a range of delicious food that is reasonably priced.

    There is a lively rooftop dining area that gets very busy and seems to be popular amongst tourists.

    I would recommend booking in advance for a table on the rooftop as it is very popular.

    The decor is a mixture of traditional Morroccan and modern with a touch of nature.

    There are two bars serving a range of alcohol and non alcoholic drinks in both areas.

    I chose a plate of Morroccan pastries, which were delicious with a cold glass of Casablanca beer.

    I had eaten earlier, so I wasn’t particularly hungry, but the other diners were enjoying a variety of excellent dishes from the menu.

    At 9.00pm, the entertainment begins.

    Traditional belly dancers danced around the tables, encouraging the diners to participate.

    It was fun to watch, and everyone in the restaurant appeared to be having a good time.

    I have to admit that the service was slightly slow. However, it was Ramadan, so exceptions have to be made during this month.

    I was by myself as a solo female traveller, and I didn’t feel conspicuous at all.

    The waiters were polite and helpful, and it wasn’t a problem that I only ordered a dessert and one drink.

    Le Salama is close to Jamaa El Fna, so it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and recharge your batteries. 

    Le Salama can be found on,

    40 rue des banques, and it’s open until 2.00 am

    It serves a good range of cocktails and is open for lunch and dinner.

    They also have a kids menu.

    For more information, contact me via the email address below:

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • LA FOUNTAINE DES ESPICES.

    A great place to eat in the medina with competitive prices.

    If you’re looking for an authentic place to eat in the medina, try La Fountaine des Espices.

    I stumbled across this place one evening, and I have to say I was rather impressed.

    The service was very good, the food was incredibly tasty and the decor was elegant with a boho vibe.

    Interior of La Fountaine des Espices with dim lighting making it romantic and cosy.

    I visited a few times because I thoroughly enjoyed the food.

    They have a nice rooftop, and the waiters were so friendly and helpful, I was made to feel really welcome.

    The prices were reasonable considering the quality of the food, and the whole experience was excellent.

    They serve traditional Morroccan food, and you get an authentic feel for morroccan culture.

    I highly recommend their smoothies.

    My daughter and I chose the detox smoothie with apple, green lemon, celery, cucumber, and turmeric.

    There are plenty of choices on the menu, and they were beautifully made and exceptionally healthy.

    Smoothies in La Fountaine des Espices.

    For my meal, I opted for the vegetable tagine, and it was cooked to perfection.

    The service was relatively quick, and the waiters were attentive, making sure we were happy with our meal.

    My daughter tried the chicken pastilla and loved it. She said the chicken was tender, and the portion was a decent size.

    Vegetable tagine.

    Fountaine des Espices is a great little spot if you’re looking for a good quality meal in a nice environment with highly competitive prices.

    It’s particularly nice during the evening with candles lit on the tables, giving a nice romantic ambience whilst your dining.

    They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

    You can also relax on the rooftop with a drink in the sunshine.

    The Fountaine des Espices is next to the Secret Garden, the address is,

    131 Rue Mouassine.

    It’s open from 10.00 am until 12.00 am, the busiest time is 3.00 pm.

    For more information, contact me via the email address below.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • MORROCCAN MINT TEA.

    The customary mint tea that is served to guests on arrival in Marrakech is practically a ritual.

    The traditional way of welcoming guests.
    A woman pours tea at an argan cooperative

    After the painstakingly long queues at the airport, you finally arrive in your riad slightly overwhelmed and dishevelled.

    The owner of the riad gives you the warmest welcome with the biggest smile across his face as he guides you into the beautiful courtyard.

    As you sit down on the colourful cushions, listening to the gentle sound of the trickling water in the fountain and smell the scent of the blossom on the trees, slowly you begin to unwind.

    The owner reappears with an ornate teapot and colourful glasses on a tray, accompanied by a dish of fresh olives. He begins pouring the fresh mint tea, holding the teapot higher and higher as he pours.

    You watch with amazement as the tea finds its way perfectly into the little glasses without a single drop spilling out.

    The aroma from the fresh mint leaves is wonderful..

    You begin to feel refreshed as the fragrant scent fills the air.

    This is a traditional Morroccan greeting for visitors. The higher up the teapot is held, the more respect the guest is being shown.

    The tea also becomes aerated, making it cooler to drink.

    It takes practice to perfect pouring tea from such a height, I have tried and failed miserably.

    After you have drank your tea sweetened with sugar cubes and eaten the delicious fresh olives, the panic of trying to locate the riad and queues at the airport disappear as if by magic…

    A refreshing cup of mint tea

    Mint tea is everywhere in Marrakech.

    It’s a refreshing drink that the locals enjoy as they sit in cafes chatting with their friends.

    It is known by the locals as  ‘Morroccan Whisky’

    The tea is made using green tea and fresh mint leaves, and it is already sweetened with sugar before serving.

    If you find it a bit too sweet, try it before adding sugar cubes.

    Fresh mint is displayed on market stalls all around the medina, alongside other herbs and spices, and the aromatic aroma tempts the tastebuds.

    You can purchase the little tea glasses in the souks, and they make the perfect gift for taking home with you.

    Make sure to wrap them well as they are quite delicate.

    A traditional Morroccan welcome.

    Sipping mint tea and overlooking the lively square from a rooftop is a very enjoyable experience in Marrakech.

    One you will remember for years to come..

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • BACHA COFFEE.

    Calling all coffee lovers,

    This place is an absolute gem.

    The interior of Bacha Coffee.

    With over 200 different coffees to choose from, this place is a coffee lovers paradise.

    From the exuberant interior with beautifully tiled floors and plants to the finely dressed waiters in their elegant uniforms.

    Bacha Coffee is a wonderful experience.

    The service is impeccable, and the coffee from all over the world is incredible.

    You do have to wait for a table, but you can wander around the museum with its exotic plants and Islamic architecture whilst you wait.

    The museum and garden at Bacha Coffee

    You are given a bleeper to notify you when your table is ready.

    Once inside, you are free to take your time to paw over the extensive menu and believe me..I couldn’t decide for ages.

    I chose a Caribbean coffee from the Blue Mountains, and it didn’t disappoint.

    It came served in beautiful little cups with fresh cream, chocolate chips, and an assortment of other interesting little delights to enhance the taste of the coffee.

    I also had a slice of cake, which was delicately spiced and beautifully presented.

    My tastebuds were in heaven.

    I want to try every coffee on the menu, so I’ve promised myself I will go back again and again until I have.

    That’s a lot of coffee.

    Example of the coffee menu in Bacha Coffee.

    One thing to note,

    The queues can be very long, so I suggest going early around 9.30 am when they first open.

    The prices were fairly reasonable considering the quality of the food being served and the stunning decor, I was pleasantly surprised.

    Whenever I return to Marrakech, I always make a point of going to Bacha Coffee.

    Hopefully, I’ll eventually make my way through the hundreds of coffees on offer from around the world.

    I’m certainly up for trying.

    It’s worth visiting just to capture those perfect Instagram photos.

    The beautiful interior inside Bacha Coffee

    You can also buy coffee to take home, and it comes beautifully packaged.

    The ideal gift for someone special.

    Bacha Coffee is an instagrammable place.

    Opening hours are,

    Tuesday-Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

    I would recommend getting there for 9.30 a.m., ready for opening time, and joining the queues. It can get incredibly busy later in the day.

    The address is,

    Dar el Bacha, Rte Sidi

    Abdelaziz Marrakech 40000

    Morocco

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • COME ON A FASCINATING JOURNEY WITH ME TO THE RED CITY OF MARRAKECH.

    An introduction to the red city of Marrakech in North Africa.

    If Africa is a peacock, Morocco is its tail

    Welcome to my blog featuring everything you need to know about Marrakech.

    I include my own personal stories, experiences, and adventures, giving an authentic insight into the red city of Marrakech.

    My name is Freebird Tracey, and I’ve been a regular visitor to Marrakech for many years.

    As a solo female traveller, I have always felt safe travelling around Marrakech. The friendly locals treat me with respect wherever I go, always helpful and always with a smile.

    I believe I have found my happy place in the sunshine amongst the fragrance of orange blossom, the vibrant colours, and the magical sounds of Jamaa El Fna.

    Marrakech is a diverse and magical city, steeped in history. 

    From its beautiful Islamic architecture to the culinary delights and fine craftsmanship on display, there is something to tempt the senses on every corner.

    I never get tired of exploring this alluring, magnetising corner of our planet.

    There is always something new to see, and it’s full of little surprises.

    Marrakech is an assault on the senses..

    Allow me to take you on a fascinating journey to North Africa and show you how to make the most of your time in Marrakech.

    I will share interesting articles and suggest the best places to eat, including vegetarian and vegan options.

    I will tell you where to find cool bars that serve alcohol with live music.

    If you’re interested in activities, excursions, or day trips, I will share some of my own personal experiences with you.

    I will give you truthful  opinions, honest reviews, and provide helpful suggestions to get the most out of your visit.

    I share tips on how to stay safe and what to do to make sure you have the best experience whilst visiting Marrakech.

    This is a tell-all blog at your fingertips..

    So, buckle up and join me on a mind-blowing trip of a lifetime.

    Let me introduce you to the sights, sounds, and tastes of the red city. 

    All beautifully entwined with each other,creating what can only be described as a little piece of heaven here on earth..

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