Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: Food

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • Zeitoune Cafe.

    Zeitoune Cafe has a perfect rooftop view across Jamaa El Fna.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The view from the balcony of Zeitoune cafe overlooks the busy main square.

    It’s fun watching daily life take place from above all the action whilst having a spot of lunch.

    You can hear the drumming and gnawa music from what is considered the heartbeat of the city as you relax, away from the crowds of tourists.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    The food here is incredibly good, portions are large, and there are a variety of choices on the menu.

    The smoothies were gorgeous.

    I enjoyed a hearty salad for lunch and decided to try a strawberry smoothie.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Also, the obligatory olives, which often come with a meal in Marrakech, were very welcome.

    The lamb tagine with dried fruits is a  popular choice amongst diners here.

    However, if like myself you don’t eat meat, there are vegetarian and vegan options available.

    The breakfast is excellent  with a selection of refreshing juices and good coffee.

    Meals are competitively priced considering the quality of food served and the location overlooking the main square.

    Zeitoune Cafe is in a strategic location.

    It gets busy before sunset as tourists flock to watch the sun setting over the Jamaa El Fna.

    Finding a table during this time of evening might be difficult.

    Zeitoune Cafe is open all day from 9.00 am until 1.00 am, with the exception of Friday and Saturday when they close at 2.00am.

    They do not accept reservations, so it’s first come, first served.

    There are steps up to the balcony and upper floors, but for people with limited mobility, there is outdoor seating available.

    Zeitoune Cafes’ address is,

    107 Place Jamaa El Fnaa

    40000 Morocco

    There is also a Zeitoune Cafe in the kasbah.

    The outside seating is a wonderful place to people watch in the sunshine.

    It is located opposite the mosque.

    Zeitoune Cafe accepts credit card payments, too.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Le Marrakchi Restaurant.

    A popular restaurant with views over the Jamaa El Fna

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakchi restaurant glows a deep red across the square.

    This popular place facing Jamaa El Fna is a fine dining experience in tastefully decorated surroundings situated on,

    52 Rue des Banques, Av.

    Jamaa El Fna

    40000 Morocco

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Inside the restaurant, the feeling is intimate with dim lighting as candles flicker on the tables, giving a warm, cosy glow.

    It’s a busy restaurant  attracting a lot of tourists as it’s one of the few places selling alcohol in the square.

    It’s a family-friendly establishment and has plenty of food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options available.

    The vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place, constantly buzzing with energy.

    Outside, the walls take on a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and can be seen from across the square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The food is very good.

    I especially enjoyed the tagine that was accompanied by a spicy, Harissa sauce.

    The staff are attentive, friendly, and professional.

    The decor is traditionally Morroccan, with pretty lamps and comfortable, deep red couches along the windows overlooking the main square. There is also intricate tilework on some of the walls

    Le Marrakchi serves cocktails, and you are welcome to just visit for drinks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Prices are competitive 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 Jamaa El Fna outside the windows and the call to prayer.

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

    It was a relaxed, dining experience.

    There is a good selection of dishes on the menu, such as couscous, which is traditionally served on Fridays in Marrakesh.

    The bathroom facilities were excellent and fragrantly scented with orange blossom. .

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

    Opening hours are 12.00-12.00am daily.

    They also offer a takeaway service.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Atay And Moroccan Pastries.

    Marrakech is known for its delicious sweets and pastries.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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 at times.

    I realised that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

    Navigating the maze of alleyways in the souks is exciting, and there is so much more to them than beautiful leather goods and Moroccan lamps.

    I especially love the sweets and pastries on offer.

    They are absolutely delicious and compliment the taste of traditional mint tea known as atay perfectly.

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

    The tea is very hydrating, and I especially enjoyed the taste of the almond pastries most of all.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

    Sitting outside a cute little tea shop selling something nice and light like a few Moroccan pastries is perfect.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s a good way to engage in the culture of Marrakech by observing everything going on around you.

    Watching vendors calling out to tourists and bargaining the price of their wares is fun.

    Friendly waiters buzz around serving their customers with a big smile.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of places in the medina offering mint tea, traditional sweets, and pastries.

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

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems.

    Places where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing back out into the crowds of tourists.

    Marrakech has an abundant supply of delicious sweets and pastries.

    They’re a light snack that won’t spoil your appetite for lunch or dinner.

    A few suggestions of places to try are,

    . Medina Kawa Marrakech.

    . La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices

    . Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.

    Check out my separate article about traditional Morroccan mint tea.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Le Salama Restaurant.

    A popular rooftop restaurant with traditional entertainment.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Salama is a modern restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

    The restaurant has a nice rooftop area that gets very busy and is extremely popular with tourists.

    I would recommend booking in advance for a table there as it fills up very early.

    The decor of the restaurant is traditionally Morroccan with an al fresco vibe.

    There are beautiful plants throughout the interior, and it feels like you are sitting outside in nature.

    There are two bars serving a range of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic drinks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I had eaten earlier, so I chose a plate of delicious Morroccan pastries with a cold glass of Casablanca beer.

    Other diners were enjoying a variety of excellent dishes from the menu, which looked very appealing.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    At 9.00pm each evening, the entertainment begins.

    Belly dancers dance 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.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    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 didn’t seem to be a problem that I only ordered a dessert and one drink.

    I wasn’t pressured to leave, and I spent time enjoying the live entertainment.

    Le Salama is steps away from Jamaa El Fna.

    It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and recharge your batteries before stepping back out into the crowds of tourists in the busy main square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Salama can be found on,

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

    They serve a good range of cocktails and are open for lunch and dinner.

    They also have a children’s menu.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • La Fountaine Des Espices.

    A vibrant place to eat in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

    I stumbled across this place by accident one evening, and I have to say I was very impressed.

    The food was incredibly tasty, and the decor was elegant and refined with a colourful, boho vibe.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I visited this strategically located restaurant a few times afterwards because I thoroughly enjoyed the food.

    They also have a nice rooftop overlooking the medina.

    It’s a great place to go for an afternoon drink and to lap up some sunshine.

    Staff at the restaurant are really friendly and helpful, making the experience of dining here an absolute pleasure.

    The prices were very competitive too.

    The restaurant serves traditional food, and it tastes authentic, like having a meal cooked by a Moroccan family.

    I highly recommend their smoothies.

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

    It tasted delicious.

    There is plenty of choice on the menu, and they are beautifully presented with heaps of fresh fruit, making them a healthy alternative.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

    Service was quick, and the waiters were very attentive, regularly checking that I was happy.

    On another occasion, I tried the pastilla, and I loved it.

    It was a healthy sized portion, too.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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 flickering on the tables,  giving off a nice romantic ambience whilst your dining.

    They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

    I often sit upstairs on the rooftop after a morning sightseeing.

    It’s a welcome break from the busy souks.

    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, if you prefer it quieter arrive before then.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea

    Mint tea is practically a ritual in Marrakesh.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    After the painstakingly long queues at the airport, you finally arrive at your riad.

    At this point, you’re feeling lightly overwhelmed and dishevelled.

    The manager of the riad gives you the warmest welcome and guides you into the beautiful courtyard.

    You sit down on the colourful cushions, listening to the gentle sound of the trickling water from the fountain and smell the fragrance of blossom on the trees.

    Slowly, you begin to unwind.

    The manager reappears with an ornate teapot with colourful glasses on a tray, accompanied by a dish of fresh olives. 

    The tea is poured, holding the teapot higher and higher.

    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.

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

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

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    The aroma from the fresh mint leaves begins to fill the air around you.

    Soon, you are feeling refreshed and accustomed to your new surroundings.

    After you have drank your sweet tea and eaten the delicious fresh olives, the panic of trying to locate the riad and queues at the airport disappear as if by magic.

    The image of Google Maps not working and dragging your luggage through narrow alleyways crammed with tourists starts to become a distant memory.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mint tea is served everywhere in Marrakech.

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

    I highly recommend 1112 Moroccan Tea House. They serve wonderful tea, and there is a room telling you all about the history of the tea.

    It’s situated inside a beautiful riad, and it’s the first Moroccan tea house in Marrakech.

    I’ve also written a separate article about 1112 Moroccan Tea House.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Drinking mint tea is a central part of Moroccan social life.

    The name for mint tea is ‘atay’ in Moroccan darija

    It is known by the locals as  ‘Morroccan Whisky’

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

    If you find it a bit too sweet, ask to have the sugar cubes separately.

    That way, you have control over how sweet it is.

    Fresh mint is displayed on market stalls all around the medina, and the strong aroma is evident when you walk past.

    You can purchase the ornate tea glasses in the souks, along with the traditional teapots, they make the perfect gift for taking home with you.

    Make sure to wrap them well as they are quite delicate and can break easily.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Moroccan mint tea has many health benefits.

    It improves digestion, helps to improve oral health, is a natural decongestant, and provides antioxidants that support good mental well-being, skincare, and alertness.

    Sipping mint tea overlooking the lively square from a rooftop is a nice way to experience Marrakech.

    It’s a big part of a fascinating culture.

    One you will remember for a very long time.

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