The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: popular restaurants and cafes in Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • 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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  • Les Bains Kenaria.

    A Hammam with a Rooftop Cafe.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Les Bains Kenaria has been revived to become a sanctuary in the medina. It’s over 400 years old and has been beautifully preserved and restored. The hammam still uses the ancient Moroccan tradition of heating using the wood fired method.

    Services include newly added thermal rooms, warm baths, cold baths, a jacuzzi style pool, and a massage.

    Les Bains Kenaria is also a rooftop cafe, and this is where my experience here began. I was lured in by the lush tropical plants that spoke to me from the intricately crafted doorway.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I made my way upstairs onto the pretty rooftop and was seated on a colourful couch. The staff were really friendly and courteous, and helped me to choose a vegetarian option from the menu.

    I had one of the most delicious tagines I’ve had in Marrakech.The fresh vegetables included fava beans and olives and tasted absolutely sumptuous. I chose a beet smoothie for the first time. It was quite different from anything I’d had before, and I couldn’t decide if I liked it or not.

    I watched the sun setting as I ate. I could hear the lively sounds of the souk below. It was a lovely atmosphere, and I could see everyday life taking place on the adjacent rooftops.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The setting was peaceful, despite it being in the busy medina. There were tourists shopping in the street below. I was still able to enjoy my meal feeling relaxed and stressfree. I took my time and didn’t feel rushed.

    Dining on the rooftop terrace of Les Bains Kenaria was a lovely experience. The food is traditional Morroccan cuisine, and prices are very competitive. There is plenty of choice for lunch and dinner on the menu, and breakfast is also available. The lush plants and comfortable surroundings made it extra special. It was a contrast from the manic rhythm of the street below. This is definitely a place I will visit regularly.

    The opening hours are 9.00 am until 8.00pm daily. The address is Bain Maure, N 132,Marrakech 40040, Morocco.

    Next time, I may even try the Hammam.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Fluffys.

    An international Dessert Cafe Inside Medina Mall.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fluffys is located on the first floor of Medina Mall. It has a Bistro style appearance and serves high-quality food. It’s a great place to eat if you’re looking for somewhere away from the busy touristic areas of the medina. The staff are efficient and quick, and the chef creates his dishes in front of the customers.

    Fluffys is a dessert cafe chain with outlets in other parts of the world. They are popular for their award winning Japanese souffle pancakes, and I can highly recommend them. They come in flavours, including strawberry, macha, tiramisu, pistachio, and creme brulee. I had salted caramel with Moroccan rose flavoured ice cream. It was delicious and such a huge portion that I struggled to finish it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Inside the restaurant, the decor is modern and contemporary. It was good to sit in a quiet place. I felt cocooned away from the outside mayhem and enjoyed the solitude for a while.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Medina Mall is home to a few upmarket outlets. There are a couple of restaurants, but Fluffys is a favourite of mine. It’s in a slightly quieter area of the medina, not far from Tinsmiths Square. I ate there in the evening and it was not too busy at that time. I think it may get a lot busier during the daytime.

    I ordered a fruit smoothie and a pasta dish. The quality of the food was excellent.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Fluffys is a popular place for breakfast and lunch. However, you don’t need to book. Just show up and wait to be seated. I sat outside the entrance where I could watch the chef preparing the food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The address for Medina Mall is 91. Hommane Fetouaki Marrakech 40000 Morocco.   Opening hours are from 9.30 until 11.00 daily.

    Fluffys is one of my favourite places in Marrakech. I will be visiting again to work my way through the exciting dessert menu.

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