Amanda Mouttaki the entrepreneur and mother of two boys
immigrated to Morocco from the US. Amanda blogs about it. She and her husband Youssef made their
dream of showing tourists the best hidden spots to eat real Moroccan food in
the Medina come true and founded Marrakech Food Tours in 2013. Amanda travels a
lot and ever since 2007 she is the face behind the blog Maroc Mama. Amanda was so very lovely to share some of her Marrakech tips with us.
Amanda Mouttaki: Red,
Chaotic, Old.
THE TOURISTIN: How do
you get around Marrakech?
Amanda Mouttaki: We walk a lot! The medina can't
be navigated with cars and while motorbikes are allowed it's still hard. If
you're visiting count on your feet to get you around!
THE TOURISTIN: What is the best kept secret
about Marrakech?
Amanda Mouttaki: Very few
tourists ever make it beyond the medina. They don't realize the city of
Marrakech extends kilometers beyond the center. If you want to see how people
live day to day, venture to some of the neighborhoods outside the middle. There
aren't lots of sites to see but taking a walk in a local neighborhood will show
you a completely different side of life here.
THE TOURISTIN: What is your favourite
borough/suburb/area in Marrakech and why?
Amanda Mouttaki: My
favorite area is the Kasbah. Why? Well I think the personal connection helps -
it's where I met my husband! But I also like this area because it combines
everyday life with business. There's a mix here that you don't see in the
medina as much. I also love the streets here; you really never know what is
around the corner! Stop at Cafe Clock
if you're in the area, or pull up a chair in one of the small restaurants that
line the main street. You'll also find small shops where people are making a
variety of handicrafts and everyday items.
THE TOURISTIN: The best place for a coffee or
mint tea in Marrakech?
Amanda Mouttaki: While many
tourists look for a "restaurant" for coffee or tea, instead drop into
a patisserie. These small unassuming shops don't often have names that are
visible but you'll see lots of cookies in the windows or display fridges
inside. You can order coffee or tea along with a pastry or cookies. These shops
are also known for their fruit and milk smoothies. Try avocado and almond, it's
wildly popular with Moroccans.
THE TOURISTIN: What is
one restaurant we must try out while in Marrakech?
Amanda Mouttaki: Only
one?!?! I have to give three to hit all ends of the spectrum.
High end: Visit La Grande Table Marocaine at the Royal Mansour, and you'll
feel like royalty if only a few hours.
Mid-range: The Amal Women's
Restaurant and Training Center, a great cause to train disadvantaged women
gain employment after an internship and excellent food that's affordable.
Low end: The restaurant has no name, but go to the Ta'ala
area of Marrakech - a small area mixed into the leather souks. You'll find a
tall, skinny man wearing a tall white chef's hat. He has a basic stove burner
out front with lots of pots. Everyday he makes 4-5 items and the food is
exceptional. It's real Moroccan home cooking.
THE TOURISTIN: Where
would we meet you on weekends?
Amanda Mouttaki: Weekends
mean my kids are home so usually doing mom things like football practice and
English lessons. But when we do get out we like to head into the High Atlas
Mountains to escape the city. Even a few hours there make me relax.
THE TOURISTIN: Do you
have a favourite museum/gallery we all have to visit when in Marrakech?
Amanda Mouttaki: The David Bloch Gallery always has a nice rotating display of artwork. My favorite museum
is the Maison de Photographie. It's such a wonderful look into Morocco that was
and I simply love imagery.
THE TOURISTIN: What are
some of your favourite places to shop for A) groceries and B) clothes?
Amanda Mouttaki: I always
do my grocery shopping in the souks near my house. There's always fresh
seasonal produce and the prices can't be beat. I would rather support these
small farmers and merchants. We also shop at the AYASO concept store in Gueliz
for gluten-free products (my husband has celiac disease) and if I'm in the area
Le Pain Quotidien on Allal al Fassi for their their wide range of breads,
pastries and gluten free baked goods.
For Moroccan wear it's normal here to have a tailor make
you the long robes, or shirts to your liking (it's also very affordable). But
if you don't have the time to wait I love Kaftan Queen. Modern Moroccan inspired style that's laid back. Bennina Shoes is also a great stop for custom Moroccan inspired
footwear at a fraction of the price you'd pay in Europe.
THE TOURISTIN: What souvenir shall we bring
back from Marrakech?
Amanda Mouttaki: A carpet!
But seriously, a carpet. Maybe not everyone has the same love I do and sure
carpets are a bit cliché but I adore Moroccan rugs. You'll have to haggle hard,
don't get swindled and find something you absolutely love (just never let the
salesman know you love it). Everyone needs a Moroccan rug!
Thank you so very much Amanda for the lovely insight. I
wish you and Youssef (and your two boys) all the very best for Marrakech Food Tours. Find Amanda on Twitter.
Read Inside Marrakech's food scene with Marrakech Food Tours to get an idea about what the food tour in Marrakech is all about.
Read Inside Marrakech's food scene with Marrakech Food Tours to get an idea about what the food tour in Marrakech is all about.
From Berlin with love