Preserving the essence of traditional Moroccan cuisine
CHEFS: MOROCCAN FEMALE COOKS | CUISINE: AUTHENTIC MOROCCAN | SERVICE: GOOD | LOCATION: GUELIZ, MARRAKECH'S MODERN AREA
Sahbi Sahbi sheds light on the typically hushed culture of traditional Moroccan cuisine, offering a unique and inclusive dining experience where every detail reflects a deep respect for culinary heritage, traditional cooking techniques and female empowerment. Located in the trendy Gueliz area of Marrakech, this woman run restaurant sets its intension to preserve cultural knowledge one spoon at a time.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Entering the welcoming entrance of Sabhi Sabhi is like stepping into a world of warmth and hospitality. The cozy ambiance beckons you to choose between a communal table near the bustling open kitchen and bar, or a more intimate spot at one of the wooden tables adorned with flickering candle lights. Our early arrival afforded us the delightful sight of a dedicated woman gearing up for a busy Friday night of culinary magic.
THE STORY
With over 20 years of collaborative experience, Helena Paraboschi, Pierre Pirajean, Karl Fournier, and Olivier Marty of Studio KO have joined forces for the first time to launch the unique collective endeavor 'Sahbi Sahbi'.
Meaning 'soulmates' in Darija (Moroccan Arabic), this project offers a cozy meeting spot managed solely by women. This initiative reflects their dedication to fostering inclusive spaces that celebrate cultural diversity and empowerment through design and hospitality.
THE MENU
At Sahbi Sahbi, the spotlight isn't on a singular famed chef but on a team of culinary artists collaborating harmoniously to craft each dish. These female chefs are handpicked for their unique expertise, representing diverse backgrounds and regions of Morocco. Departing from convention, the kitchen staff is exclusively composed of women, reminiscent of the traditional Moroccan home kitchens led by dadas. What sets Sahbi Sahbi apart is its transparent kitchen, a departure from the secretive culinary spaces usually reserved for passing down recipes through oral traditions. However, in the restaurant, this tradition is flipped on its head, with the secrets of the cooking laid bare for guests to see. Each dish is meticulously crafted in the open kitchen, where skilled chefs artfully explain and showcase every step of the preparation to captivated onlookers.
Here, diners metamorphose into eager spectators as a culinary ballet unfolds before them. Traditional Moroccan delicacies such as tagine charmoula, pigeon pastilla, beef tangia and 7 vegetable couscous take center stage. We personally loved the maasia with tomate & sesame seeds as a starter with fresh baked oven bread and their classic beef tangia.
THE AMBIENCE
Studio KO's interior design for 'Sahbi Sahbi' captures the essence of Morocco's artisanal heritage infused with a modern twist. By shifting the focus to the open kitchen, the architects created a warm and inviting space that celebrates Moroccan cuisine. While embracing the idea of 'exposure', they artfully balanced it with discreet details, blending oriental textures, subtle lighting, and earthy tones to weave a narrative of tradition and innovation.
PRESERVING TRADITIONAL COOKING
What truly sets Sahbi Sahbi apart is their unwavering dedication to upholding the rich culinary heritage of Morocco through the preservation of traditional cooking methods and flavours, particularly those passed down through generations of women. This commitment to honouring and celebrating these authentic techniques adds an invaluable depth and authenticity to every dish they serve, making the dining experience truly remarkable for those who have a fondness for Moroccan cuisine.
