logo
French Chef Cyril Lignac Enjoys Moroccan Cuisine in Marrakech Visit

French Chef Cyril Lignac Enjoys Moroccan Cuisine in Marrakech Visit

Morocco World21-02-2025

Rabat – French chef Cyril Lignac recently paid a visit to the Moroccan red city of Marrakech, making the most of the city as he got to enjoy Moroccan culinary traditions.
The chef, who is the owner of gourmet restaurants Le Quinzième and Le Chardenoux, shared the highlights of his visit in a series of photos and videos on Instagram with the caption: 'One of my favorite cuisines.'
During his visit, Lignac tried several signature Moroccan dishes like Tajine, Bestilla, and the must-try Moroccan mint tea.
The chef also shared a video of him making the famous tafarnout bread, a type of traditional bread made by Morocco's Amazigh communities. In the video, the French chef is seen baking the bread inside a clay oven, known as tafarnout, hence the name.
Lignac also enjoyed the beauty of Marrakech. His posts depict him discovering Jemaa el Fna, a square and market place in the city's old medina.
Lignac is also a known pastry chef and television personality. He owns several other restaurants, including La Patisserie Cyril Lignac, a high end pastry shop, and Dragon, an Asian fusion restaurant.
He became famous through shows like Oui Chef! And Le Meilleur Pastissier. Lignac has released several cookbooks.
Moroccan cuisine is a blend of Arab, Amazigh, African, and Mediterranean influences. It is known for its rich spices and slow cooked dishes.
Moroccan food is an integral part of the country's cultural identity. Signature dishes include Tajine, Couscous, Rfissa, and Pastilla.
Last year, British chef Gordon Ramsay announced Moroccan cuisine as the winner of the world's best cuisine competition organized by Pubity Cuisine on Instagram. The competition saw over 38 million people vote for the best cuisine in the world. Tags: cuisinefoodMarrakechMorocco

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Wego, ONMT Launch Campaign to Boost Summer Tourism to Morocco Across MENA
Wego, ONMT Launch Campaign to Boost Summer Tourism to Morocco Across MENA

Morocco World

time3 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Wego, ONMT Launch Campaign to Boost Summer Tourism to Morocco Across MENA

Rabat – Wego, the largest online travel platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) to launch a campaign encouraging travelers from across the region to visit Morocco this summer. The partnership aims to 'inspire a new wave of travel to Morocco, focusing on the country's vibrant cities, coastal escapes, and natural landscapes,' said Wego in a press release today. The company emphasized Morocco's tourism potential and the rich mix of experiences it offers travelers. 'Whether it's discovering the colorful streets of Chefchaouen, relaxing along the beaches of Agadir, or exploring the highland trails of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers a diverse getaway that caters to a wide range of travel interests,' Wego added. The campaign will spotlight Morocco's unique mix of tradition and modern fun. It will feature local markets, historic buildings, and art scenes in cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez. Travelers will also be able to enjoy detailed guides, influencer content, and online promotions to help them plan their summer vacation to the North African country. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said they are excited to work with ONMT and introduce their users to the 'richness Morocco has to offer.' 'Our goal is to make it easier for travelers to find meaningful experiences whether they're looking for adventure, history, or relaxation—through curated content and seamless travel planning,' Hmidan added. Meanwhile, Rachid Hamzaoui, Director for the Middle East and Asia at ONMT, said the campaign will help travelers from the Gulf and other parts of MENA discover Morocco more easily. 'With Wego's platform offering real-time comparisons and travel inspiration, discovering Morocco has never been more convenient,' Hamzaoui said. Food lovers are in for a treat too, Wego says, as the campaign will include guides to traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous, harira soup, and pastilla. Travelers will also be able to learn where to enjoy street food or dine on rooftops with amazing views. Coastal towns such as Essaouira and El Jadida will also be in the spotlight. The Moroccan tourism office has been stepping up its efforts to position Morocco as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. In recent months, ONMT has focused on expanding Morocco's reach in key international markets, including China, where it has launched initiatives to attract more Chinese tourists. ONMT has launched similar campaigns targeting different regions to showcase Morocco's unique mix of culture, nature, and hospitality. Tags: MENAONMTTourismwego

Morocco's tourism office partners with Wego to attract MENA tourists this summer
Morocco's tourism office partners with Wego to attract MENA tourists this summer

Ya Biladi

time4 hours ago

  • Ya Biladi

Morocco's tourism office partners with Wego to attract MENA tourists this summer

The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) has joined forces with Wego, the leading travel app and online marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to launch a summer campaign promoting Morocco as a top travel destination for regional tourists. Designed to boost Morocco's visibility among Gulf and MENA travelers, the campaign highlights the country's diverse offerings, from cultural landmarks and historic cities to seaside escapes and mountain adventures. The promotion showcases popular destinations such as the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen, the sun-soaked beaches of Agadir, and the scenic trails of the Atlas Mountains. It also shines a spotlight on major cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez, known for their blend of heritage and modern charm. Cultural immersion is a key focus. Travelers are encouraged to explore local craftsmanship, attend festivals, and sample Moroccan cuisine, from medina street food to rooftop restaurants serving classics like couscous and pastilla. The campaign also appeals to those seeking a more laid-back escape, with coastal towns like Essaouira and El Jadida offering ocean views, fresh seafood, and artistic atmospheres. «We're excited to collaborate with the Moroccan National Tourist Office to broaden the horizons of our users and introduce them to the richness Morocco has to offer», said Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. «Our goal is to make it easier for travelers to find meaningful experiences, whether they're looking for adventure, history, or relaxation». The campaign includes destination guides, digital promotions, and influencer-driven content. According to Rachid Hamzaoui, ONMT's Director for the Middle East and Asia, the partnership aims to position Morocco as «a top summer choice» for travelers across the region.

Diaspo #394 : Leo Norma, a natural talent for elevating the Moroccan caftan
Diaspo #394 : Leo Norma, a natural talent for elevating the Moroccan caftan

Ya Biladi

timea day ago

  • Ya Biladi

Diaspo #394 : Leo Norma, a natural talent for elevating the Moroccan caftan

Born in Larache, Larbi Sahraoui left northern Morocco at just a year and a half old. Raised by his parents in Murcia and later Granada, Spain, he now goes by the name Leo Norma and is making a name for himself in the world of international high fashion. Drawing constant inspiration from the cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of his homeland, he has carved out his path in the industry against all odds. From a young age, his deep sensitivity gave him one clear certainty: he was destined to become a fashion designer. Growing up in a family where his siblings pursued other career paths, Leo—now based in Basel, Switzerland, remembers being a solitary child. «In Spain, I used to create my own little world, sketching what inspired me, especially the caftans I saw during summer weddings in Morocco. Once back in Granada, that's all I would do: sketch designs to carry with me the striking beauty that amazed me back home», he told Yabiladi. Leo Norma recently returned to Spain, where it all began, to present a fashion show. At the latest Almeria Fashion Show, he unveiled a collection he described as «bold and poetic, blending the richness of Moroccan heritage with contemporary European elegance». But his passion for drawing once made his school experience difficult, as education in Spain focused more on languages and math than creative expression. «That's how I discovered my talent because it wasn't exactly encouraged at school or even at home, where my parents were worried about my future. They wanted to be reassured that their children, in whom they had invested everything, would succeed. But those sketches I was constantly drawing in my schoolbooks? They often got me in trouble with my parents!» The Moroccan Caftan: A Proustian Madeleine in Every Sketch After primary and middle school, Leo became increasingly convinced of his calling. By 17, in high school, he was fully dedicated to fashion. «I think I've always trusted my intuition. Even as a child, I knew exactly what I wanted—and what I didn't. For me, it was always obvious I'd end up in haute couture», he said. He began researching opportunities on his own. «During the school year, and especially in the summer, I never rested. I'd take internships, do professional immersions, or work in restaurants to fund my training. I even found sketching more fun than spending the day at the beach!». «Once I started to see the results of all that work, despite the sacrifices and sleepless nights, my parents finally felt reassured. They saw that my focus on fashion was serious. Now, many of my family members wear my designs. I've created caftans for my mother, my sisters, my aunts, and my cousins», he proudly said. With a strong work ethic and relentless drive, Leo secured funding for his first projects, sought out mentors, and learned by observing. At 18, he left Spain to pursue studies at the prestigious International Fashion Academy (IFA) in Paris. There, as the only Moroccan student in his class, he leaned heavily on his heritage to stand out. That decision paid off: at graduation, he won the school's competition for most original project. «Even back then, my whole concept revolved around the caftan and traditional Moroccan clothing. Most other students drew from the same Western-European references. I wanted to be different», Leo recalled. Launching into Global Haute Couture Thanks to that early recognition, Leo received access to premium materials, funding, and mentoring to help him launch his brand. He began showcasing his work alongside established designers. «That momentum was more than a boost, it's how I launched myself on the international scene», he says. Today, he's grateful for the professional relationships that opened doors. «A close friend of mine, Riccardo Tisci, formerly Givenchy's artistic director and now at Burberry, has been a huge support. He's dressed celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Madonna. He's given me invaluable advice and connected me with other top designers. These relationships give me confidence in my work». «I've come to realize that my Moroccan culture is my strength. It's what sets me apart and it allows me to send a bigger message: that fashion is more than clothes. Moroccan caftans and traditional garments reflect a unique way of life. I reinterpret that elegance in a way that speaks universally». Leo's distinct aesthetic now attracts high-profile clients in both the Arab world and the West. He's dressed Ahlam, Eva Longoria, Pilar Rubio, Yvonne Reyes, and numerous Spanish TV personalities. He was also the first Moroccan designer to participate in several international fashion shows, including opening New York Fashion Week, another national first. Recognition in East and West In Egypt, he became the first Moroccan designer to present a show at the Temple of Nefertiti in Cairo. «That was a huge honor. Egypt is dear to my heart—I have many friends there. The Egyptian government invited me to present my work in a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was an incredible experience». «Every fashion designer dreams of something like this. Egypt opened this ancient monument to me in 2018, during a time of instability, when they were working hard to reassure tourists. I gladly accepted. To honor the privilege, I designed a piece blending the Moroccan caftan with Cleopatra's dress». Highlighting centuries-old heritage from Morocco and beyond, Leo uses fashion as a bridge between cultures. For his contribution, the Egyptian government awarded him a statue of Nefertiti, which he proudly keeps as a source of motivation. His work has also featured at Dubai's Emigala Awards, where he won «Star of the Night». Now, Leo is preparing a traditional Moroccan menswear collection with a «European twist», which he hopes to present again in New York, and eventually in Morocco. «That's something I deeply long for. I've shown my work around the world, received offers everywhere, but never yet in Morocco, the country that inspires me. The greatest honor I could give back to my homeland is to present my creations there», he concluded.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store