Photo: Chef Dev Biswal in Café Marrakech’s beautifully designed interiors, ready to serve a taste of Morocco with his signature flair.
Chef Dev Biswal Unveils Marrakech Café: A Taste of Morocco in Canterbury
Dev Biswal’s Café Marrakech in Canterbury brings Moroccan magic to life with authentic flavors, elegant ambiance, and a unique fusion of Moroccan and Indian culinary traditions.
Celebrated chef and restaurateur Dev Biswal, known for his modern Anglo-Indian restaurant The Cook’s Tale (formerly The Ambrette) in Canterbury, has expanded his culinary vision with the opening of Marrakech Café. This vibrant new eatery promises an immersive journey into the heart of Moroccan cuisine and culture, blending it with Biswal’s signature style of innovation and authenticity.
Located in the heart of Canterbury, Marrakech Café is an elegant tribute to the flavours and aromas of Morocco. Featuring slow-cooked tagines, smoky charcoal-grilled meats, hand-rolled couscous, vibrant salads, flaky pastries, and sweet treats like semolina basbousa, the menu brings Morocco’s rich culinary heritage to life. Every dish is crafted using authentic ingredients and bold spices, offering diners a robust and delightful sensory experience.
The restaurant’s ambience is equally alluring. Guests are welcomed into a space bathed in warm lighting, filled with vibrant colours, soft music, and the enticing aroma of spices—a setting reminiscent of the bustling souks of Marrakech.
The Inspiration Behind the Café
Biswal’s fascination with Moroccan cuisine began after recruiting a Moroccan chef for his team at The Cook’s Tale. This sparked a deeper passion that led him to explore Morocco firsthand as part of his culinary tours initiative, The Cook’s Adventures.
“Visiting Morocco for the first time was a revelation,” explains Biswal. “I was struck by the surprising connections between Moroccan and Indian cuisines. Our food and cultures have far more in common than I ever imagined. For instance, Moroccan tagines are akin to Indian curries, and even traditional Indian delicacies like samosas have their counterparts in Moroccan cuisine.”
Through Marrakech Café, Biswal celebrates these shared culinary traditions while delivering a truly Moroccan dining experience.
Building Culinary Bridges Locally
Beyond showcasing Moroccan flavours, Biswal is deeply committed to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Many of the dishes at Marrakech Café benefit from premium local produce, sourced within a 30-minute radius of the restaurant.
Additionally, Biswal continues to lead local initiatives like Canterbury Experiences, offering bespoke culinary tours that explore the area’s stunning countryside. His collaborations with Visit Canterbury and local partners have further enhanced the region’s reputation as a destination for food lovers.
About Dev Biswal
Born and raised in Orissa, India, Dev Biswal’s culinary journey spans continents. After studying in Calcutta and sharpening his skills at the Dubai Sheraton, Biswal moved to London in 2003, eventually earning accolades for his work at top restaurants like Mangoes and Eriki. In 2006, he became a partner in The Indian Princess in Margate, which later transformed into The Ambrette, solidifying his reputation as a Michelin-recommended chef.
Over the years, Biswal has won numerous awards, including ‘Asian Chef of the Year’ at the Asian Restaurant Awards and ‘Best Restaurant in the Southeast’ by the Cobra Good Curry Guide. He has also appeared as a resident chef on Channel 4’s Superscrimpers, sharing creative yet budget-friendly recipes with viewers.
A New Chapter
With Marrakech Café, Dev Biswal continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of Morocco in the heart of Canterbury. This new restaurant is more than just a dining destination—it’s an experience steeped in tradition, innovation, and the joy of shared culinary heritage.
For more details, visit [Insert Website/Contact Information].
