Photo: Chef Dev Biswal in the vibrant interiors of Café Marrakech, inspiring food lovers with his fusion of Moroccan and Indian flavors.
Where Morocco Meets Canterbury
Dev Biswal unveils Café Marrakech in Canterbury, offering a masterful blend of Moroccan elegance, bold flavors, and Indian-inspired creativity in an immersive dining experience that celebrates culinary and cultural fusion.
Renowned chef and visionary Dev Biswal, owner of the acclaimed Anglo-Indian restaurant The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury, has unveiled his latest dining venture—Café Marrakech. This vibrant new restaurant promises to transport diners straight to the heart of Morocco, blending authentic flavors, captivating ambiance, and exceptional hospitality.
At Café Marrakech, guests are treated to a feast of Moroccan delicacies, including slow-simmered tagines, smoky charcoal-grilled meats, fresh hand-rolled couscous, zesty salads, buttery pastries, traditional khobz bread, and sweet desserts like semolina basbousa. Crafted with authentic spices and ingredients, the menu celebrates the bold, vibrant essence of Moroccan cuisine.
Just as impressive as its food is the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. The warm lighting, vivid colors, soft background music, and enticing aromas combine to recreate the lively spirit of a Moroccan souk. Every element has been meticulously chosen to create a sensory dining experience that is both immersive and unforgettable.
Inspired by Morocco’s Culinary Connections
Dev Biswal’s journey into Moroccan cuisine began after collaborating with a Moroccan chef at The Cook’s Tale, sparking his curiosity and leading him to explore Morocco firsthand. His discoveries highlighted surprising similarities between Moroccan and Indian culinary traditions.
“Visiting Morocco for the first time was truly eye-opening,” says Biswal. “The parallels between Moroccan and Indian cuisine are remarkable—our food and cultures are more alike than I ever imagined. Samosas, which I grew up thinking were Indian, are also a staple of Moroccan cooking!”
Biswal highlights the shared foundations of dishes such as parathas, koftas, naans, sharbat, and curries, which bridge these rich culinary traditions and inspire his creations.
Beyond Dining: A Cultural Experience
What sets Café Marrakech apart is Biswal’s dedication to linking food with culture and travel. Through his travel initiative, The Cook’s Adventures, Biswal curates small group culinary tours, including excursions to Morocco to explore its vibrant food scene.
Locally, Biswal runs Canterbury Experiences, which offers unique culinary pilgrimages through Canterbury’s charming landscapes and landmarks. Sustainable practices remain central to his efforts, with many of the restaurant’s ingredients sourced from within a 30-minute radius.
Dev Biswal’s Culinary Legacy
From humble beginnings in Orissa, India, to culinary success across borders, Biswal’s journey reflects his creativity and skill. After training in Dubai and later working in London, he transformed The Indian Princess in Margate into an award-winning restaurant, earning accolades such as Asian Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant Awards and recommendations from Michelin and Harden’s guides. Biswal also showcased his talent on Channel 4’s Superscrimpers, winning fans with his ability to craft gourmet dishes on a budget.
With Café Marrakech, Biswal continues his commitment to culinary innovation, marrying authentic Moroccan traditions with a unique dining experience in the vibrant city of Canterbury. Every element—from the bold flavors to the welcoming ambiance—makes Café Marrakech an essential destination for lovers of great food and cultural exploration.
