Ksar El Khorbat Restaurant

After Rachid led the group through the Road to the Oasis: Rissani Market and Fossils of Morocco at Macro Fossiles Kasbah experience, it was time for lunch. As he led us through the alleyways of El Khorbat, Rashid explained the history of the area.

El Khorbat Oujdid is a 19th century ksar located near Tinejdad in southeastern Morocco. Built in 1860 from clay and hay, it follows the traditional fortified village layout of the region. As we started outside of the ksar and walked through the central alleys and seemingly under the city, it felt like the restaurant was a brilliant discovery.

This was a true, interesting oasis in the heritage of Southern Morocco. When we exited the last alleyway and stoped in front of El Khorbat Restaurant, I was shocked by the drastic change of palm trees and lush greenery.

As we settled down at our large table, I felt such a sense of pleasure looking around the space. Kim mentioned to us that people in her previous groups usually ordered the camel dish to try out the delicacy – as it’s what the restaurant was known for.

However, as I’d just rode a camel in the Sahara during Into the Sahara: A Camel Caravan Trek with Takojt Camel Treks – I honestly didn’t want to order a tangine of a large dish and not like it. Plus, Rashid had told us that in his opinion, the taste of camel was oily, excessively gamey and not worth it. So, I ordered a meal set that I would enjoy.

To take a break from the group dynamics at the table –  I took my time in photographing the space and walking around with Anne and Denise, as I waited for my dishes to arrive.

First up, were the Briouats (pastry stuffed with ground beef). This was absolutely delicious. I was honestly shocked.

I got the mixed chicken and beef kebabs, which alongside the cooked fresh vegetables on my plate, was delicious.

For my desert option, I chose the Moroccan Cookie option, which included date filled pastry and coconut cookies.

Truly, I’m so happy that we stopped at Ksar El Khorbat Restaurant. It had a true sense of place and history in the history of Moroccan caravan culture.

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