Marrakesh Express: Authentic Moroccan Cuisine, Like You’ve Never Had Before
Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 21, 2010
Marrakesh Express has been open for less than a year, and in that time it’s already become West Philly’s go-to spot for authentic north African cuisine. There are several so-called Moroccan restaurants in the city, but Marrakesh Express is the only one that’s actually owned by Moroccans – and, lest you think the background and upbringing of the owners doesn’t matter much, it shines through in every tender, flavorful bite.
The citizenry agree: the tiny restaurant has a perfect 5 star rating on Urbanspoon and 4.5 stars on Yelp, in spite of the fact that Yelp has mysteriously decided to filter out 10 top-notch reviews. (Scroll down to the bottom of the Yelp page and click on the tiny “10 filtered” to see them – one woman has lived and traveled extensively in Morocco and swears this food is some of the best you’ll find anywhere.
The restaurant is in a diverse neighborhood and has the feel of a local joint, with a mix of actual Moroccans, students, and those in search of strictly halal food all stopping in and mingling. Brahim, the super-friendly owner, will be sure to explain each dish to you if you have any questions. But here’s some advice: try the daily special, and make sure to taste some hummus too. I stopped by for lunch on Friday, which means the couscous special had been simmering all morning (and would sell out in just a couple of hours). The restaurant is so small, with such a devotion to real, home-cooked food, that everything is made fresh and to order, which also means in small batches destined to go quickly.
The couscous was heaped with veggies and chicken so tender that the meat of the leg and thigh fell right off the bone. Lamb is big on the menu, and is perfectly spiced. The flavors are complex and pronounced, but not enough to overpower the outstanding taste of the tender meat. Oh, and remember that hummus I told you about? It’s divine. Simply the best I’ve ever had. Maybe that’s because it takes them three days to painstakingly make the fresh, slightly chunky dip, which is served up with an enticing pool of oil in the middle. Though I didn’t try one myself, I’ve heard that the tangine dishes are phenomenal as well. I washed my meal down with a pomegranate soda (exotic!).
Check this place out for lunch sometime soon. It’s affordable, delicious, and already a neighborhood gem.
Marrakesh Express
4407 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-9008
www.halalmarrakesh.com
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