Moroccan Tastes at Tajine Arabic Restaurant

Craving something a little different? Then, check out the new Moroccan-Arabic restaurant in Male’ – Tajine Arabic Restaurant!

Located in Maafannu, Tajine Arabic Restaurant has three floors – two floors for restaurant dining and a sort of basement floor where you can have shisha and coffee. The whole space fully leans into its Moroccan theme with earthy colours, plush seating and bold arches with beautiful, patterned cement work.

The menu was extensive with a variety of Moroccan/Arabic food; appetizers included different Moroccan salads as well as Arabic dips like hummus, mutabal and baba ghanouj while the mains consisted of their signature tajine dishes as well as rice, shawarma, and other Western dishes. There’s also a variety of drinks and desserts, including Middle Eastern options and ice-cream.

For those of you who might be unfamiliar, ‘tajine’ (or tagine) refers to a type of dome-topped earthenware pot and the dishes which are cooked in it. In Moroccan cuisine, tajine dishes are often sweet and sour combinations of slow-cooked meat, fish, chicken and even vegetables with spices, nuts, and dried fruits.

The staff were very helpful and attentive in explaining different dishes, and before long we had given our order. We went for the hummus as our starter – served with Moroccan bread – and the muqalqal beef tajine with saffron rice. To bring it together, we also got a pot of Moroccan mint tea.

The mint tea came first, which was served in a traditional pot and glasses and poured table-side by the server (the long pouring itself is an experience you don’t want to miss!). Served with sugar on the side, the tea was strong, refreshing, and great to savour throughout the meal.

Then, for the hummus; smooth, creamy, and topped with a generous drizzle of olive oil. It went great with the Moroccan bread – also known as ‘khobz’ – which was soft, airy, and oh-so thick.

The muqalqal beef tagine also didn’t disappoint. The beef was tender, with a nice, balanced cumin flavour to it. Paired with the saffron rice – light, fragrant, and not overly greasy – it made for a really satisfying dish that didn’t feel overwhelmingly heavy.

Overall, we had a pleasant experience at Tajine. Beyond the food, the atmosphere of the restaurant also plays a big part in promoting the Moroccan/Arabic vibe – definitely a place worth checking out if you’re looking to switch things up a bit.