Immerse yourself in a world where elegance and gastronomy meet in the heart of Marrakech. The Oberoi Marrakech, a true haven of peace nestled between the majestic Atlas Mountains and the vibrant ocher city, hosts Rivayat, a restaurant that redefines culinary luxury. This exceptional place, where every detail reflects Moroccan craftsmanship and Indian opulence, invites gourmets on a unique sensory journey. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, Rivayat embodies the perfect fusion of Indian and Moroccan culinary traditions in an enchanting and refined setting.
A Gastronomic Journey in the Luxury of The Oberoi Marrakech
Rivayat, the latest culinary gem of Marrakech, is nestled within The Oberoi hotel, a sumptuous 28-acre complex centered around a magnificent Arab-Andalusian courtyard. Located just 10 km from the medina, the 5-star hotel stands in the middle of a former citrus plantation, offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains from its main terrace. This bucolic setting, where contemporary luxury and Moroccan artistic heritage blend seamlessly, provides the perfect backdrop for Rivayat. Here, guests can savor an unprecedented culinary adventure, orchestrated by the renowned chef Rohit Ghai, in the heart of a tranquil oasis.
An Elegant Fusion of Indian and Moroccan Culinary Heritage
Rivayat, whose name means 'heritage' in both Indian and Moroccan cultures, is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of the meeting of two rich and ancient culinary traditions. This unique concept pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of India and Morocco to global gastronomic diversity. Through a bold fusion of flavors and techniques, Rivayat offers a culinary journey where tradition and innovation harmoniously meet.
The style of Rivayat restaurant, designed by the talented Hayat Kabbaj, is a true ode to elegance and refinement. Inside, the warm and sophisticated atmosphere harmoniously blends Moroccan charm with the opulence of Indian palaces. The walls adorned with zellige tiles, solid wood tables, sumptuous velvet armchairs, and sparkling chandeliers create an enchanting setting. Details such as finely carved mashrabiya and exquisitely engraved ceilings testify to the exceptional craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. Portraits of Indian personalities add a touch of authenticity, reinforcing this cultural dialogue.
Outside, the majestic patio, inspired by the Ben Youssef Madrasa, offers an idyllic setting for outdoor dining, where tables arranged by the pool allow guests to fully appreciate the architectural beauty of the place. The refined tableware by Raynaud, accompanied by typically Indian metal containers, completes this unique visual and sensory experience.
Rohit Ghai: The Michelin-Starred Chef Behind Rivayat's Culinary Fusion
Chef Rohit Ghai, renowned for his Michelin-starred restaurant Jamavar in London, brings his unparalleled culinary expertise to Rivayat, where he has crafted a menu that masterfully blends the culinary traditions of India and Morocco. Each dish, meticulously prepared, celebrates pan-Indian flavors enriched with subtle Moroccan touches. Ghai highlights exceptional products and revisits traditional recipes from India's major regions, from north to south, while adding a personal and modern dimension inspired by the Moroccan terroir. His cuisine, known for its generosity and exceptional gastronomic quality, invites guests on a unique sensory journey where every bite tells a story of heritage and innovation.
Signature Dishes and Cocktails: Our Unforgettable Culinary Exploration
Rivayat's menu is a true celebration of traditional Indian cuisine, reimagined with a contemporary touch to offer a unique culinary experience. Signature dishes such as the coconut sesame prawn masala, tandoori salmon with raita and pickle, and Atlantic lobster enhanced with curry leaves, mustard, and tomato, illustrate this innovative approach. For a complete immersion, tasting menus offer a refined exploration of the subtleties of Indian cuisine, designed to satisfy the most discerning connoisseurs. Enhancing this experience, carefully crafted food and wine pairings, along with innovative cocktails created by internationally renowned mixologist Lorenzo Miglietta, add an extra dimension.
After settling comfortably in this magnificent dining room, we enjoyed the view of the inner courtyard, magnified by the large bay window that stretched out before us. To celebrate the moment, we raised our glasses with two exquisite cocktails: a Shadow Fragrance for him (a subtle blend of vodka, curaçao, fig jam, and saffron, saffron honey, lemon, and egg white) and a Saffron Tom Collins for me (gin, saffron-infused honey, lemon, sparkling water).
To fully appreciate the chef's creations, we opted for the Signature – Expedition menu. The festivities began with Masala prawns, coconut, sesame, and peanuts, a delicious dish that transported our taste buds directly to India. Next, we savored the Mooli salmon, delicately flavored with tandoori tikka, accompanied by raita and pickle, followed by ultra-comforting brioche rolls filled with intensely flavored shredded goat.
The main courses were simply sublime: Chicken Tikka Masala and Mangalore Sea Bass, pan-fried with curry leaves and coconut, were pure delights. These dishes were accompanied by tadka dal, steamed rice, and bread, adding a comforting touch to this feast.
To conclude on a sweet note, we enjoyed a duo of desserts: the indulgent combination of chocolate and orange, as well as Bhappa Doi, a light and fresh dessert composed of steamed yogurt, a crispy honey tuile, chutney, and berries, providing an elegant finish to this memorable meal.
My Opinion
Upon leaving Rivayat, I felt transported, not only by the exquisite flavors that marked every step of this meal but also by the unique atmosphere that prevails in this enchanting place. Every dish, every detail, from the impeccable service to the subtle flavor combinations, offered me a culinary experience that I will not soon forget. The elegance and refinement of Rohit Ghai's cuisine, combined with the sumptuous aesthetics of the restaurant, made this dinner a true sensory journey. If you are looking for an exceptional gastronomic experience in Marrakech, Rivayat is undoubtedly the place not to be missed.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Rivayat for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.