Aicha Ait Ouad

’Her shyness occasionally dissolves into giggles, yet her measured, calm approach works wonders with the food.’

Like a princess in an exquisite treasure box, Aicha cooks for us in the very heart of Marrakech at the 15th-century Ksour Agafay, one of the city’s first grand residences and now a private members’ club and occasional cultural venue. This is where Aicha often works for Kenza Melehi and Abel Damoussi, the dynamic couple who own the Ksour and who are permanently on the go between their cultural and business interests. When the Damoussis switch residence in the Marrakech region or go north to Kenza’s family on the Atlantic coast, she follows uncomplainingly. ‘It’s only when they’re abroad that I finally relax!’ she jokes.