Marrakech Water Restrictions Impact Iconic Tanjia Dish, Local Restaurants

The measure to close hammams and car wash stations is not without consequence on restaurants, particularly those specializing in the preparation of the "Tanjia", the essential specialty of Marrakech that has become an intangible cultural heritage of Morocco in the culinary field. Explanation: the traditional ovens, or "Farnatchi", which cook this dish are usually located near the public baths. So, they are dependent on the hammams. With the closure of the latter, the ovens have also had to cease their activity. As a result, no "Tanjia" preparation for three days a week. A huge loss of earnings for restaurant managers. Hundreds of "Tanjias" are prepared every day, says kech24.

Complying with the note from the Ministry of the Interior, the province of Marrakech-Safi has made a decision prohibiting the activity of public baths and car washing on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week, in order to rationalize water. Morocco is facing a severe water deficit caused by six consecutive years of drought.