Deli Moroccan

Went to this deli/restaurant based on the reviews posted here. We initially sat outside as it was cooler and nicer to to look out at neighboring shops. When the rain started down, we decided to move indoors. I found 2 1/2 things slightly disturbing about this place. First, I saw a couple of cockroaches crawling around inside. Second, when I went to use the toilet in the back saw the friendly bearded cook using the same hand he was smoking away with just seconds earlier marinating the chicken that i assume we ordered. Oh, and the other thing that was slightly annoying was the even friendlier auntie taking our order kept on forgetting what we ordered (keep in mind only two othe poeple there). Other than that the food wasn't too bad and the prices cheap!

Mr Porky and I were impressed enough by Deli Moroccan's food when we sampled some of their dishes at the recent Eastern Food Trail organised by HGW to decide to go back the next week for a proper meal. This time round, we wanted whole portions to ourselves and not have to share a dish with 30 or so other people (oink oink, we're porkers and we're proud of it!)

Braving the mid-afternoon sun, we popped by the eatery after lunch hour at around 3pm and were surprised that all tables were occupied, save for a tiny table at the corner of the corridor. Squeezing our porky bodies into the small corner, we went about deciding what to order.

As we're not the most adventurous couple, and plus we really liked what we tried the week before, we ordered the chicken tangin and kofka. You surely can't go wrong with these dishes. The chicken was succulent and the potatoes that accompany the dish literally melt in your mouth oozing with flavour. The kofka was heavenly - the unique mish mash of tomatoes, egg, onions, beef, spices and herb had the both of us scrapping the dish for every last drop.

We also ordered the banana juice which we had sampled during the food trail. Although, it tasted better the first time round, we still enjoyed the drink which according to the owner's wife is a blend of bananas, milk and spices.

Although it was rather warm by the end of the meal and we were beginning to feel sticky from the humidity, we enjoyed our meal and were patting our porky bellies with satisfaction. Part Trois will probably be some time soon, at night when its cooler, and we'll try to be more adventurous and order other dishes which we're sure will be just as yummy.

After reading the review on HGW I decided to drop by this evening to give this deli a go.
It's situated in Bussurah street. Which in itself is a really as they say 'lapak' kind of area. With lots of interesting middle eastern cuisine. The shop houses lining the street are all prewar and give the area alot of character. Half the length of the street is also pedestrian only which makes it a great place for a stroll in the evening.
OK now to the deli. It's simple with lots of alfresco sitting.
Totally unpretencious. Set up by Jamal and his wife about 1yr ago. Jamal being the chef and owner hails from Fez but has been residing in singapore for a number of years.
The menu is typical moroccan. Tajines of chicken and beef, kebabs etc. Also lovely salads of tomatos and chick peas etc.
Tried the chicken tajine. Came in the typical moroccan tajine with a nice piece of chicken in spices and potatos. The spices were on the milder side. The kebabs on the other hand were mouth watering with strong spices infusing the meats.
All of this was washed down with moroccan mint tea. It's a typical sweet minty tea served to guests in morocco. Very refreshing. Maybe a little sweet for some peoples tastes.
Also tried the moroccan apple juice, this consisted of apple juice with yogurt and spices. Interesting.
All in a hearty moroccan meal for a really good price
Jamal does not prepare cous cous on a regular basis so if you want to try it you'll have to give him a call in advance.
By the way, he says he can prepare lamb cous cous but needs about 10 persons before he'll do it for about 11dollars per person.
Maybe HGW can organise a moroccan night at deli moroccan?
Anyways, I mentioned that I read about his place on this web site and he was surprised that anyone had written about his humble restaurant on the internet.
So if you read this review and decide to give the deli a go, let him know you heard about it here first!!
Oh yes and the contact number for Jamal's phone is 91215121 if you want to preorder cous cous

Post script: went there after arranging a 10 person dinner with Jamal. BTW he's finally got a business card!!
We arranged hariri ( local soup), lamb tagine, and chicken cous cous.
The food was really to die for. The lamb tagine was marrinated to perfection, spices with dates creating such wonderful flavours with melt in your mouth lamb.... I'm salivating just thinking of it.
The chicken cous cous came with vegetables and was really tasty too....
And well, the Hariri was just like morocco ( according to some recent travellers there)
We were so stuffed we had to tell Jamal to bring out less food
Anyways, it came up to about 30 per pax and that included drinks too.
Too good to be true. Can't wait till the next time !!!