Lately, social media feeds have been flooded with the news on some Chinese celebrities’ presence in Morocco.
As a devoted C-drama fan, I had to drop everything and race to Tangier to see what was the hype was about!
While Tangier is typically famous for its stunning landscapes, it’s now buzzing with excitement thanks to an impressive lineup of China’s biggest stars.
I was thrilled to see the legendary Huang Xiaoming, the beautiful Jiang Yan, the charming Ding Yuxi, the captivating Zhai Xiaowen, the lovely Shen Yue, and last but not least Yin Haoyu.
They all came to Morocco to film the popular reality show, Chinese Restaurant Season 9.
You must be wondering..
What Is Chinese Restaurant?
Chinese Restaurant is a popular Chinese reality show, where celebrities team up to operate a pop-up Chinese restaurant abroad for 20 days.
The show aims to promote Chinese cuisine and culture globally while putting stars to the test in cooking, teamwork, and customer service.
In this show, The Chinese Restaurant, the celebrities are on a mission to explore how Moroccans eat and understand the flavor foundations of Moroccan culture.
The stars split into 3 teams, working as waiter in Tangier’s restaurants and cafés for the day.
The stars divided into three teams for their Moroccan food adventure:
- Team 1 featured Ding Yuxi and the head chef working at La Mamounia Palace restaurant in the city center
- Team 2 had actresses Jiang Yan and Shen Yue serving at the beautiful Donabo Gardens Café
- Team 3 Huang Xiaoming, Zhai Xiaowen, and Yin Haoyu operated at the twenty-two coffee truck, serving customers crepes, drinks, and coffee a beautiful place located right in front of the beach.
Each season features a new international location.
This year, Chinese Restaurant Season 9 paid tribute to the famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, who visited China over 600 years ago.
Since Tangier is Ibn Battuta’s birthplace, the show chose this historic city as its filming location.
Featured in the first 4 episodes, here are some of the stunning restaurant spots that they’ve set up for filming in Morocco!
La Terrasse de la Médina
Right in front of Bab Assa, you’ll find this stunning spot called La Terrasse de la Médina.
It’s not just any restaurant; it’s an iconic place that pretty much everyone in Morocco knows.
The vibe, flavors, and view are truly exceptional.
This restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.
- Opening hours: weekdays 12:00 am to 11:00 pm/weekend 09:00 am to 11:00 pm
- A reservation is needed: 08 08 59 65 19 • 0772 82 44 45
- Location here
- Great for solo dining.
- Halal Status: The food is halal, but they provide alcohol
Mamounia Palace Restaurant – Tangier
Mamounia Palace is a notable dining spot in Tangier, Morocco, offering an authentic Moroccan experience, from its traditional decor with intricate interiors to every detail of its cuisine.
The atmosphere is vibrant, enhanced by live music, though be aware that the restaurant can feel cramped and often attracts tourist crowds.
Tip: Visit early to snag better seating and avoid peak tourist hours.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Best to come in a group (look for buddy here) as reservation is needed: +212 660-101103 and menu comes in courses.
- Location here
- Halal Status: Halal
Donabo Botanical Gardens
The second filming location was Donabo Botanical Gardens, a green space facing the Mediterranean Sea.
A peaceful and quiet place where the two Chinese actresses completed their mission: Jiang Yan helped in the kitchen, and Shen Yue participated in serving customers at Donabo Botanical Gardens in Tangier.
The Donabo Botanical Gardens, located along Cap Spartel road, offers a serene escape with stunning sea views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers.
Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the café-restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring a blend of Moroccan and international dishes. Whether you’re sipping fresh mint tea or trying their homemade botanical ice creams, the relaxed vibe makes it a perfect spot to unwind.
You can also join their bread-making classes here by in-house expert if you have free time.
Just keep in mind that it can get busy with tourists, and the prices are a bit high, but the scenery and fresh air make it worth a visit!
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm / Last admission at 7:00 pm
- Location here
- Halal Status: Halal
- Entry Fee: $5
Twenty-two Coffee Truck
The third team, Huang Xiaoming, Zhai Xiaowen, and Yin Haoyu, had the mission to manage and help the owner of the Twenty-two Coffee Truck prepare orders for customers passing by or visiting Merkala Beach to enjoy the sunset and the area’s iconic scenery.
So, the Twenty-two Coffee Truck is a must-visit spot in Tangier for delicious crepes and great coffee.
Parked near Merkala Beach, this cozy truck serves crepes. They’re known for pistachio crepe or banana latte!
It’s perfect for a snack with friends or a chill evening by the sea. Just bring cash, and enjoy the friendly vibe!
- Opening hours: daily from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am
- Location here
- Halal Status: Halal
- Great for solo dining
El Hafa Café
Café Hafa isn’t just a café, it’s a Tangier legend.
Perched on a cliff since 1921, this no-frills spot serves the best mint tea in Morocco alongside killer views of Spain across the strait.
This inspiring spot draws writers, rockstars, and locals to its sun-soaked terraces. People chat, play chess, and watch amazing sunsets together.
There’s no menu and no hurry, just the real, relaxed spirit of Morocco.
- Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Location here
- Halal Status: In Morocco, generally all the food is Halal, unless you see pork on the menu. Ask the staff if you’re unsure.
- Great for solo dining
Tip: It’s just a 20-minute walk from Tangier’s Medina or a quick $2 taxi ride. Arrive early to grab a front seat for the sea view, sunset hours get crowded
Café Culturel Cherifa
This cute café sits right next to La Terrasse de la Médina, facing Bab Assa gate. With its Instagram-worthy look, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing break in the heart of the medina.
This charming café offers a limited menu with slightly higher prices than others in the area. Their specialty is Chamali tea, a unique local style served directly in the glass with fresh mint, unlike the traditional Moroccan tea prepared in a berrad (teapot).
For other drinks, expect bottled water and canned sodas priced between $1-1.5
The relaxed atmosphere makes it worth a visit.
- Opening hours: 7:30 am to 11:00 pm daily
- Location here.
- Halal Status: Halal
- Great for solo dining
What’s Next? Time To Pack Your Bags to Tangier! Or Subscribe to Some C-Culture Content!
The show is currently airing. Each episode features the artists visiting special locations.
If you are a C-drama fan and dreamed of walking in the footsteps of your favorite stars like Huang Xiaoming or Shen Yue, now’s your chance to visit these filming locations in Tangier.
Are you currently watching any C-dramas or perhaps planning to visit Tangier? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
