A Journey from Numbers to Nourishment
Born in Casablanca in 1981, Chef Hanane Ouaddahou’s path to culinary stardom was anything but conventional. After completing her high school education in Morocco, she moved to France at 17 to pursue studies in finance and management. For over a decade, she worked as a Business Intelligence Consultant in Paris, navigating the corporate world with precision and dedication.
However, the allure of her Moroccan roots and the rich tapestry of flavors from her homeland beckoned. During her first pregnancy, Hanane made a life-altering decision: to swap spreadsheets for spices. She opened her first restaurant, La Marocaine, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, paying homage to Moroccan women and traditions. The venture was a testament to her passion, where she managed, cooked, and served — fully embodying the spirit of Moroccan hospitality.
Embracing New Horizons in Dubai
Eager to share the culinary soul of Morocco with new audiences, Hanane moved to Dubai and immersed herself in a vibrant cultural scene that welcomed her creativity. Determined to bring Moroccan cuisine to a global stage, she ventured into television, becoming a familiar face on OSN Al Youm and Fatafeat channels. Her shows, especially during Ramadan, resonated with audiences across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
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Hanane’s mission was clear: to demystify Moroccan cuisine and make it accessible. She often remarked that many only knew of couscous and tagines, aiming to showcase the depth and diversity of Moroccan dishes. Her approach combined traditional recipes with modern twists, ensuring that the essence of Moroccan flavors remained intact while appealing to contemporary palates.
Culinary Collaborations and Consultations
Beyond television, Hanane’s expertise has been sought after by globally recognized personalities and top-tier establishments. She collaborated with American lifestyle icon Martha Stewart on “The Martha Stewart Show”, providing rich insights into Arabian Gulf and Moroccan cuisines.
Her consultancy work includes contributions to prestigious venues such as Galeries Lafayette, Jumeirah Al Qasr, and Fairmont, where she curated menus and trained culinary teams on authentic Moroccan gastronomy. Her meticulous attention to cultural detail has helped elevate Moroccan food experiences in luxury dining settings.
Hanane also ventured into product development with the launch of Hanouna’s Taste — a curated range of gourmet spice blends that encapsulate the heart of Moroccan flavor. This endeavor allows global home cooks to recreate traditional dishes with authenticity and ease.
Supper Clubs, Cooking Classes, and Cultural Connection
As part of her ongoing efforts to make Moroccan cuisine interactive and immersive, Hanane now hosts exclusive supper clubs and cooking classes. These intimate culinary gatherings provide a sensory journey through Morocco’s regions — from the spices of Marrakech to the coastal flavors of Essaouira — and highlight the communal spirit that defines her cooking philosophy.
Her dishes are deeply personal, often inspired by cherished memories — from Friday couscous gatherings to recipes passed down through generations. For Hanane, food is more than nourishment; it’s storytelling. Through her cooking, she shares the essence of Moroccan life — vibrant, generous, and full of heart.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
Based in Dubai, Hanane continues to captivate audiences through her television appearances, culinary events, product lines, and hands-on experiences. Her mission remains unwavering: to showcase Moroccan cuisine as a refined, flavorful, and culturally rich offering to the world.
Looking ahead, she envisions expanding her brand’s presence with a showroom in Morocco — a sensory space that blends culinary products, traditional attire, and Moroccan home decor, all celebrating the soul of her heritage.
A Legacy of Flavor and Passion
Chef Hanane Ouaddahou’s journey from corporate analytics to culinary artistry is a story of courage, identity, and relentless passion. Through her work, she has carved a global platform for Moroccan cuisine, redefined what it means to be a cultural ambassador through food, and inspired others to pursue their dreams with heart and spice.
For more on Chef Hanane’s culinary adventures, visit www.hanounataste.com or follow her on Instagram @hanane_ouaddahou.
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