Since December 14, Layla Laaraj has been welcoming guests to her new Moroccan restaurant, Aux Saveurs de la Médina, located at 18 Rue Général-de-Gaulle in Troyes. The space, which was previously a vacant shop, has been transformed into a warm and inviting eatery celebrating the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine. For Layla, opening her own restaurant was the culmination of a long-standing dream.
A reflection of authentic Moroccan culinary traditions
After spending twelve years working in social services in La Chapelle-Saint-Luc, Layla decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. “My family and friends encouraged and supported me to start my own business. I learned how to cook from my mother, and I have always loved being in the kitchen”, she shares.
At Aux Saveurs de la Médina, the menu is a reflection of authentic Moroccan culinary traditions. “Every day, we prepare a different dish. On Fridays, we serve couscous, just like in Morocco”, explains Layla.
Other specialties include veal tagine with apricots and prunes, sea bream tagine, slow-cooked cow’s foot with chickpeas, fava bean soup—a crowd favorite—and rfissa, a comforting dish of chicken and lentils.
Everything is homemade
Layla takes great pride in ensuring everything is homemade. From the bread and flaky crêpes cooked on the plancha to the pastries such as chebakias and makrouts, every item is crafted with care.
“The meat comes from my husband’s butcher shop on Avenue Édouard-Herriot and is delivered fresh daily. The vegetables are sourced from the local market right across the street”, she adds.
The restaurant has quickly become a family affair. Layla’s daughter, Mona, occasionally lends a hand in the kitchen, and she’s also hired a part-time employee to help manage the workload.
Layla feels embraced by the local community. “I’ve been warmly welcomed by the neighborhood’s shopkeepers. On opening day, a kind lady even brought me flowers”, she recalls with a smile.
Take Away and Catering
Currently, a significant portion of the restaurant’s business comes from takeout orders, and customers can also book catering services for events or special occasions. However, for those who prefer dining in, there are a few cozy tables available, allowing guests to enjoy their meals on-site.
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Aux Saveurs de la Médina is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to Layla’s passion for cooking and her desire to share the flavors of her Moroccan heritage with the people of Troyes. Whether you’re savoring a hearty bowl of rfissa or indulging in a delicate pastry, each dish tells a story of tradition, family, and love.
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Restaurant Details
Location: 18 Rue Général de Gaulle, 10000 Troyes, France.
Contact: For reservations or inquiries, you can call +31.03.25.77.81.55.
Dining Options: The restaurant offers dine-in services with a few cozy tables, as well as takeout options. They also accept orders for special events and gatherings.
Online Presence
Aux Saveurs de la Médina maintains an active Instagram profile where they share updates, menu highlights, and photos of their dishes. You can follow them at @auxsaveursdelamedina.troyes.
قصة ملهمة جداً! من الرائع رؤية ليلى العرج تحقق حلمها وتنقل نكهات المطبخ المغربي الأصيل إلى مدينة تروا. تأكيدها على أن كل شيء ‘مُعد في المنزل’ واستخدامها لمكونات محلية يضمن أصالة التجربة. هذا ليس مجرد مطعم، بل هو سفارة للثقافة المغربية في الخارج.
شهي جداً! قائمة الطعام رائعة وتذكرنا بجمال التقاليد المغربية. وجود ‘الكسكس يوم الجمعة’ وتقديم أطباق مثل ‘طاجين لحم العجل بالمشمش والبرقوق’ و ‘الرفيسة’ يؤكد التزام المطعم بالوصفات التقليدية. أتمنى لهم كل التوفيق والنجاح في هذه المغامرة المذاقية!
من الجميل جداً أن يكون المشروع عائلياً، وأن تتعاون ليلى مع زوجها وابنتها لتقديمه. الإشارة إلى الترحيب الدافئ من المجتمع المحلي في تروا تبرز أهمية العلاقات. هذا المطعم يجسد روح المطبخ المغربي: طعام لذيذ، ضيافة كريمة، وشعور قوي بالانتماء المجتمعي.
حين تتأمل في قصة هذا المكان، تشعر أن الطبخ هنا ليس مجرد مهنة بل رسالة حب وانتماء. ليلى لم تفتح مطعمًا فحسب، بل أحضرت معها ذكريات المائدة العائلية، رائحة البهارات، وطريقة الطبخ التي تعلّمتها من أمها. في كل طبق من الكسكس أو الطاجين، هناك دعوة صادقة للالتقاء، للمشاركة وللحنين إلى الوطن بين أزقة تروا البعيدة.
En lisant l’histoire de ce restaurant, j’ai été touché par cette idée que la cuisine peut devenir un pont entre deux mondes. À travers chaque plat fait maison, Layla ne sert pas seulement de la nourriture — elle partage des souvenirs, des parfums de son enfance et une part d’âme marocaine à ceux qui l’entourent. C’est comme si une petite médina avait pris vie là, dans une rue de Troyes, invitant chacun à goûter à la chaleur d’un foyer lointain
Ce récit m’a fait penser à ces lieux discrets qui portent une mémoire silencieuse. Derrière chaque recette, il y a un geste transmis, une patience héritée et un attachement profond aux origines. Aux Saveurs de la Médina n’est pas seulement un restaurant à Troyes, c’est une manière douce de faire voyager le Maroc sans quitter la table.
Es inspirador leer historias de éxito como la de “Aux Saveurs de la Médina”. Ismael e Hicham han logrado algo difícil: no solo abrir un restaurante, sino llevar un trozo de nuestra cultura y hospitalidad a Troyes. Me encanta que se destaque el esfuerzo por mantener la esencia de la medina a través de la comida y el ambiente. Son este tipo de proyectos los que ponen en valor la identidad marroquí en el extranjero. ¡Enhorabuena por el artículo y mucho éxito para ellos
What a beautiful and inspiring success story! It’s heartening to see how ‘Aux Saveurs de la Médina’ has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural bridge in the heart of Troyes. Siham’s dedication to preserving the authenticity of Moroccan flavors while sharing our heritage with the world is truly commendable. These are the kinds of stories that make us proud of our diaspora’s impact abroad. Wishing this wonderful establishment continued growth and success