Raïnaraï - Algerian nomadic restaurant in Amsterdam
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‘Traiteur’ delicatessen & party catering
Rainarai is situated on the corner of Prinsengracht and Lauriergracht. The owner and chef Laurent Khellout, from Frenda in Algeria, discovered the building in a state of neglect and dereliction, on Queen’s Day 2004, as he walked home late at night from a barge party in the vicinity. With just his ‘sac-a-dos’ and philosophy, in 1988 Laurent was a dreadlocked nomadic Rastafarian travelling the world in search of his truth. He identified orange as his colour. The word Rai contains a whole belief system, is also the name for Algerian folk music, and can be translated as Passion. Passing through Amsterdam first in 1990, he returned to live in 1993. One of his intuitive ideas would later come to fruition as Rainarai.
The number 7 has special significance for him. Born 7 July, the 7th day of the 7th month, his symbol is 7 7s in a circle, the eternal cycle of life. Over the years, he gained culinary experience at De Wynbar, Diva and Mamouche.
Upon discovering this beautiful but empty building, he negotiated an agreement, designed and created Rainarai. There are 7 windows. He opened the doors on 7 October 2004. This is not a conventional restaurant. Laurent is a ‘traiteur’ (caterer) and his delicatessen exists within a minimalist and spacious interior. Fresh mint tea is served to clients, traditional braziers blaze on the threshold, and his guests can sample, before buying, the extraordinary range of diverse and mouth-watering delicacies freshly prepared daily by him in the immaculate basement kitchen. Although he imports many of the magical ingredients from Algeria, his influences are universal. He is at present writing a book about his cuisine, and has plans to open 7 branches of Rainarai: Amsterdam-Barcelona-Berlin-London-New York-Oran-Paris.
He caters for every kind of party, festivity or function, from 7 to 777 guests. He will help you to choose the theme of your celebration, and devise a special ‘carte’. His aim is to ensure that you and your guests will have an unforgettably brilliant experience.
Open daily from 10.00 to 22.00.
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Raïnaraï - Algerian nomadic restaurant in Amsterdam |
Tel:
+31 20 6249791
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