Meet Amanda – Founder, Chef, Organic Farmer & Culinary Storyteller

Amanda is the soul of Ourika Organic Kitchen—a chef, organic farmer, and nutritionist whose hands have been shaped by earth, fire, and flavor. Originally from the lush landscapes of New Zealand, Amanda has called Morocco home for over 23 years, where her life and work are deeply intertwined with the land, the seasons, and the vibrant pulse of local tradition.

With more than 30 years of experience in the culinary world, Amanda’s journey is one of global tastes and ancestral wisdom. Her cooking draws from her Māori roots and reflects a wide-reaching culinary path, enriched by diverse influences from Asia to the Mediterranean—all woven together and grounded in the soulful traditions of Moroccan cuisine.

But Amanda’s passion doesn’t end at the plate. As an organic farmer and advocate for sustainable living, she grows what she cooks—nurturing the soil as lovingly as she does her recipes. Her work is guided by a belief in the healing power of whole, honest food, and the quiet magic that happens when we reconnect with nature, nourish our bodies, and come together at the table.

In the kitchen or in the garden, Amanda teaches by doing—mentoring others, passing on knowledge, and inviting all who visit Ourika Organic Kitchen to slow down, savor the moment, and discover the poetry in cooking with intention.