Morocco Bids Farewell to Chef Kimo, a Beloved Figure of its Culinary Heritage

Rabat – Moroccan chef and restaurateur Kamal Laâbi, known to the public as Chef Kimo, died early Thursday, according to a Facebook post by his brother, Driss Laâbi. The family did not give a cause of death.

Laâbi was a familiar figure to Moroccan audiences through his restaurants, television appearances, and online cooking videos. His work focused on Moroccan dishes prepared in a direct, home-style way, often aimed at viewers with limited time or cooking experience.

In an interview with L’Opinion in September 2024, Laâbi said he rejected the idea of reworking traditional food for the sake of novelty.

“I do not believe in revisiting traditional cuisine. The heart of a dish, its essence, must not be altered,” he said, adding that he would not compromise the identity of Moroccan dishes.

He also spoke about the importance of transmission. Referring to his grandfather, Abdelkrim Raïs, who helped preserve Andalusian music, Laâbi said he wanted to do the same for Moroccan cuisine. “I want to safeguard traditional Moroccan cuisine for future generations,” he said.

Laâbi said he hoped one day to open a school dedicated to Moroccan cooking. “I dream of creating a school where Moroccan cuisine would be taught and celebrated for its true value,” he told L’Opinion.

The school Chef Kimo envisioned for Moroccan cuisine was never built in bricks and mortar, but his work across media and public kitchens shaped an informal classroom followed by audiences across Morocco and beyond.

Laâbi also took part in public food events. In September 2024, he participated in the Thai Festival 2024 held at the Fairmont La Marina Rabat–Salé, where he presented Moroccan dishes alongside Thai chefs.

In a statement to MWN Lifestyle, he said he enjoyed taking part in such events because they “have a significant impact on people who are not familiar with Moroccan cuisine,” adding that he hoped Moroccan food could be introduced “in a professional and artistic manner.”

Originally from Fez, Laâbi often drew on family and regional traditions in his work. He was also involved in music as a member of the group Frères Laâbi. Funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of publication.