From the bustling kitchens of Casablanca to the opulent halls of Saudi Arabia's royal palace, Mohammed Cherif Kadmiri's culinary journey reflects a blend of passion, perseverance, and Moroccan pride. Now head chef for Al-Nassr Football Club, he shares his love for Moroccan cuisine with international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, while opening a new chapter with his restaurant, Bab Al-Maghrib, in Riyadh. Mohammed Cherif Kadmiri never set out to become famous when he first stepped into the kitchen. Cooking was simply a passion inherited from his mother, one that grew into a career leading him from his family home in Casablanca to the Saudi royal palace, and eventually to cooking for international stars at Al-Nassr Football Club. «I Learned to Cook in the Kitchen, Not at School» From a young age, Mohammedwould stand beside his mother, watching her hands move gracefully as she cooked. «Since I was a child, I've loved cooking because of my mother, who was known for her talent and excellence», he told Yabiladi. After earning his baccalaureate, he joined the hospitality school in Marrakech but completed only one year. «Real cooking isn't learned in classrooms», he said, «but through daily experience, by dealing with people, ingredients, and real kitchens». He gained early experience volunteering in summer camps, where he worked with other cooks. «I felt comfortable and happy whenever I was in the kitchen», he recalled. The turning point came in 1998, when he secured a job contract in Saudi Arabia thanks to his mother, a rare opportunity at the time. In Riyadh, he worked at a big restaurant serving dishes from multiple countries. There, he discovered new culinary traditions and trained under chefs from across the Middle East, blending Moroccan flavors with modern techniques. However, the first months abroad were difficult. After just three months, Mohammedreturned home, unable to adapt. But his mother urged him not to give up, and he went back to Saudi Arabia, a decision that changed his life. «I started working independently, preparing Moroccan dishes like msemen, baghrir, and pastilla at home, while volunteering in international restaurants just to learn new recipes and grow as a chef», he said. Over time, his name became well known among Saudi families and the Moroccan community. He expanded into weddings and cultural events, introducing Moroccan traditions and zaffa celebrations to Saudi Arabia. «My goal was to share the culture of my country», he explained. From the Royal Palace to Al-Nassr Club In 2003, Mohammedreceived an offer that would change his life: a position at the royal palace of King Abdullah, where he worked as a Moroccan chef for five years. He cooked for royal family members, dignitaries, and visiting officials, building a reputation that opened new doors. After his palace tenure, he went on to become head chef in several prestigious hotels and restaurants, all while maintaining his independent catering business. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Mohammed's career took another turn when he was selected by Al-Nassr Football Club to lead the kitchen after a competitive trial. He now prepares meals for the team's players, always keeping Moroccan cuisine on the menu. He also serves as personal chef to Sadio Mané, while his dishes have reached Cristiano Ronaldo's table. «Ronaldo loves Moroccan food», Mohammedsaid with a smile. «We've developed a friendship and mutual respect». That bond was on display in a viral video showing Ronaldo surprising him with a birthday cake and live music during a training camp in Austria. «It was a moment I will never forget», Mohammedsaid. A Story of Perseverance and Pride Behind his success lies a story of resilience. Mohamed, a father of three, raised his children alone after the death of his wife, balancing parenthood and a demanding career. Despite his achievements abroad, he remains deeply connected to Morocco, where he continues to invest and own restaurants. A holder of a sports nutrition diploma from Real Madrid Club, Mohammedhas also received job offers from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the MohammedVI Academy, and the Senegalese national team, which invited him to oversee nutrition during the upcoming AFCON 2025 in Morocco. On Friday, he opened his new restaurant in Riyadh, aptly named Bab Al-Maghrib, a «gateway to Moroccan cuisine» in the Gulf, and a new chapter in a career that bridges passion, perseverance, and national pride.
