KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- A place where one can relax with a cup of coffee, attend a yoga or muay thai class or get one’s nails done sounds like a haven for any woman. There is such a place in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here which is exclusively for women and houses a cafe, fitness studio and nail salon, all under one roof.
Operating since 2021, Marookha is a safe and comfortable zone for women, especially those wearing a hijab, to engage in activities they like without feeling self-conscious. Its single-storey premises also include a play area for children to play while their mothers enjoy some coffee or engage in a fitness activity.
Featuring Moroccan-inspired decor, its cafe is unique compared to other food and beverage outlets in the capital city as it serves traditional Palestinian cuisine.
Sharing Marookha’s concept, its owner Zara Riza said the idea of opening such a place emerged from her experiences and those of other women, especially those wearing a hijab, who face difficulties engaging in various activities freely in public spaces.
“In the Middle East, women have their own spaces to engage in various activities. However, Muslim women in this country often face challenges in finding a place where they can choose not to wear the hijab and engage in activities freely,” she told Bernama,
At Marookha, she added, women can wear comfortable attire and interact freely, as well as exercise in the fitness studio without compromising their religious obligations.
Kuala Lumpur-born Zara, who is married to a Palestinian, said the initial reception to Marookha was lukewarm but business picked up over time, adding they now have regular customers as well.
“We also have strict rules in place such as not allowing anyone to take photographs. This is to protect the privacy of our clients,” she said.
A review of the comments that appeared alongside the videos shared by Zara on Marookha’s TikTok account revealed that many women residing in other parts of the country, including those not wearing a hijab, hoped the concept would also be implemented in their states. They said a place like Marookha offers a safe and comfortable environment for women to engage in various activities without worrying about the male gaze.
Zara said talks that focus on issues affecting women are also held at Marookha from time to time, adding these events help to strengthen relationships and create a support system among women.
Her cafe serves a variety of coffees and Palestinian dishes which she learned to cook from her mother-in-law. The most popular dish is maqluba, a dish consisting of steamed chicken, caramelised onions, fried brinjal and fried potatoes and served with rice cooked in spiced chicken broth, as well as salad and fresh yogurt.
“We also serve Palestinian dishes that are rarely available elsewhere, including lamb arayes (pita bread with spiced meat) and falafel (a mix of legumes). Men can also enjoy these special dishes by ordering them through the GrabFood delivery app,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
