The Inspiring Return of Two Sisters to Navarra
Sara and Kaoutar Ben Moussa Cherraoui, sisters born in Morocco, embarked on a remarkable journey that led them back to Navarra after spending years studying and working in France and Canada. Sara, who honed her culinary skills in Toulouse, and Kaoutar, a law graduate from Montpellier specializing in commercial and international law, reunited in Montreal before ultimately returning to their roots in Tudela. The sisters proudly identify as both Navarran and Moroccan, emphasizing their unique cultural heritage.
Their family history is rooted in the bustling town of Tudela, where they arrived at a young age—Sara at five and Kaoutar at just two—accompanied by their parents, Atika and Mohamed. Their father, a former clothing merchant, had an entrepreneurial spirit that shaped their upbringing. He worked in Spain and France during the 1980s before returning to Morocco to establish a family. "Our parents wanted us to have educational opportunities that previous generations of Moroccan women never had," Kaoutar recalls, reflecting on the family's decision to settle in Tudela, where they became one of the first African families in the area.
From Culinary Dreams to Legal Success
As they grew older, the sisters took divergent paths. Sara left her studies during high school to immerse herself in the hospitality industry, beginning her career in local establishments such as Jumas pizzeria and Trigo Dulce café. At the age of 20, she ventured to France, where she spent nearly two years training at Cuisine Mode d’Emploi(s) under renowned chef Thierry Marx. Meanwhile, Kaoutar pursued academia, initially torn between law and psychology before committing to law at the University of Montpellier. Her educational journey continued in Montreal, where she completed her second master's degree and began her legal career at Wellstein Mora Rodriguez after passing the bar exam.
It was in Montreal that the sisters' paths converged again. Sara sought new culinary experiences and found work at a restaurant run by a group of Spanish women who had emigrated in the 1960s. "I cooked traditional dishes like paella and gambas al ajillo, and the Canadians loved everything Spanish," she shares. Meanwhile, Kaoutar remained active at her law firm, often joining Sara at the restaurant. After more than a decade abroad, both felt an undeniable pull to return to Navarra, which they consider home. "My mind was set on being close to family and friends," Kaoutar explains, recounting how a job offer from ARPA in Pamplona felt like a sign from fate.
Upon their return, Sara began crafting her own culinary venture while also embarking on a journey along the Camino de Santiago, a transformative experience for her. During her travels, she connected with the Aranzadi Employment Training Center and learned about the operations of rural inns, leading her to the Eltzaburu inn, which she ultimately transformed into a thriving business. Officially opened on March 21, the inn serves fresh, local cuisine infused with international influences, showcasing a diverse menu that includes everything from traditional Navarran dishes to global favorites such as hummus and baklava.
Today, Sara leads a burgeoning culinary project while Kaoutar excels in her legal career at ARPA. Despite their different professional paths, the sisters remain connected, united by their shared heritage and experiences. "We have distinct lifestyles and professions, but destiny always keeps us together," Kaoutar remarks, highlighting the bond that transcends their individual journeys.
As reported by navarracapital.es.
