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Molek FMEat, Pray, And Love At M’sia’s First Gentlewoman’s Club This Women’s Day
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When one door closes, another opens—this sentiment perfectly describes the journey behind Marookha Cafe, Malaysia’s first and only gentlewoman’s club that combines a fitness studio, a restaurant, and a salon under one roof.
The idea for Marookha was born from a personal struggle. After Zara’s previous business shut down, she sought ways to stay active and considered hiring a personal trainer at home. As a hijabi, she found it difficult to locate fitness centres where she could work out without her headscarf in a comfortable and private setting.
However, hiring a personal trainer wasn’t a sustainable long-term solution, and it lacked the sense of community she desired.
A trip to the UAE proved to be the inspiration she needed. There, she noticed an abundance of hijabi-friendly spaces, from private beaches to women-only gyms—something sorely lacking in Malaysia. Realising she wasn’t the only one facing this issue, she took matters into her own hands.
Encouraged by her husband, Ahmed, she launched Marookha Cafe in 2021, providing women with a space where they could be themselves without compromising their religious obligations. In today’s age of quirky names and trendy phrases, Marookha is lovingly referred to as a ‘gentlewoman’s club’.
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Marookha Cafe offers a range of services tailored for women, with the most popular being the gym.
The facility provides training in boxing, Pilates, Muay Thai, and other fitness disciplines, all conducted by carefully selected instructors who are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals.
Booking a session is simple via Marookha Cafe’s Instagram bio, but due to high demand, walk-ins are not recommended as classes often fill up in advance.
In addition to fitness, the in-house cafe serves authentic Palestinian cuisine, prepared using recipes from Ahmed’s mother. One of the standout dishes is Maqluba, a hearty meal of layered onion, aubergine, potato, and rice, slow-cooked in spiced chicken stock.
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The name “Marookha” comes from the Spanish slang term “Maruja,” which describes a housewife who gets dressed up and prepares for a party.
True to its name, the cafe is more than just a gym or a restaurant—it’s a space for women to connect, uplift one another, and engage in face-to-face conversations rather than relying on digital interactions.
The establishment also supports women entrepreneurs by hosting bi-monthly markets featuring different themes to encourage diverse participation. These events provide an opportunity for women to showcase their businesses and gain exposure in a supportive environment.
Although Marookha was initially envisioned as a safe space for hijabi women, it has since gained popularity among non-hijabi and non-Muslim women as well.
The all-women staff and welcoming environment have made many feel more comfortable working out here compared to traditional gyms.
With increasing demand, Zara and her team plan to expand the fitness studio and, in the long term, open additional Marookha Cafe outlets in key locations where women would benefit from such a space.
While securing additional capital or partners would be necessary for expansion, the founders remain focused on their ultimate mission—helping women lead physically, socially, and emotionally healthy lives.
Marookha Cafe is a testament to the power of creating inclusive spaces that empower women. This Women’s Day, JUICE recommends you check out Marookha—It’s not just a gym or a cafe—it’s a movement, proving that when women support each other, incredible things can happen.
Happy International Women’s Day! Stay tuned for more girl power on JUICE.
