Why Is Moroccan Tea So Special? Don’t Leave Morocco Without Trying It
Travelling to Morocco was an absolute dream come true for both of us! We knew this trip would bring new stories and flavours into our lives, but one thing that really surprised us was the famous Moroccan tea. Before this trip, neither of us thought of tea as anything special – just a hot drink for colder days. But in Morocco, we quickly realised it’s so much more; it’s a big part of the culture in this incredible country.
Moroccan mint tea, or Maghrebi mint tea as it's known in northern Africa, is served on pretty much every occasion – from mornings with family to evenings with friends. What makes this tea unique is the mix of “gunpowder” green tea, fresh mint, and sugar.
Gunpowder green tea gets its name from the way the leaves are rolled into tiny balls that look like gunpowder. This technique helps preserve the tea's freshness and gives it a bold flavour, making it the perfect base for the sweet, refreshing experience of Moroccan mint tea.
To make traditional Maghrebi mint tea, you start with a spoonful of gunpowder green tea, add fresh mint leaves, and stir in a couple of tablespoons of sugar – or more if you’re embracing the local taste. The tea is brewed with boiling water, and here’s where the magic happens.
In Morocco, pouring tea is an art. When it’s time to serve, the person making the tea often holds the teapot high above their head, pouring it down into the glass below. This dramatic pour isn’t just for show, it creates a bubbly crown on the tea that really brings out its aroma and flavour. The more skill in the pour, the better the tea! Watching this ritual is like seeing a mini performance, super captivating and welcoming. Each glass poured brings with it a sense of warmth and hospitality, turning the simple act of drinking tea into a memorable experience.
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Morocco, it’s sitting down with a glass (or three) of mint tea, and taking a moment to slow down and enjoy life.
We had the chance to enjoy mint tea with locals during a pit stop on our ATV desert adventure in Marrakesh, and it was such a cool experience! We had just gotten matching handmade bracelets made from leaves, and sipping tea together felt like a beautiful way to connect with the culture. The warmth and friendliness of everyone around us made that moment unforgettable. After that, Max was so hooked that he’d have two to three glasses every morning during breakfast.
By the time we reached Casablanca, we were so in love with mint tea that we went back to Marrakech just to grab a bag of loose tea leaves from Jemaa el-Fnaa, the biggest medina in the city. Now, every time we brew a cup at home, it’s like we’re right back in those vibrant streets, soaking up the lively atmosphere. And you know what? Every time we pour tea now, we try to get as high as possible with the teapot—just something we picked up from our time in Morocco! It always brings a smile to our faces as we remember those fun moments.
Make sure to check out our YouTube video where we tried haggling in Jemaa el-Fnaa medina – and apparently, we got massively overcharged for the bag of tea!
So, don’t leave Morocco without embracing this awesome experience. Remember, Moroccan mint tea isn’t just a drink, but a way to connect with the culture and the people of this wonderful country. You might just have to take some back with you to share with family and friends!
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