Moroccan tea: A symbol of hospitality
Tea is a huge part of Moroccan culture. It is a sign of Moroccan hospitality as it serves as a welcoming drink for guests. In this blog, you will learn about Moroccan tea culture, how to make it, and what to serve it with.
Moroccan tea culture
Morocco is famous for its welcoming hospitality, and it’s a tradition to offer tea to guests stopping by. It is the drink of friendship and hospitality that doubles as an act of generosity.
Tea holds a significant place in the culture and social life of Moroccans. It is a Moroccan etiquette to offer tea to guests, colleagues, customers, and friends. We also drink it when celebrating special events such as a birth or a wedding, and we sip it when sharing meals.
Back in the day, Moroccan tea was a ceremonial art to be prepared in front of guests. During this traditional tea ceremony, the host sits with a tea set consisting of 2 teapots, tea cups, and the needed ingredients. They would then start preparing the tea in front of the guests and offer them one glass after another. This tradition still takes place on some occasions or as a matter of custom in some areas.
What to serve with Moroccan tea?
There is no right time to drink Moroccan tea. It’s always tea o’clock in Morocco, and you don’t always need to accompany it with food.
But, if you want to serve Moroccan food with your Moroccan tea, we usually drink it alongside Moroccan cookies such as Kaab El Ghazal, Fekkas, Ghriba… Or with Moroccan pancakes during breakfast or snack time like Baghrir, Msemen, Harcha, Sfenj, just to name a few.
How to make Moroccan tea step by step?
Ingredients:
For 6 tea cups, you will need:
- 7 fresh mint sprigs cut in half so they can fit in the teapot (+ more for garnish)
- 1 heaped teaspoon loose gunpowder tea
- 5 cups of boiling water
- 3 tablespoons caster sugar
Step 1:
Put tea in the teapot and pour in 1 cup of boiling water, then swirl gently to warm the pot and rinse the tea. Strain out and discard water, reserving tea leaves in the pot.
Step 2:
Add the remaining 4 cups of boiling water to the tea and let it steep for 2 minutes. Stir in sugar (to taste) and mint sprigs, and let it steep for 3 or 4 more minutes.
Step 3:
Serve in small heatproof glasses. You can add fresh mint to each tea cup to obtain a stronger aroma and decorate your cups.
What do you need to make Moroccan tea?
A Moroccan teapot
Moroccan teapots are made of silver brass or stainless steel, which ensures safe brewing as they would not transfer dangerous chemicals to your tea. They are also resistant to high temperatures considering they will be in direct contact with the heat on the stove for a few minutes.
The Moroccan teapot is the star of the tray. This teapot is not only practical and durable, but it’s also a decorative piece with beautiful and detailed engravings.
Moroccan tea cups
Moroccan tea cups are made of glass and are decorated with intricate and colorful designs.
A Moroccan tea tray
The Moroccan tea tray is an exquisite piece of art. It comes in different sizes, colors, and designs. Most of them have complex engravings handmade by local artisans. Though, today you can find ones with a more minimalistic design.
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