I’ll share my encounter with mint tea in Marrakech, one of Morocco’s leading commercial cities.
When I first visited Marrakech, I was deeply impressed by its unique culture and the warmth of its people. In this city lined with colorful souks (markets) and historical buildings, what particularly stayed in my heart was Moroccan mint tea, which provided opportunities to deepen connections with locals. This sweet and refreshing drink is more than just tea; it’s a symbol of Moroccan life and culture. In this article, based on my experiences in Marrakech, I’ll introduce the appeal of mint tea, Morocco’s national beverage, and its important role among the local people.
Beverages in Morocco
In Morocco, mint tea is an essential part of daily life. Made by adding fresh mint leaves and plenty of sugar to green tea leaves, this tea is frequently enjoyed during relaxation time at home and social gatherings with friends and family.
I also learned from local young people that since Morocco has a large Muslim population who cannot drink alcohol, mint tea plays an important role as an alternative. Serving mint tea is a symbol of respect and hospitality towards visitors and plays a crucial role in promoting communication among locals.
Enjoying Moroccan Mint Tea in Marrakech
The day after arriving in Marrakech, I was exploring the city, enjoying the beautiful streets where history and culture blend. However, an unfortunate incident occurred when my wallet was stolen, which instantly dampened my spirits. In the midst of this, the owner of the budget hostel where I was staying noticed my disappointed expression and said, “Come on, cheer up and have some of this,” offering me mint tea. This was my encounter with Moroccan mint tea.
At a budget hostel in Marrakech, I was invited to join a tea gathering with local men
The mint tea was brewed with tap water. Having heard that Moroccan tap water could be risky, I asked, “Is this safe?” The owner laughed and replied, “How rude, we drink tap water all the time and we’re just fine!” Somewhat reassured by his smile and words, I watched the local Moroccan men chatting in the lobby and imitated them, sipping the mint tea while eating very dry pita bread. At that moment, the fresh aroma and powerful sweetness spread through my mouth, instantly blowing away my fatigue. I hadn’t expected this simple drink to soothe my heart so effectively.
Mint Tea Experience in Marrakech Souk
Later, while exploring the souk in Marrakech, distracted by colorful spices and handicrafts, a spice shop owner offered me mint tea, saying, “Please drink this if you’d like.”
Fresh mint tea with mint leaves directly steeped in it
For me, who had lost my wallet and was forced to travel on a tight budget, this warm tea offer was truly a blessing from heaven. This mint tea was filled with plenty of mint leaves, looking almost like a mojito. The strong mint aroma that hit my nose was intense, and I felt like my eyes opened with each sip. Touched by the casual conversation with the shop owner and his kindness, my heart warmed once again.
Mint Tea Time While Sweating
Marrakech has many attractive rooftop terraces and rooftop cafes
Having become completely captivated by mint tea, I began to stop by cafes for mint tea whenever I felt tired while exploring Marrakech. Hot mint tea enjoyed on a rooftop terrace under Morocco’s strong sun was especially wonderful. Drinking hot mint tea while sweating promotes perspiration, allowing you to cool down in a healthy way – a method of coping with heat unique to Morocco’s desert climate. The view from the terrace was magnificent, and I could spend a relaxed time gazing at the Atlas Mountains in the distance and the hustle and bustle of the city.
At first you crave a cold drink, but gradually you get hooked on drinking hot mint tea in the scorching heat
Final Thoughts
Moroccan mint tea is not just a beverage but something deeply rooted in the lives and culture of the local people. Through my experiences in Marrakech, I realized that mint tea promotes interaction among people and provides healing and vitality to travelers. When visiting Morocco, I highly recommend trying the local mint tea. Its refreshing aroma and sweetness will soothe both your mind and body. And through this tea, experiencing the warmth and kindness of the Moroccan people will make your journey even more wonderful.
