Moroccan mint tea: a ritual to discover in Marrakech
In Marrakech, atay is more than a hot drink. Green tea with mint accompanies welcomes, conversations and pauses throughout the day. It is served in homes, restaurants and on medina rooftops.
Morocco’s National Tourist Office describes mint tea as an expression of Moroccan hospitality and a ceremonial drink rooted in the country’s traditions.
What is Moroccan mint tea made with?
The best-known preparation combines green tea, fresh mint, hot water and sugar. Proportions vary between families, seasons and personal tastes, so there is no single recipe used in every Moroccan home.
The desired balance brings together the tea’s bitterness, the mint’s freshness and the sweetness of the sugar.
Why is Moroccan tea poured from a height?
The raised teapot is part of the traditional service. Tea falls into the glass in a steady stream, helping mix the drink and creating a light layer of foam.
The movement requires precision and gives the service its particular rhythm: the tea is watched and shared rather than consumed in a hurry.
A sign of welcome and conviviality
Offering tea welcomes a visitor and opens a moment for conversation. It can be served at the start of a meeting, after a meal or during a simple afternoon break.
Travellers do not need to know every custom. The most important part is taking time to enjoy the shared moment.
Which pastries are served with atay?
Mint tea may be accompanied by gazelle horns, sweet briouates, sesame cakes, ghriba or other sweets prepared according to the place and occasion.
Gazelle horns combine thin pastry with an almond filling, while some sweet briouates also use almonds and honey. The selection does not have to be identical every day.
Where can you drink Moroccan tea in Marrakech medina?
After exploring the souks or visiting Ben Youssef Madrasa, a rooftop offers a welcome pause from the movement of the medina lanes.
At Kui-Zin, discover a Moroccan tea time in Marrakech with mint tea, coffee, lemonade, fresh juices and homemade pastries according to the day’s selection. It is available daily from 10:30am to 10:30pm at 12 Rue Amsefah, Sidi Abdelaziz.
Discover the rooftop · See the Moroccan buffet · Discover cooking classes
Sources
- Moroccan National Tourist Office — Moroccan food and drink.
- Moroccan National Tourist Office — Time for Moroccan tea.
Published 18 September 2026.