Moroccan Tea

Recipe category
Accompaniments
Tags
Drinks

Moroccan tea, also known as "atai" (أتاي), is more than just a drink — it's a symbol of hospitality and tradition. Typically made with Chinese green tea (Gunpowder), fresh mint, and sugar, it’s served throughout the day, especially to welcome guests. Its preparation is considered an art form, often performed with flair by pouring the tea from a height to create a light foam.

Moroccan tea
Preparation time
5 minutes
Cooking time
10 minutes
Number of servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Chinese Gunpowder green tea
1 large bunch of fresh mint (washed)
3–4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 liter (4 cups) of boiling water
Directions
  1. Rinse the tea:
    Place the green tea in a teapot. Add a little boiling water (about 1/4 cup), swirl gently, then pour out and discard the water. This step removes bitterness.
  2. Steep the tea:
    Add about 1 cup of boiling water to the teapot and let the tea steep for 2 minutes. This will be the tea base.
  3. Add mint and sugar:
    Add the fresh mint and sugar directly into the pot.
  4. Fill with water:
    Pour the remaining boiling water into the teapot.
  5. Mix well:
    Without stirring with a spoon, pour out a glass of tea, then pour it back into the pot. Repeat this 2–3 times to mix the sugar and infuse the mint.
  6. Serve with style:
    Pour the tea from a height into small glasses to create foam. Garnish with an extra mint sprig if desired.

Related recipes