In Morocco, offering tea is not simply a gesture — it is an expression of hospitality, a ritual with its own rules, poetry, and meaning. Moroccan mint tea, known locally as "atay," is the cornerstone of daily life in Fez and across the country.
The Three Glasses
There is a famous Moroccan saying about the three rounds of tea: "The first glass is as gentle as life, the second is as strong as love, the third is as bitter as death." Each round is served in small decorated glasses, poured from a height to create a frothy top — a skill that takes years to master.
What Goes Into It
The base is Chinese gunpowder green tea, brewed strong and then sweetened generously with sugar. Fresh spearmint — handfuls of it — is packed into the teapot. In winter, wormwood (chiba) is sometimes added for warmth. The result is a drink that is simultaneously sweet, fresh, and slightly bitter.
The Ritual of Pouring
The pouring itself is an art form. The teapot is held high above the glass to aerate the tea and create the characteristic foam on top. The higher the pour, the better the hospitality — it signals that the host has taken care and pride in the preparation.
Tea at Riad Fez Mahal
At Riad Fez Mahal, a welcome glass of mint tea greets every arriving guest. Throughout your stay, tea is served throughout the day in our courtyard patio — accompanied by the sound of the fountain and the fragrance of the garden. It is, without question, one of the most memorable parts of any visit to Morocco.