Coffee Culture in Morocco

Introduction to Moroccan Coffee Culture

Moroccan coffee culture is a rich and vibrant tradition that plays a significant role in the country’s social and cultural fabric. Coffee is an integral part of Moroccan daily life, deeply rooted in the country’s history and customs. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene coastal towns, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a common and comforting presence.

The coffee culture in Morocco is a unique blend of Arabic, French, and African influences. Introduced by Arabic traders and later influenced by European practices, Moroccan coffee has evolved into a distinctive tradition. Whether in traditional coffee shops or modern cafes, the act of drinking coffee is more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a cherished ritual that brings people together.

In Morocco, coffee is often enjoyed slowly, providing a moment of relaxation and socialization. The rich traditions surrounding coffee consumption reflect the broader Moroccan culture, where hospitality and community are highly valued. As we delve deeper into Moroccan coffee culture, we’ll explore its history, traditions, and the unique customs that make it so special.

Coffee has been a part of the landscape in Morocco for centuries. Coffee was originally introduced to the nation by Arabic traders. However, by the 18th century, much of the nation’s coffee came through Europe. Not long after its introduction, unique coffee rituals developed, not unlike what you find with mint tea in the region. Drinking coffee in Morocco is a social activity that symbolizes community and hospitality, contrasting with the predominant tea culture.

Originally, cafés in Morocco were predominately used by male coffee drinkers. It was incredibly rare to see women in the establishments. Instead, it was a place where men could gather as friends, conduct business, or relax. While local women are now more inclined to spend time at cafés enjoying coffee, partially due to female tourists making it seem more acceptable, it isn’t uncommon for many cafés to still have far more men than women within their walls. Moroccan mint tea is considered the national drink, and Arabic coffee also holds significant cultural importance.

Traditional Moroccan coffee is steeped in tradition, but its brewing practices also shift with time. That makes the resulting culture incredibly multi-faceted, as the creator of the coffee drink’s preferred techniques and views on one of the nation’s favorite beverages play a role in how it’s made.

How coffee is brewed in local households is largely similar to what you’d find in other parts of the region. Usually, a two-phased approach is used. Water is heated, and freshly ground coffee is added. It’s returned to the heat until a foam develops, then removed from the heat until the foaming subsides. Then, the same heating process is used one or two more times. Finally, some cold water is added before serving. In some traditional preparations, hot milk is mixed with instant coffee to create a milder beverage, often enjoyed during family visits.

In some cases, an antique or vintage Moroccan coffee pot is far more ornate than you’d expect, and it is typically made of metal, such as solid brass. The spout is often attached low on the base, and the rest is curved, not unlike a goose’s or swan’s neck.

Generally, traditional Morocco coffee features Moroccan ground coffee beans paired with a range of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger powder, black pepper and nutmeg. The goal is to create a flavor balance, allowing each element to bring the best out of the rest. Sometimes, orange blossom water is offered as an optional flavor enhancer for guests, allowing them to add a few drops to enrich the flavor.

When it comes to sugar use, it depends on the occasion. For gatherings that are generally considered sweet in nature – such as a wedding – sugar is commonly added to align it with the event. For more subdued or sad occasions – such as a funeral – sugar isn’t added, allowing the natural bitterness of the coffee to stand for the mood of the attendees.

Generally speaking, there are two main types of coffee beverages served in cafés in Morocco. First, you have café noir (black coffee), a small cup of Moroccan spiced espresso. It’s typically sipped and savored, creating a moment of relaxation and time for socialization.

Another popular Moroccan coffee drink is nous nous coffee, occasionally called nos nos coffee. However, that’s not the name you’ll find on the menu. Nous means “half” in Arabic, so the term refers to a coffee drink that’s half espresso and half milk. It isn’t wholly unlike a latte or a flat white, though its preparation can differ slightly.

Sometimes, when you order nous nous coffee, you’ll receive a cup of espresso and milk served on the side. That allows you to adjust the ratio to your liking. However, some use standard ratios of half espresso and half milk.

Qahwa ma’atra is a name specifically for moroccan spiced coffee. It’s more commonly prepared at home, though some cafés – particularly those in large cities frequented by travelers – may have a version available to appeal to foreigners interested in exploring the flavors.

In some cases, you’ll also find coffee drinks that are common in cafés in other countries. For example, Moroccan cafés in large cities may feature lattes and cappuccinos. Café Americanos are also quite prevalent, and some may also feature Moroccan spice coffee for some flare.

It isn’t uncommon to receive a small bottle of water when you order coffee at higher-end cafés. These essentially come free with your order, so feel free to enjoy it if it’s offered.

Additionally, when you order coffee, you’ll usually have access to plenty of sugar. There is no standard to how much you need to add, so you can put in as much as you like based on your taste preferences.

Moroccan mint tea is also widely available in cafés and is an integral part of the café culture.

If you specifically want Moroccan spiced coffee, you can ask for qahwa ma’atra. However, this isn’t something all cafés make since it isn’t classically made with espresso, which is what most cafés offer. Instead, it’s a coffee drink. However, if you ask for a flavor profile similar to qahwa ma’atra, the coffee shop may be able to recommend a similar spiced espresso drink.

Many cafés also offer a variety of more conventional espresso drinks. Café Americanos are widely available and can stand in well for a traditional drip coffee. You might also see lattes, espressos, and a variation on the dirty chai, an espresso drink that features chai tea-style spices and milk.

When it comes to sugar, it isn’t typically added to your espresso drink for you. Instead, they’ll provide you with sugar, and you can add it on your own, allowing you to customize the amount to suit your taste. Usually, sugar is automatically provided, but you can also ask for some if it isn’t.

One unique aspect of coffee culture in Morocco is that not all coffee shops serve coffee or espresso made from fresh coffee beans. In some smaller towns, the coffee shop doesn’t have their own coffee machines or espresso makers. Instead, they’ll turn to instant coffee to make the drinks, which could be disappointing to those who aren’t expecting instant coffee. As a result, before you order coffee in Morocco, you may want to observe how the drinks are created to see whether instant is part of the recipe.

Coffee Shops in Morocco

Coffee shops in Morocco are an integral part of the country’s social fabric. These bustling hubs of activity are where people gather to socialize, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Traditional coffee shops, known as “cafes maures” or “ahwas,” are found in almost every town and city in Morocco. These cafes are often adorned with traditional Moroccan tiles and furnishings, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In these traditional settings, the focus is on creating a space where people can unwind and connect. The decor often includes intricate tile work, wooden furniture, and vibrant textiles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Morocco. Patrons can enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, from the robust café noir to the creamy nous nous coffee.

In addition to traditional coffee shops, Morocco is also home to modern cafes that cater to a diverse clientele. These contemporary establishments serve a range of espresso-based drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos. The blend of old and new creates a dynamic coffee culture that appeals to both locals and visitors.

Whether you’re in a traditional cafe or a modern coffee shop, the experience of drinking coffee in Morocco is about more than just the beverage. It’s about the ambiance, the conversation, and the sense of community that these spaces foster.