Loading ...How Moroccan Atay Goes Beyond Simply Tea
By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer
Atay (“mint tea” in Darija) is the renowned beverage of Moroccan customs and hospitality. Whether it’s gathering around the table to enjoy some mint tea with family, accompanied by some harcha for merienda (“afternoon tea”), or enjoying it with a nice view from a Moroccan rooftop along the beachside–atay compliments any moment, and fills you with warmth. From the cooling notes of the mint to the sweetness of the sugar, you can always trust your daily cup of atay, even on a warm day.
The origins of atay can trace back from Morocco’s hospitality back in the 16th century, during the Saadian dynasty, where testament to Morocco’s open arms to influences from the vast caravans that traversed the Sahara. It was from that point on that Moroccan mint tea would be recognized around the world, catering to Moroccan diplomacy, cordiality, and building connections through the unique flavor of this specific tea.
In the States, you can find tea companies marketing their teas with vibrant, Moroccan-inspired packaging mimicking the unique tilework inside riads, even going as far as naming their products “authentic Moroccan Mint Tea” or “Moroccan Mint Majesty”, but the extent of preparation for atay is part of what makes you cherish it.
Moroccan Tea Master
First off, for a Moroccan, making tea is no joke–it’s art. One must get the right sugar content down, the freshest mint you can find at your local souk, green tea leaves that radiate the bag with its aroma once it’s unpackaged. You must have the right berrad (“teapot”)! Depending on how many guests you’re hosting, you must hold the properly sized teapot with the proportioned amount of spoonfuls to retain the perfect balance to properly enjoy the tea itself. Let’s just get one thing straight, the one hosting guests must be the one to also prepare the tea to demonstrate a proper welcome into the household full of good energy and spirit–And just like that, bseha (“may it bring you health” in Darija)!
While sipping on some atay in your own home is a sweet experience, nothing compares to gathering around the table during merienda time to enjoy a nice cup of mint tea, feeling the hot, Moroccan air, and I know you may be thinking, “tea in the heat?” Yes! Moroccans believe the heat of the drink triggers the body’s natural cooling system –which works by lowering body temperature through the evaporation of perspiration, especially if you live or visit the Sahara. It’s reconvening with loved ones knowing a cup of tea is waiting for you makes the occasion so special, but what if you’re living abroad.
Kssun ‘Atay House’ Initiative
Kssun’s initiative called Atay House, founded by HoodJab, brought the Maghreb-Parisian community together to enjoy a special collaboration while gathering around for some tea in July. The Kssun mission is to “provide a warm and welcoming environment to foster genuine conversation over a cup of tea or coffee”. This pop-up tea and coffee initiative gives the team the opportunity to travel to different events across France and around Europe to share the art of atay while recognizing just how social Moroccan culture is.
The pop-up focuses on the dimension “of richness of multiculturalism” in our culture and how the “tea room” can be a space to share new ideas, stimulating new creativity in a space surrounded by the same customs while living in Western society. The Atay house pop-up brought a level of liveliness for the grand launch of the Nike Jordan Air Ship SP x Opium event in Paris, France. The event was one of the first of many future projects surrounding the Moroccan identity through streetwear fashion. Opium, designed by Moroccan-French fashion designers, included a touch of the Moroccan identity into an ad to launch the new Nike Air Jordans. In the ad, you can see Moroccan men sipping on some atay at a local shop wearing the new Nike Jordans with a traditional Djellaba on. Not only does this pay an homage to the Moroccan identity, but shows the world the social practices ingrained in Moroccan culture alone.
Moroccan-Americans bring Atay to the States
As North Africans launch new business initiatives worldwide, their diaspora in the U.S. is also thriving with pop-up coffee and tea stations. By showcasing their beverages at weddings, bridal showers, and gatherings, they highlight the significance of sharing a warm drink with friends. This act not only enhances the atmosphere but also fosters genuine connections, creating a comforting experience that strengthens friendships.
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