Tea Blog

Many years ago, I had one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life—one that has stayed with me as a tea drinker for decades.

It was at a Moroccan restaurant serving delicious food, but the most impressive part of the evening was the tea service. Ever since, I occasionally try to pour tea like a Moroccan waiter… with mixed results.

Watching tea being poured can be quite mesmerizing. In places like Morocco, Malaysia, and China, skilled tea pourers turn it into an art form—pouring from impressive heights with precision and flair.

The Moroccan waiter I remember held a gleaming silver teapot high above his head, pouring a steady, graceful stream into a glass below without spilling a single drop.

Now, let’s see if I can manage that at home.

No silver teapots here, but I have a few suitable stand-ins. And while I don’t have traditional Moroccan tea glasses, a sturdy tall mug will have to do.

Making Moroccan-Style Tea

Authentic Moroccan tea usually starts with a good-quality green tea—often something like “Temple of Heaven.” Mint and sugar are traditionally added for flavor.

The preparation can be a bit involved. One method includes:

• Rinsing (or “washing”) the tea leaves multiple times
• Keeping the first rinse and discarding the rest
• Combining the first rinse with the leaves in a pot
• Adding boiling water and sugar
• Gently heating for 10–15 minutes
• Adding fresh mint either to the pot or directly to the glasses before serving

Now comes the fun part—pouring.

Traditional Moroccan teapots often feature long curved spouts and hinged lids (or no lids at all), making it easier to pour from a height. Without that design, I have to hold the lid in place—carefully avoiding any unwanted “PLOP!” moments mid-pour.

I start by pouring close to the glass, then gradually raise the teapot higher and higher…

Up… up… and—success! No spills this time.

Why Pour from High Above?

Aside from the theatrical effect, pouring from a height aerates the tea and creates a light foam on the surface. It adds both visual appeal and a slightly different texture to the drink.

The Full Experience

Pair your Moroccan-style tea with complementary dishes such as couscous or spiced lamb with prunes and apricots.

Vegetable dishes featuring eggplant, lentils, tomatoes, and lemon also make excellent companions.

Whether you master the dramatic pour or not, the process is a fun way to explore another tea tradition.

Give it a try—and enjoy the adventure!

For a truly authentic experience, visit the
Marrakesh Restaurant in Washington, D.C.

© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts allowed with proper credit.

“