OUR MOROCCO

MOROCCAN MINT TEA

All around the world Moroccan mint tea is probably the most famous emblem of Morocco. Everyone knows about it and loves it.

For Moroccans, mint tea is as important as earl grey is for the British and green tea is for the Chinese. We serve it at any time of the day with sweet and savoury foods; it’s kind of always tea o’clock in Morocco.

The ingredients are fresh mint, sugar, water and gunpowder tea. Gunpowder tea is a type of green Chinese tea in which each leaf has been rolled into a small round pellet. When the round pellets are hydrated they become surprisingly large. it’s fun!

We could go on and on about Moroccan tea, it is refreshing, versatile, robust… But, the truth it’s simply delicious.

ARGAN OIL

Argan trees grow in the south region of Morocco, so it is definitely the place to buy argan oil and ensure that it is as natural as possible, made in the traditional Berber way.

Moroccans use argan oil for culinary and cosmetic reasons, and although it is widely famous for its benefits on all kinds of hair, it is also extremely efficient for skin in general.

BABOUCHE (MOROCCAN SLIPPERS)

Babouche means slipper in French, and is widely known as such in the Kingdom. However, in Moroccan they’re called Belgha.

Slippers are the traditional Moroccan shoes that have been worn for centuries by men, women and children. They come in all colors, materials, patterns and shapes. The prettiest ones are vividly colorful and can be worn everywhere

MOROCCAN LEATHER

The leather in Morocco is highly unique and tanned in a medieval way that hasn’t changed in centuries. As you may know, the most famous tannery is the Chouara Tannery of Fez.

The leather is worked in a truly traditional way that keeps the leather as authentic as possible. You can get leather slippers, bags, jackets, wallets, belts and much more.

POTTERY

The pottery you will find in Morocco is truly magnificent, and you’ll only find it here. They are hand-painted ceramics that come in all shapes and forms, colors and sizes.

They are the perfect gift to give to relatives, as they sit nicely in any house as décor—just make sure to pack them carefully, as they are known to break in suitcases.

RUGS AND CARPETS

Have you seen those bright, red rugs and those black-and-white carpets with sequins on them in Pinterest photos? Those are actually hand-made in Morocco.

Rug shops usually have a wide range of carpets on display, and can even customize them and ship them to your home abroad.

DJELLABAS

Of course, you cannot leave Morocco without a Djellaba, a Moroccan dress for both men and women. For women, they usually come in a variety of colors, material and patterns.

Actually, the locals buy their own piece of cloth and take it to a tailor to get their djellabas custom made. Men, however, have a limited choice. As their hobbies don’t usually include fashion, most of the time they buy ready-made Djellabas from a shop in very neutral colors: black, olive, or grey for example.

LANTERNS

Lanterns are a very famous Moroccan piece you can take home, as they instantly remind you of the beauty of Morocco thanks to their detailed features.

They can be found in most markets and come in different sizes, shapes and materials. Beware of the aluminum ones, however, as they bend easily and might be a hassle to transport. The heaviest ones might be more expensive but are definitely worth it.

COLORED TEA CUPS

How you present the table to your guests is the most important in Morocco, with detailed tea pots and gorgeous tea cups.

They come in a lot of vivid colors, just like everything else in Morocco, with stunning hand-made decoration that will impress your guests!

SFENJ

The sfendj, or sfenj, is a donut of North African origin that can be found in Morocco. You’ll find sfenj on street corners throughout the country. Sfenj is absolutely delicious.

It is prepared early in the mornings for breakfast or late in the afternoons for tea time and you’ll be hard pressed to find it anywhere in between those times!

MOROCCAN HENNA TATTOO

Henna is an all-natural plant dye that is often used in Morocco to create temporary tattoos. Henna is an ancestral tradition in Morocco that magnifies women in different moments of their lives.

It is traditionally mainly used for beauty, against the evil eye, to protect hair, skin, nails, for festive occasions such as weddings or births as a sign of celebration, happiness, joy and good fortune.

TAJINE

A tagine is an important part of Moroccan cuisine and has been a part of the culture for hundreds of years. A tagine, sometimes spelled “tajine,” is a traditional Moroccan cooking vessel made of ceramic or unglazed clay with a round base and low sides.

A cone-shaped cover sits on the base during cooking. The conical lid traps steam during cooking and returns the liquid to the clay pot, resulting in a moist dish with concentrated flavors.

THE SPICES OF MOROCCO

The moment you think about Moroccan food, you need to think about its spices. The Moroccan cuisine has a deep secret of spice mixing which makes dishes savory. The ten spices that are the most important to Moroccan cuisine are: Cayenne, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, aniseed, seaseme seeds, cumin, paprika, and saffron.

MOROCCAN CAFTAN

The Moroccan caftan is considered to be one of the oldest traditional garments. Its appearance dates back to the Marinite era and the Saadi era, especially during the reign of the Moroccan Sultan Ahmad Al-Mansour Al-Zahabi.

The Moroccan caftan is the basic piece of Moroccan women in every wedding, ceremony or special occasion, which has not shaken him from the throne of the highest fashion marks of the world of the evening dresses, and remained a tribute to the spectacle of the elegance of Moroccan women.

PASTERIES

Perfect with a cup of mint tea and shared amongst friends, Moroccan pastries are ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Using local ingredients including orange blossom water, almonds and dates in many of the recipes, the Moroccan sweet treats are irresistible and plentiful. The Moroccan pasteries are served during special occasions – including weddings and Ramadan – but also during tea time, travelers are sure to sample a few varieties during their stay in Morocco.

ZELLIGE

Zellige is a popular form of art and has been in existence in Morocco for centuries. Zellige tiles were once used to decorate fountains and certain areas of a home as a symbol of money, royalty and power. The art has been passed down from generation to and was first recorded as far back as the tenth century. By the seventeenth century the tiles had become more colorful. The two main centers known for producing Zellige are Meknes and Fes.

MOROCCAN TOOTHPICK (KHELLA/ AMMI VISNAGA)

The toothpick grass, also called “Khella” in Morocco, is a Mediterranean umbelliferous tree. It is a medicinal plant that was used in Ancient Egypt to treat certain illnesses such as asthma.

Today, this herb is used in Morocco as a medicinal toothpick. It’s the 100% natural touch to clean your teeth from food residues.

HAMMAM (MOROCCAN BATH)

Morocco is known for its hammams, where moroccans enjoy all its benefits in a relaxing environment that combines sauna and spa. The whole process is extremely invigorating,

The stress and tension accumulated over the weeks can go away quietly and leave the room for the relaxation you deserve.

MOROCCAN TOOTBRUSH

Souak or Siwak, a natural tootbrush that has been used by moroccans to clean their teeth.

Although rarely used by moroccan today, but still exist in the Souks (Markets).

MOROCCAN TANGIA MARRAKCHIA

Tangia, the Marrakech speciality!

This slow-cooked Marrakesh dish is traditionally prepared in a clay pot called a Tangia. Rather than cook the meat at home, the tangia would be brought to an oven adjacent to a “hammam,” where it would slow cook in the ashes from the fire used to heat the bathhouse.

Because tangia was popular among men, particularly unmarried workers, it’s sometimes referred to as “bachelor’s stew.” It’s also served as a family dish or restaurant offering.

If you visit Marrakech, don’t miss this delicious dish!

MOROCCO IS HOME TO THE WORLD'S FIRST UNIVERSITY

The university of Al-Qarawiyin (Al-Karaouine), is the world’s first university. It was founded in 859 AC and it is still operating today.

The founder was a powerful and intellectual Moroccan woman called Fatima Al Fihria who wanted to give locals equal access to science and religious studies.

THE BARBARY LION OF MOROCCO

Just like the United States has the bald eagle, Morocco has the barbary lion as its national animal. The lion is now extinct in the wild, but once roamed the area near the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

TBOURIDA FANTASIA, A UNESCO’S HERITAGE

Tbourida, a UNESCO’s Heritage ,which is known internationally as “fantasia,” is a type of horseback riding in which equestrians fire guns and ride in synchrony. It is a colorful exhibition usually held during seasonal festivals known as “moussem”or other cultural and religious festivals. Tbourida is a historical practice in the Maghreb region, depicting the strong relationship between the man and the horse.

It is an impressive exhibition that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent to it, either due to the beauty of the costumes, the ability of the riders, the supremacy of the horses or the power of the synchronised gunfire. Not to be missed!

GNAWA MUSIC. A UNESCO HERITAGE ART

Gnawa music originates from the Gnawa ethnic group, who were brought to Morocco from sub-Saharan Africa beginning around the 11th century.This music is well-preserved heritage combines ritual poetry with traditional music and dancing.

During the last few decades, Gnawa music has been modernizing and thus become more profane. However, there are still many privately organized lilas that conserve the music’s sacred, spiritual status.

Past participants have included Randy Weston, Adam Rudolph, The Wailers, Pharoah Sanders, Keziah Jones, Byron Wallen, Omar Sosa, Doudou N’Diaye Rose, and the Italian trumpet player Paolo Fresu

Moroccan Architecture: A Tapestry of Centuries, Cultures, and Styles

Set between Europe and Africa, Morocco has experienced centuries of different rulers, kingdoms, and cultural influences. From the ancient Berbers to the Muslim Arabs, Moors, and French, each ruler and culture left a legacy. This diverse history is often best represented in the Moroccan architecture, with intermingled styles found across the country, from Marrakesh to Casablanca. Where else can you see the ancient red clay Berber kasbahs, gaze up at the dazzling Islamic tiled domes and minarets, wander through Moorish white stucco facades and Andalusian gardens, and spot the Art Deco buildings left by the French… All in one country. We dive into the rich history of Moroccan architecture and discover how the country got its unique style.

Amlou: The Nutrient-Packed Moroccan Breakfast Spread

Amlou is an exceptionally nourishing spread. It is ultra rich in protein, digestive enzymes, mineral salts and vitamins.
Amlou is composed of honey, sweet almond paste, and Argan oil. It is traditionally consumed in the south of Morocco with bread. It helps with digestion and the absorption of fats, stimulates insulin release, contributes to lowering bad cholesterol levels, and provides energy and strength. It is thus particularly recommended in the morning.

Malhun: A Centuries-Old Moroccan Sung Poetry Bridging Classes and Dialects

Malhun is a genre of sung poetry that has existed in Morocco for more than five centuries. The poetry is sung in colloquial Moroccan Arabic (Darija), and is associated with the working-class artisans in Morocco. The origins of the word Malhun point to the duality of the genre: some say it derives from the word laḥn, meaning “tune”, and others point to the word laḥana, meaning “grammatical errors.” Malhun continues to appeal to different classes in Morocco, from the royal family to the working class.

Moroccan Couscous: A Culinary Treasure of Morocco

Moroccan couscous is a popular dish in Moroccan cuisine and is considered one of the national dishes of Morocco. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that consists of small steamed balls of semolina wheat, also known as couscous, served with a variety of vegetables and meats.

Aker Fassi: The Moroccan Beauty Secret for Radiant and Youthful Skin

A staple in Moroccan beauty, Aker Fassi is a bright red powder made with antioxidant-rich dried poppy petals and pomegranate rind. Naturally infused with multi-vitamins & minerals, the ingredients have been scientifically recognized for their anti-aging properties, and ability to improve skin elasticity, boost firmness, enhance microcir-culation, reinforce skin cell regeneration, fight free radicals, and work as a powerful astringent. Aker Fassi revives dull complexions to give you an instantly give you radiance and a healthy / rosy glow.

Berber Artistry: Preserving a Rich and Timeless Heritage

The Berbers, indigenous to North Africa, have a rich and ancient culture. Their traditional crafts, including jewellery, pottery, weaving, and henna art, hold great value and have been passed down for generations.

Berber artistry showcases vibrant colours and intricate designs, often reflecting religious beliefs and a traditional lifestyle. While each region in Morocco boasts its distinct Berber culture, they all share common elements that define the unique Berber heritage.

Msemen: The Irresistible Moroccan Breakfast Delights

These square, laminated Moroccan pancakes are called msemen or sometimes rghaif. They’re a popular breakfast and tea time treat not only in Morocco, but also Tunisia and Algeria. If you haven’t tried one, it’s time you do!
Although easily bought at bakeries or as a street food, many Moroccans prefer to make msemen at home. That way the texture, flavor, size and quality can all be controlled.
Serve them plain I like them this way hot off the griddle or spread with butter, honey, jam or cheese. The most traditional way, however, is to dip msemen in hot syrup made from butter and honey. A bit messy to eat, but sticky sweet and delicious.

Thuya Wood: Moroccan Craftsmanship and Aromatic Elegance

A handemade thuya wood from morocco, made by artistic moroccan hands.
It has a beautiful pine-scented aroma that adds to its attraction, it is an exotic wood that is exclusively grown in Morocco, northwest Africa. The people living here earn their income from either fishing or selling thuya wood. It has so much character that it can form as a standalone ornamental piece.

This rare conifer tree is harvested not by its trunk or branches but from the actual roots and new growth. They are around 70 years old before they are cut. Even today oil is extracted and is used in aromatherapy.

It can be used to make any type of small or large furniture such as coasters, boxes, business card holders, pen pots, dominoes, magazines stands, etc. With thuya wood the possibilities are endless and it will always make a unique gift!

In the past we have had a set of six round Moroccan thuya wood coasters and they look absolutely stunning on a coffee table and the aroma is extremely welcoming.

Moroccan Hammam: A Timeless Tradition of Relaxation and Wellness

When visiting Morocco, a traditional hammam is a must-try experience with roots in Roman culture. These steam rooms offer numerous benefits, including detox, beauty, acne control, and relaxation. They are also tied to Moroccan traditions, often located near mosques.

Modern hotels like Four Seasons and Royal Mansour offer luxurious hammam experiences. These hammams usually have dry and steam rooms, a bathing area, and a relaxation space. A typical ritual involves black soap, skin exfoliation, a purifying rhassoul mask, and argan oil hydration.

While some may feel apprehensive about being so exposed in a public space, the health benefits and unique experience make it worthwhile. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this Moroccan tradition.

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