Morocco
Morocco boasts a vibrant coffee culture that beautifully blends traditional preparations with strong European (especially French) influences. While Moroccan mint tea holds a significant cultural place, coffee is also a beloved beverage, enjoyed socially in bustling cafes.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Morocco and what's in them:
Nos Nos (نص نص - "Half-Half"):
This is arguably the most popular and iconic coffee order for Moroccans, particularly women, in traditional cafes. It's similar to a flat white or a very milky latte.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It's typically served in a glass (not a ceramic cup) and is usually quite sweet. The name literally means "half-half."
How to order: "Nos Nos." You won't usually find this name on menus, but locals will understand. If you want it with less sugar or no sugar, you'll need to specify.
Café Noir (قهوة كحلة - "Black Coffee" / Espresso):
This is a standard espresso shot.
What's in it: A concentrated shot of dark-roasted coffee, made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine.
How to order: "Café Noir." If you prefer a slightly larger shot, you can ask for "Café Allongée" (elongated coffee), which is similar to an Americano.
Café Touba (قهوة توبة):
While originating from Senegal, Café Touba is very popular in Morocco, especially among certain communities. It's a distinct spiced coffee.
What's in it: Black coffee brewed with selim pepper (djar) and often cloves. It has a unique, pungent, and spicy flavor. Sugar is usually added.
How to order: "Café Touba."
Café Américain / Americano (قهوة أمريكانو):
For those who prefer a longer, less intense black coffee.
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water.
How to order: "Café Américain" or "Americano."
Cappuccino (كابتشينو):
Widely available in most cafes, especially in urban areas and tourist spots.
What's in it: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How to order: "Un cappuccino."
Café au Lait (قهوة بالحليب - "Coffee with Milk"):
A general term for coffee with milk, often brewed coffee rather than espresso. This is typically a milky, milder drink often consumed in the mornings.
What's in it: Brewed coffee (could be traditional or drip) mixed with a good amount of hot milk.
How to order: "Café au Lait" or "Café bil haleeb."
Café Crème (قهوة كريمة):
Similar to Café au Lait or a less milky version of Nos Nos.
What's in it: Coffee with cream or a significant amount of milk. The exact ratio can vary by cafe.
How to order: "Café Crème."
Café Cassé (قهوة كاسيه):
This term literally means "broken coffee" and refers to coffee with a bit of sugar. It's generally a more traditional way of referring to sweetened coffee.
What's in it: Brewed coffee with sugar.
How to order: "Café Cassé."
Instant Coffee (Nescafé):
Ubiquitous in homes, smaller local eateries, and some budget accommodations due to its convenience. "Nescafé" is often used as a generic term.
What's in it: Soluble coffee granules dissolved in hot water. Usually served with sugar and often with powdered milk or fresh milk.
How to order: "Nescafé." You can specify "avec du lait" (with milk) or "avec du sucre" (with sugar).
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Morocco:
Sweetness: Moroccan coffee, especially Nos Nos and traditional brews, is often served very sweet. If you prefer less sugar or no sugar, be sure to specify: "moins de sucre" (less sugar) or "sans sucre" (without sugar) in French, or "bla soukkar" (without sugar) in Darija (Moroccan Arabic).
Serving Style: In traditional cafes, coffee is often served in small glasses rather than ceramic cups, which is considered an authentic way to enjoy it.
Social Aspect: Cafes are vital social hubs in Morocco. People, especially men, often spend hours chatting, playing board games (like tric trac or backgammon), and watching the world go by over a cup of coffee.
Language: French is widely spoken in urban areas and commercial settings, so French terms are very common for ordering coffee. Learning some basic Darija phrases can also be appreciated.
Morocco's coffee offerings reflect its rich cultural tapestry, from the strong, sweet, and milky "Nos Nos" to the spiced "Café Touba" and familiar European espresso drinks.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.