CoffeeNous Nous
نص نص
Morocco's most popular coffee drink — literally meaning 'half-half' in Moroccan Arabic — is equal parts espresso and steamed milk served in a small glass. This smooth, milky coffee is the default cafe order for millions of Moroccans each morning.
Overview
Nous nous (also written noss noss or nouss nouss) is the everyday coffee of Morocco, ordered countless times daily in cafes across the country. The name means 'half-half' in Darija (Moroccan Arabic), referring to the equal proportions of espresso and steamed milk. It is similar to a cafe latte but typically served in a smaller glass and with a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio. Morocco's cafe culture, heavily influenced by the French Protectorate era (1912-1956), is a central part of daily life — men especially spend hours in cafes reading newspapers, watching football, and socializing over glasses of nous nous and mint tea. The drink is always served in a glass (not a cup), which allows you to see the layers of coffee and milk mixing together. Ordering a nous nous in any Moroccan cafe is the quickest way to feel like a local.
Origin & History
Region: Nationwide
Coffee culture was introduced to Morocco during the French Protectorate (1912-1956), when French-style cafes became established in every Moroccan city. The Moroccans adapted the French cafe au lait tradition, creating the nous nous with its distinctive half-and-half ratio and glass serving style. After independence, the cafe culture was fully absorbed into Moroccan daily life, and nous nous became the default coffee order.
How It's Made
An espresso shot is pulled using a commercial espresso machine (found in virtually every Moroccan cafe) into a small heat-resistant glass. An equal portion of steamed, frothy milk is added on top. The drink is served immediately, often with a packet of sugar on the side. Some cafes add a small amount of orange blossom water or cinnamon, though the classic version is simply coffee and milk.
Variations
Kahwa kahla (black coffee)
A straight espresso without milk — stronger and more bitter, ordered by those who want a quick caffeine hit
Cafe casse
An espresso with just a splash of milk — stronger than nous nous but not fully black
Cafe au lait
A larger version with more milk, closer to the French tradition
Where to Try
Any cafe in Morocco
Nationwide
Nous nous is the default coffee order — every cafe in the country serves it
Cafe de France
Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech
An iconic cafe overlooking the main square — order a nous nous on the rooftop terrace
Boulevard Pasteur cafes
Tangier
The traditional cafe strip where writers and artists have lingered over coffee for decades
Price Range
Tips
- Simply say 'nous nous' at any cafe — no further explanation needed, everyone knows the drink
- Coffee in Morocco is always served in a glass, not a cup
- Cafe culture in Morocco is very male-dominated in traditional areas — women are welcome but may feel more comfortable in modern cafes in the Ville Nouvelle
- A nous nous in a medina cafe costs 8-12 MAD; in a modern Ville Nouvelle cafe it may be 15-25 MAD
Cultural Notes
The Moroccan cafe is a social institution, especially for men. On any given afternoon, cafe terraces across the country are filled with Moroccans nursing glasses of nous nous while watching the world go by, reading newspapers, or watching football on the television. The cafe serves as living room, office, and social club. Tipping is minimal — rounding up to the nearest dirham or leaving 1-2 MAD is standard.
Sources
- Morocco National Tourist Office (visitmorocco.com)
- Lonely Planet Morocco Guide