In Fez, a tea room is the perfect place to try a few Moroccan pastries without over-ordering, while getting that real “Morocco pause” moment. This page helps you pick the right spot (medina vs Ville Nouvelle), know what to order, and avoid the classic mistakes especially if you’re traveling in from the USA.
Why go to a tea room (instead of buying right away)
A tea room lets you taste pastries at the “right” temp, with a drink that balances the sweetness (mint tea or coffee). It’s also the easiest way to compare 2–3 textures before you commit to a take-away assortment. Plus, it’s a comfortable reset between visits especially after walking the medina.
Medina vs Ville Nouvelle: which tea room should you choose?
- Medina: more atmosphere, sometimes great views depending on the spot, and a more immersive experience but service can be slower during peak hours.
- Ville Nouvelle: more convenient (access, hours, sometimes a more “international” menu), usually better if you want a quick break and a modern setup.
Best move? Do one tea room in the medina for the experience, then buy pastries in Ville Nouvelle for better packaging smart and clean.
What to order (and how to ask)
If you want an efficient tasting, go for a trio: 1 almond pastry + 1 dry cookie + 1 more indulgent piece.
- Ask: “A mixed plate of Moroccan pastries, please” (or “3 pieces of your choice” if you want to control your budget).
- Drink: mint tea if you want the classic experience; black coffee if you want to cut the sugar.
- If you don’t like very sweet pastries: ask for “less sweet options” and lean toward fekkas/ghriba/shortbread.
Prices: how to budget your tea break (without getting got)
Tea room pricing includes the setting and service, so it’s often pricier than buying pastries by weight to-go. To avoid surprises, choose a simple combo: drink + 2 or 3 pieces, instead of a big imposed plate. If you want to bring pastries back, taste first, then buy to-go from a pastry shop usually better value for quantity.
Etiquette & USA traveler tips
- Timing: avoid rush hours if you’re in a hurry service can be more relaxed than what you’re used to in the US.
- Payment: ask if cards are accepted before you sit down if you don’t have cash.
- To-go: if you’re bringing pastries back to the USA, buy dry cookies after your tea break they travel way better.
