The Art of Market Tea
Walk through Rissani Market, and you’ll notice small charcoal stoves with teapots everywhere. Shop owners carefully prepare tea throughout the day, following a ritual that’s been passed down through generations. The signature high pour, which creates a light foam on top of the tea, isn’t just for show – it helps aerate the tea and blend the flavors perfectly.
The preparation follows a precise order: first, the tea leaves are rinsed with a small amount of boiling water. Then fresh mint and sugar are added, and the mixture is left to steep. The real art comes in the pouring – tea is poured back and forth between glass and pot several times, creating the perfect blend and temperature.
More Than Just Hospitality
When a shop owner in Rissani offers you tea, they’re not just being polite. This gesture carries deep cultural meaning. It’s an invitation to slow down, to connect, and often, to begin a relationship that goes beyond simple buying and selling. Many regular customers have been sharing tea with the same traders for years, building friendships that started with a simple glass of mint tea.
The Business of Tea
In Rissani’s trading culture, serious business rarely happens without tea. The time it takes to prepare and drink three glasses of tea (a traditional serving) creates a relaxed atmosphere for negotiation. The first glass is sipped while discussing family and general topics. By the second glass, conversation might turn to business. The final glass often marks the completion of a deal.
Tea Throughout the Day
The rhythm of tea drinking marks the passing of the market day. Early morning starts with strong tea to wake up. Mid-morning tea accompanies business discussions. Afternoon tea provides a refreshing break from the desert heat. Each serving has its own character and purpose in market life.
The Social Side
Tea circles in Rissani Market serve as informal news networks. As people gather to share tea, they also share information about prices, trade opportunities, and community news. These circles help maintain the social fabric of market life, keeping everyone connected and informed.
Tea Etiquette
Proper tea etiquette is important in Rissani Market. Refusing a tea invitation can be considered impolite. The host always pours the tea, and guests typically drink three glasses – each glass is said to have its own character: “The first glass is as bitter as life, the second glass is as sweet as love, and the third glass is as gentle as death.”
A Living Tradition
While modern life has changed many aspects of market culture, the tea tradition remains strong in Rissani. Young traders continue to learn the art of tea preparation from their elders, ensuring this important cultural practice continues. Even in the age of quick business deals and fast food, the ritual of sharing tea provides a moment to pause, connect, and remember the value of human relationships in trade.
