What tea commonly accompanies sfenj in the Maghreb?

Sfenj is commonly accompanied by Maghrebi mint tea.

This pairing is especially associated with the pastry’s traditional serving occasions: early morning breakfast or the late afternoon. Sfenj may be eaten plain, sprinkled with sugar, or soaked in honey, while the tea provides a fragrant, sweet drink alongside the fried dough.

Maghrebi mint tea is generally made with green tea, fresh spearmint, and sugar. It is a major hospitality symbol across northwest Africa, particularly in Morocco, and is served to guests in small glasses. The tea’s freshness and herbal aroma contrast with sfenj’s crisp, oily exterior and soft interior.

Coffee can also accompany sfenj, so mint tea is not the only defensible beverage in every household or café. However, when a quiz asks for the traditional tea pairing, Maghrebi mint tea is the canonical answer. Sfenj itself is not limited to Morocco: related forms are eaten in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and elsewhere in the Maghreb, with local variations in names, toppings, and serving customs.