North African city proving more spicy? (7)

I believe the answer is:

tangier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'north african city' is the definition.
'Tangier' can be an answer for 'city' (city in Morocco). I am not sure about the 'north african' bit.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tangier that I've seen before include "Rather spicy" , "More piquant - Moroccan port" , "Port in Morocco" , "Moroccan seaport made of granite" , "More pungent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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