If you’re visiting Tunisia, you’re in for a culinary adventure. The country has culinary influences from Berber, Arabic, Mediterranean, and French cultures. The food here is simple yet full of flavor, and much of it is made from local ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of hearty stews, grilled meats, or freshly baked bread, Tunisia’s food scene has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the must-try dishes and what you should eat while you’re there.
1. Couscous
Couscous is Tunisia’s national dish, and you’ve got to try it. It’s made from steamed semolina and usually comes with lamb, chicken, or fish. The couscous is light and fluffy, and it’s served with a rich stew piled on top. The stew is full of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, chickpeas, and cabbage. You’ll be able to find couscous in almost every restaurant, from small local joints to fancier dining spots.
Where to Try Couscous
For something authentic, try it at a local Tunisian home, if possible. Another option is Dar Slah Restaurant in Tunis. They specialize in couscous with lamb and seafood versions too. La Marsa, along the coast, also has restaurants where you can taste seafood couscous.
2. Brik
Brik is a fried pastry that’s usually stuffed with tuna, a soft egg, capers, and onions. This crispy treat is popular across Tunisia, and it’s often served as a starter. When you bite into it, be careful as the egg yolk might run down your chin! It’s a great street food option or a quick bite at a café.
Where to Find Brik
If you’re in the medina in Tunis, you’ll easily spot street vendors making fresh brik. Check out the stalls around Bab El Bhar or head to Etoile de Mer restaurant for some of the best ones in town.
3. Lablabi
Lablabi is a popular winter dish. It’s a simple yet hearty soup made from chickpeas and stale bread mixed with harissa (a spicy chili paste) and olive oil. Sometimes it’s topped with an egg. It might not sound fancy, but it’s a warming dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect on a cold day.
Where to Eat Lablabi
You’ll mostly find lablabi at small local restaurants or cafés. A good spot is Café La Massida in Tunis, where this dish is a favorite. It’s also common in Sidi Bou Said, where you can enjoy it with a great view of the Mediterranean.
4. Ojja (Shakshuka)
Ojja, also known internationally as Shakshuka, is a Tunisian egg dish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, peppers, and spices. Sometimes it’s made with merguez sausage or shrimp. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast or lunch and is often served with bread to mop up all the sauce.
Where to Eat Ojja
You can find ojja at most local eateries, but a stand-out place is Chez Slah in Tunis. It’s a small restaurant, but their ojja is delicious—especially if you get it with merguez sausage.
5. Harissa
Harissa is a spicy chili paste made from dried peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It’s a key part of Tunisian cuisine, and you’ll find it on almost every table. Harissa is used in many dishes, from soups to stews, and even as a condiment. It’s spicy, but it’s such a fundamental part of the food here that you have to try it.
Where to Get Harissa
While you’ll find it in every restaurant, if you want to try some great harissa to take home, visit the central market in Tunis or the food stalls in Sousse and Kairouan.
6. Mechouia Salad
Mechouia salad is popular throughout Tunisia. The ingredients are simple: grilled tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and onions, chopped up and mixed with olive oil and sometimes tuna. Mechouia has a smoky flavor from the grilled vegetables, and it’s often seasoned with cumin and coriander. It’s typically served as an appetizer and goes really well with bread.
Where to Eat Mechouia
This dish is usually available in Tunisian homes, but you can find it in most traditional restaurants. For an affordable and tasty version, try El Ali Restaurant in Tunis.
7. Makroud
If you’re looking for something sweet, try some makroud. These are semolina pastries filled with dates, almonds, or figs and covered in orange-blossom syrup. They’re crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Makroud is particularly famous in Kairouan, but it’s available all over the country.
Where to Find Makroud
You’ll find makroud at every bakery in Tunisia, but the best ones are in Kairouan. La Rose des Sables in Kairouan is well-known for this sweet treat.
8. Bambalouni
If you’re wandering the streets of coastal towns like Sidi Bou Said or La Goulette, you’ll likely come across bambalouni vendors. Bambalouni is a Tunisian donut, fried and dusted with sugar. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and it’s a must-try street food snack.
Where to Try Bambalouni
Sidi Bou Said is one of the best places to try it. You’ll see vendors frying them fresh by the street. Grab one, stroll around, and enjoy the sea views. You won’t regret it.
9. Stuffed Vegetables (Dolma)
Tunisians love stuffing vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes with spiced meat, rice, and herbs. It’s a gratifying dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. The stuffed vegetables are usually served as part of a larger meal and are particularly common during special occasions or family gatherings.
Where to Find Stuffed Vegetables
Many restaurants serve this dish, but for something truly authentic, find a small, family-run place. Look for it in restaurants around the medinas in Tunis or Sfax.
10. Khobz Tabouna
Every meal in Tunisia comes with bread, and one of the most common types is Khobz Tabouna, which is thick and spongy. It’s usually baked in a clay oven and served hot with olive oil or harissa on the side. This bread is perfect for scooping up stews or simply dipping into olive oil.
Where to Get Khobz Tabouna
It’s served at nearly every restaurant, so it’s hard to miss. If you want to buy some freshly baked versions, head to the bakeries in local markets across any city or town.
11. Fine Dining in Tunisia
If you’re in the mood for something upscale, Tunis has some fantastic fine dining options. A couple of standouts include Dar El Jeld and La Closerie. Both offer a modern twist on traditional Tunisian food with seafood, lamb, and vegetable dishes at the forefront. It’s a great way to experience Tunisian flavor in a more refined setting.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Dar El Jeld in the medina of Tunis is a must-visit. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful old palace and the dishes are both traditional and gourmet. Another spot to try is La Closerie, known for its seafood dishes and elegant atmosphere. It is located in La Marsa, just outside of Tunis.
12. Popular Markets for Local Food
Tunisia’s markets are a must if you want to dive into the vibrant local food scene. The Central Market in Tunis is a treasure trove of fresh produce, spices, fish, and meats. You’ll also find street food stalls here serving up brik, fritters, and fresh bread. The smells, sounds, and colors of the market are an experience in themselves.
Markets to Visit
The Central Market in Tunis is the largest and most diverse, but you should also check out the Sousse Medina market if you’re by the coast. Further inland, head to Kairouan for an authentic experience and try some local pastries like makroud while you browse through local goods.
Final Thoughts on Tunisian Cuisine
The food in Tunisia isn’t just sustenance—it’s a reflection of the country’s history and culture. From couscous to brik, lablabi to shakshuka, each dish tells a story. While in Tunisia, treat your taste buds to something new every day. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the country’s flavors that are as rich as its history. And most importantly, you’ll leave with a full stomach.
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