Joanna James
Tunis prides itself on traditional dishes that promise to captivate the taste buds of both seasoned foodies and casual enthusiasts. Delve into the heart of Tunisian cuisine and treat yourself to an array of local delights, each dish offering a unique and mouthwatering experience.
Picture a Friday in Tunis, and the quintessential Tunisian meal that comes to mind is a steaming bowl of couscous. This dish, a celebration of Friday lunches, holds a special place in the hearts of families who gather to enjoy its flavours. Couscous is a meticulous arrangement of tiny steamed granules of rolled durum wheat semolina, forming a pyramid. At its base lies a flavourful stew, topped with grams, onions, tomatoes, plums, and artistically arranged carrot and courgette strips in the shape of a star. While its origins trace back to Morocco and Algeria, couscous has firmly established itself as a local favourite in Tunis and various parts of Tunisia.
As you wander through the streets of Tunis, don't miss the opportunity to savour the satisfying crunch of Brik, a local delicacy and popular appetiser. This dish features flaky dough stuffed with a savoury filling, typically tuna with a raw egg perched on top. Indulge in the irresistible combination of textures and flavours as you bite into the golden-brown exterior of Brik, releasing the delectable blend of tuna and the velvety richness of a perfectly runny egg. Deep-fried to perfection, the filo pastry achieves a shiny, slightly crispy texture, offering a mouthful that encapsulates the essence of Tunisian flavours.
Simple yet bursting with flavour, Kafteji stands out as a traditional Tunisian dish. It combines an array of vegetables—potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, pumpkins, and zucchini—roughly cut and fried with eggs. The star ingredient, fried lamb liver, adds a rich and distinctive taste to this dish. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a complement to poultry and fish, Kafteji is a testament to Tunisian culinary ingenuity.
A staple across Tunisia, Lablabi is a hot and spicy chickpea soup known for its affordability, quick preparation, and bold flavours. Traditionally seasoned with garlic, cumin, and harissa (a spicy paste), Lablabi has evolved with various versions that incorporate additional ingredients like capers, olives, pickled vegetables, tuna, and, surprisingly, cow’s hooves. This soup, with its diverse flavours, holds a cherished place in Tunisian households.
The Fricassee in Tunis might share its name with the well-known French chicken stew, but the two dishes couldn't be more distinct. The Tunisian Fricassee is a baguette-like sandwich that graces street food stalls, and cafes. You may even find this dish at a top restaurant in Tunis offered by the likes of The Residence Tunis. It features a deep-fried stick of bread filled with a tantalising combination of tuna, hummus, boiled eggs, capers, olives, harissa, and boiled potatoes. This local delicacy showcases the fusion of flavours that defines Tunisian street food.
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