Most popular Tunisian dishes 3
Sandwish & Salads
1. Brik (بريك)
Origin: Tunisia.
Characteristics: Fried pastry filled with egg, often crispy and golden.
Servings: 4 pastries
Ingredients:
- 8 pieces of brik pastry
- 4 brik pastry sheets
- 4 eggs
- 100 g canned tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Place a layer of tuna and a cracked egg in the center of the pastry.
- Fold and seal the edges.
- Fry in hot oil until golden.
Eating Method: Eaten by hand.
When to Eat: Popular as a snack or appetizer.
Famous Places: Café des Délices (Tunis), Sidi Bou Said.
Average Price: 1-3 TND (~0.33-1 USD) per piece.
2. Merguez (مَرجَز)
Origin: North Africa, particularly popular in Tunisia and Algeria.
Characteristics: Spicy lamb or beef sausage, often grilled or fried.
Ingredients:
- 500g minced lamb
- 100g fat (lamb or beef)
- Spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic).
- Mix minced meat with spices and fat.
- Stuff into sausage casings and twist into links.
- Grill or pan-fry until cooked.
Eating Method: Eaten with hands.
When to Eat: Commonly enjoyed at barbecues or gatherings.
Famous Places: Street vendors in Tunis, local markets.
Average Price: 10-15 TND (~3-5 USD) per 500g.
3. Borzgene (Tunisian Ratatouille)
Origin: This vegetable stew reflects Mediterranean influences and celebrates Tunisia’s local produce.
Ingredients:
- Eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes
- Olive oil, garlic, herbs
- Salt, pepper, and harissa
Preparation:
- Chop vegetables and cook in olive oil with garlic and spices.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Serving: Typically served as a side or vegetarian main course.
Best Time to Eat: Perfect for summer lunches.
Regions Famous For: Coastal areas and cities with Mediterranean influence.
Average Price: 4-6 TND ($1-2).
4. Salata Mechouia (Grilled Salad)
Origin: A summer staple, originating from the coastal regions of Tunisia. It uses local produce grilled over charcoal.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes, green peppers, onions
- Olive oil
- Garlic and salt to taste
Preparation:
- Grill all vegetables until tender, then peel and chop.
- Mix with olive oil, and add spices to taste.
Serving: Served as a cold starter with bread.
Best Time to Eat: Summer lunch or dinner.
Regions Famous For: Throughout Tunisia.
Average Price: 5-7 TND ($2-3).
5. Fricassee
Origin: Inspired by French cuisine, fricassee has been adapted into a Tunisian favorite, filled with tuna, potatoes, and olives.
Ingredients:
- Small bread rolls
- Tuna, boiled potatoes, boiled eggs
- Olives, capers, and harissa
Preparation:
- Fry small rolls, slice open, and fill with ingredients.
- Add a dash of harissa for flavor.
Serving: Often served as a street food snack.
Best Time to Eat: Typically enjoyed as a snack or lunch item.
Regions Famous For: Throughout Tunisia, especially in urban areas.
Average Price: 2-3 TND ($0.75-1).
6. Ojja (أوجا)
- Origin: Tunisia.
- Characteristics: A spicy tomato and egg dish often served with merguez.
- Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 200g merguez
- 400g tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Spices (cumin, paprika).
- Preparation:
- Cook the merguez in a pan until browned.
- Add garlic and crushed tomatoes; simmer.
- Crack eggs on top and cook until set.
- Serving: Served in the cooking dish with bread on the side.
- Eating Method: Eaten with a spoon or bread.
- When to Eat: Breakfast or lunch.
- Famous Places: La Plage (Hammamet), local cafes.
- Average Price: 6-8 TND (~2-3 USD).
7. Tunisian Salad (سلطة تونسية)
- Origin: Tunisia.
- Characteristics: A fresh salad with a mix of vegetables, often served as an appetizer.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 bell pepper
- 100g olives
- Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing.
- Preparation:
- Chop all vegetables and olives.
- Toss with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Serving: Served chilled or at room temperature.
- Eating Method: Eaten with a fork.
- When to Eat: Common as an appetizer or side dish.
- Famous Places: Local restaurants throughout Tunisia.
- Average Price: 4-8 TND (~1.33-2.67 USD).
8. Malfouf Sandwich 
Description: is a popular and delicious street food sandwich made with thinly grilled meat, often wrapped in flatbread with vegetables and spicy condiments. creating a flavorful, satisfying snack that’s ideal for lunch or a quick meal.
- Meat filling:
- 200g ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon harissa (Tunisian chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable filling:
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- A few fresh mint or parsley leaves (optional)
- Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Thin flatbread or baguette
- French fries (optional)
- Harissa or mayonnaise (for additional flavor)
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat with chopped onion, harissa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the seasoned meat into small patties or strips.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the meat until browned and fully cooked.
Prepare the Sandwich:
- Warm the flatbread or lightly toast a baguette.
- Spread harissa or mayonnaise on the bread for extra flavor.
- Add a layer of cooked meat, followed by the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and mint or parsley for freshness.
- If desired, add French fries inside the sandwich for an extra crunch.
Assembly:
- Roll or fold the bread around the filling to make a wrap, or close the baguette.
- For an authentic street-food touch, lightly press the sandwich in a sandwich press or on a hot grill for a few seconds, creating a crispy, warm exterior.
- Serve the sandwich wrapped in paper or foil for an authentic street-food experience.
- Accompany it with a few extra fries and some harissa on the side.
- Famous Locations: Available from street vendors, small eateries, and sandwich shops throughout Tunisia.
- Average Price: Around 4-6 Tunisian Dinars, depending on the ingredients and location.
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