FOOD
Tunisian food is a blend of Mediterranean and desert dwellers’ cooking traditions. The food is primarily based on olive oil, spices, tomatoes, seafood and meat (mostly lamb). Tunisian food is quite spicy on account of the addition of harissa to many dishes. This popular condiment is a hot red pepper sauce made of red chilli peppers and garlic flavoured with coriander, cumin, olive oil and tomatoes.
Couscous is the national dish of Tunisia, and can be prepared in many ways. The dish is served as a mound of couscous with a layer of vegetables and meat (or fish) on top, and a drizzle of sauce. Preferred meats include lamb and chicken, but regional varieties include red snapper, grouper, hare or quail.
Mint tea is the most popular beverage in Tunisia. The tea is strong and gives off a strong minty smell. It is usually served in small glasses. |
Other traditional dishes include: Brik (a fried dough stuffed with tuna and egg), tajin (like a quiche), shorba (soup), marqa (stews), rishta (pastas), samsa (a popular pastry, kifta (ground meat), kaak (pastries), merguez (spicy lamb sausages), and Shakshouka (ratatouille). A popular seafood speciality is the ‘poisson complet’ where a whole fish is prepared and fire grilled and accompanied by fried potatoes.
Salads and oven baked bread traditionally accompany meals. Desserts can include fruit, Asida (a sweet gruel pudding), Baklawa (layers of thin pastry inter-spread with ground nuts and honey), and Bambaloni (fried sweet donut-like cake with sugar). Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions.
Sweet or colorful dishes symbolize religious holidays, usually eaten with couscous. For weddings and other happy occasions, sweets are added to the couscous. Animals are slaughtered for religious gatherings, and the meat is shared among the participants as a way of symbolizing the togetherness. |
Table manners
- Food is traditionally served at a knee-high round table but this has now changed to match the European habits of table and chairs. - A washing basin will be brought to the table before the meal is served. Hold your hands over the basin while water is poured over them. - Males and females may often eat separately: men first and then women. - Do not begin eating until the host blesses the food or begins to eat. - Food is served from a communal bowl. - Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other side. - Although most people now use forks and knives, traditionally food is eaten by hand. If you are ever at such a home, use your hands to scoop the food with the first two fingers of the right hand. |