What Food To Try in Tunis and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Tunis for 2025.
National currency: Tunisian Dinar, symbol — .د.ت (international currency code TND).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Tunis cafes and restaurants
$3.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.62
$19.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $11.68
$4.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.89
What to Try in Tunis
Must-try Dishes
Shakshouka - شَكْشُوكَة (poached eggs in sauce) - A vibrant dish of poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, often sharing it with crusty bread for dipping.Brik - بِريك (crispy pastry) - A thin pastry shell filled with egg, tuna, and capers, then deep-fried to a delightful crisp. You can find these at street stalls, especially during lunch, where they’re a popular quick bite.
Couscous - كُسْكُس (steamed semolina) - Steamed semolina served with spiced vegetables and a choice of meat, usually lamb or chicken. Often eaten for dinner on Fridays, it's a beloved family dish, prepared in a communal pot.
Harissa - حَرِيسَة (spicy paste) - A fiery chili paste made from ground spices and peppers, served as a condiment with various meals. Many locals enjoy mixing it into their dishes for extra kick, usually at home rather than in restaurants.
Baklava - بَقْلاوَة (layered pastry) - Layers of phyllo dough with nuts and honey, a surprising combination that’s often served alongside savory meals. Not just for dessert, it’s eaten at social gatherings, making it a traditional celebration treat.
Chorb L'ben - شوربة لبن (yogurt soup) - A warm soup featuring yogurt, rice, and mint, perfect for colder months. It’s commonly made during winter holidays, bringing families together for comforting meals.
Mechouia - مشوية (grilled salad) - A smoky salad of grilled peppers, tomatoes, and onions, typically dressed with olive oil and lemon. It’s a seasonal favorite during summer, often savored at barbecues and picnics.
Desserts & Drinks
Mint Tea - شاي بالنعناع (sweet mint tea) - A refreshing blend of green tea, fresh mint leaves, and a generous amount of sugar, served hot in small glasses. Often enjoyed throughout the day, especially during social gatherings; the pouring of the tea from a height is a sign of hospitality.Fresh Orange Juice - عصير برتقال (zesty orange juice) - Freshly squeezed oranges that provide a burst of flavor, typically served cold. It's a common sight at street stalls, especially during the hot summer months, often paired with a light pastry for a quick snack.
Malouf - معلوف (almond pastry) - Delicate pastries made with almond paste, honey, and sometimes flavored with orange blossom water, usually served at weddings and celebrations. Texturally crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’ll leave you craving more!
Baklava - بقلاوة (layered nut pastry) - Rich, flaky layers of pastry filled with chopped walnuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s a popular dessert during holidays like Eid, where sharing these treats with family and friends is part of the celebration.
Douz - دووز (chilled milkshake) - A smooth blend of milk, sugar, and a bit of rosewater, typically served cold, making it the perfect thirst-quencher on hot days. You often find it sold at local markets, enjoyed by families after meals. By the way, some locals love to add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra kick!
Food and Groceries in Tunis
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.16 |
| Bananas | $2.59 |
| Oranges | $0.9 |
| Potatoes | $0.59 |
| Apples | $1.77 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.27 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.22 |
| Imported Beer | $1.17 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.19 |
| Milk 1L | $0.51 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $10.62 |
| Chicken | $5.33 |
| Cigarettes | $3.24 |
| Rice | $0.9 |
| Local Cheese | $9.58 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through one of Tunis's bustling souks during the breakfast rush reveals a fascinating insight: locals typically begin their day with a hearty, spiced breakfast around 7:30 to 9:00 AM. The air is thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, and you’ll spot various food stalls offering delicacies like “lablabi” (chickpea soup) and “brik” (a fried pastry filled with egg and tuna). This early meal often sets the tone for the day, differing from many cities where breakfast is more casual.
Price ranges for a traditional breakfast usually sit between 5 to 10 TND, which translates to about $1.50 to $3.00. However, if you wander into cafes in the busy La Medina, expect to pay closer to 15 TND for a full breakfast platter. It’s worth mentioning that prices can differ depending on your location; for instance, eateries in the central district tend to charge a premium.
Cafés and restaurants tend to fill up around noon for lunch, with locals typically dining between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Expect to see families and coworkers gathering to enjoy communal dishes, creating a lively atmosphere filled with animated discussions. I’ve noticed that xira (small, spicy fried fish) is a popular lunchtime pick, often served with a side of “salade mechouia” (grilled vegetable salad).
When it comes to payment, many places accept both cash (TND) and card, but smaller vendors often prefer cash transactions. Interestingly, I've learned to always have small change handy since a lot of places may struggle with providing change for large bills. Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or adding an extra 1-2 TND is appreciated in most cases.
Oh, and before I forget, one common mistake made by tourists is skipping the local street food scene. It's here you’ll find some of the most authentic flavors at unbeatable prices—most dishes range from 2 to 7 TND.
As the seasons change, so does the food culture here; in the warmer months, evening meals tend to be pushed later, aligning around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM to avoid the heat. On the flip side, winter brings people indoors early, and you might find restaurants buzzing during dinner hours from about 7:00 PM onward.
For a unique dining experience, you might also want to consider making a reservation at more popular spots, particularly during the busy holiday seasons, as many locals dine out to celebrate with family. This ensures you get a table and a taste of all the cherished local dishes without the hustle of peak dining hours.
Overall, Tunis's culinary scene is a blend of rich traditions and evolving dining habits, reflecting the city's character and its people's passion for food. Whether you are enjoying a casual breakfast in the souk or savoring the complexities of a local dinner, each meal is a reminder of how food connects this vibrant community.
Price ranges for a traditional breakfast usually sit between 5 to 10 TND, which translates to about $1.50 to $3.00. However, if you wander into cafes in the busy La Medina, expect to pay closer to 15 TND for a full breakfast platter. It’s worth mentioning that prices can differ depending on your location; for instance, eateries in the central district tend to charge a premium.
Cafés and restaurants tend to fill up around noon for lunch, with locals typically dining between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Expect to see families and coworkers gathering to enjoy communal dishes, creating a lively atmosphere filled with animated discussions. I’ve noticed that xira (small, spicy fried fish) is a popular lunchtime pick, often served with a side of “salade mechouia” (grilled vegetable salad).
When it comes to payment, many places accept both cash (TND) and card, but smaller vendors often prefer cash transactions. Interestingly, I've learned to always have small change handy since a lot of places may struggle with providing change for large bills. Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or adding an extra 1-2 TND is appreciated in most cases.
Oh, and before I forget, one common mistake made by tourists is skipping the local street food scene. It's here you’ll find some of the most authentic flavors at unbeatable prices—most dishes range from 2 to 7 TND.
As the seasons change, so does the food culture here; in the warmer months, evening meals tend to be pushed later, aligning around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM to avoid the heat. On the flip side, winter brings people indoors early, and you might find restaurants buzzing during dinner hours from about 7:00 PM onward.
For a unique dining experience, you might also want to consider making a reservation at more popular spots, particularly during the busy holiday seasons, as many locals dine out to celebrate with family. This ensures you get a table and a taste of all the cherished local dishes without the hustle of peak dining hours.
Overall, Tunis's culinary scene is a blend of rich traditions and evolving dining habits, reflecting the city's character and its people's passion for food. Whether you are enjoying a casual breakfast in the souk or savoring the complexities of a local dinner, each meal is a reminder of how food connects this vibrant community.