Eating My Way Through Tunisia with Sawa Taste
If you landed on this page in search of exciting things to do in Tunisia, you have come to the right place! I recently had the pleasure of participating in an amazing culinary press trip hosted by Sawa Taste of Tunisia and funded by USAID.
Tunisia was a delightful surprise in more ways than one. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at ease—safe, welcomed, and treated with the utmost respect. As the only Black person and the only American in the group, I was curious about how I’d be received, but I quickly realized there was nothing to worry about.
And the food—oh my goodness, the food! I knew Tunisian cuisine would be good, but I never expected it to be this incredible. Every meal was a revelation, bursting with rich, bold flavors that left me craving more. I was pleasantly surprised!
A Taste of Tunisia Itinerary Highlights
- Exploring Locally Owned Businesses in Cap Bon & Nabeul
- Tunis Central Market Tour & Cooking Class
- Tunis Street Food Tour
- Oil Tasting
Day 1: A Warm Welcome in Cap Bon
We began our journey with Sawa Taste of Tunisia in the countryside of Tunisia – A beautiful rural region known as Cap Bon, about one hour outside of Tunis.
From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality was evident. Our hosts greeted us with a box of local treats, which made the hour-long drive to Cap Bon even sweeter.
We stayed on a charming farm, part of Lamia’s family estate, and it felt like visiting long-lost relatives. Lamia welcomed us with open arms, making us feel right at home. That evening, we enjoyed our first of many elaborate, authentic Tunisian dinners. Lamia prepared an incredible dinner for us—a true feast that showcased the rich, bold flavors of Tunisian cuisine. From the fresh, vibrant salads to the perfectly spiced main dishes, every bite was a perfect balance of local ingredients and culinary traditions.
This first day set the tone for the rest of the trip—filled with warmth, hospitality, and, of course, amazing food. I could tell right away that this trip wouldn’t just be about things to do in Tunisia or what to eat in Tunisia, but it was going to be a special opportunity to connect with a hidden North African gem.
Day 2: Hands-On Workshops in Nabeul
- Mlawi Bread – SAWA
- Harissa Workshop – Dar L’Harissa
- Pottery Workshop – Arceram
- Floral Water Workshop – Ezemnia
Day two was packed with hands-on activities that really connected me with Tunisian culture. From making mlawi flatbread in our host Lamia’s cozy kitchen to crafting harissa at a local workshop, every moment was an opportunity to immerse myself in the rich traditions of Tunisia. These experiences weren’t just about learning new skills—they were about engaging with the community in a way that felt genuine and deeply rewarding.
Making Mlawi
For our first morning in Cap Bon, we gathered in Lamia’s kitchen to make Mlawi Flatbread with Moufida, Lamia’s lovely neighbor. Moufida demonstrated the process of preparing and frying Mlawi and then assisted us with preparing our own. I definitely needed a bit of one on one assistance while preparing my Mlawi and Moufida was glad to help!
After cooking with Moufida, we enjoyed a full breakfast complete with our own Mlawi Flatbread as well as an assortment of cheeses and jams produced by women in Lamia’s community.
Harissa Workshop
After breakfast, we drove over to Terroirs de Tunisie where we met Imed Attig – a former history teacher who is passionate about the culinary imprint of his hometown, Nabeul. It was such an immersive experience, and I loved every minute of it.
Imed, who is also the director general of Haroun & Co (Dar L’harissa), enthusiastically introduced us to the process of making Harissa – a staple in Tunisian food culture. We experienced the handmade process as well as the machine process and unanimously decided that the handmade process was much better than the machine. It was surprisingly also faster than the machine as the Harissa needed to be passed through multiple time to get the right consistency.
We ended our activity with a tasting of different Harissa blends. I am still kicking myself for not buying the Armadoukh flavor that includes a delicious Berber season blend. I didn’t see it anywhere else during the rest our time in Tunisia.
Our time at Dar L’Harissa culminated with a delicious couscous spread for lunch that we assisted with preparing. It was an easy 10/10.
Pottery Workshop
After lunch, we ventured off to the pottery shop of Imane Hadidane. Nabeul is well known for its vibrant ceramics with intricate designs, and Imane owns one of the women-owned businesses that preserves this part of the culture.
We learned about the history and techniques behind traditional Tunisian pottery as well as the amazing support women-owned businesses have in the region.
Floral Water Workshop
While most of us are familiar with rose water, this workshop introduced us to the fragrant world of Tunisian floral waters, including geranium water, which was entirely new to me. Owned by Rania and her husband Mohammed, this workshop was another example of a local business that I was happy to visit.
The distillation process was fascinating. We saw how these delicate petals are distilled to create aromatic waters used in everything from culinary dishes to skincare. The smell of the geranium water was particularly unique. It was amazing how such a simple process could capture the essence of these beautiful flowers.
We wrapped up the day at Villa Ma-Amoura, the home of a talented vegetarian chef and artist named Jamila who had transformed her family home into a serene bed and breakfast where she host retreats.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a perfect reflection of her passion for creating not just meals, but experiences. The dinner she prepared was hands down the best vegetarian meal I’ve ever had. Each dish was a testament to the richness of Tunisian flavors, with every bite bursting with freshness and complexity.
Day 3: From Cap Bon to the Heart of Tunis
On day three, we made our way from Cap Bon to Tunis, starting with a fun little donkey ride before diving into the bustling Tunis Central Market.
This market is a sensory overload in the best way possible, with fresh produce, spices, and seafood everywhere you look. Sadri, our guide and a seasoned market shopper, led us through the maze with ease.
After gathering ingredients and sampling some food at the market, we walked over to Sadri’s restaurant, Dar Slah, where we cooked lunch together.
This was one of my favorite activities of the trip. Being welcomed into the kitchen and learning to prepare traditional Tunisian dishes was such an enriching experience. We made everything from fish couscous to the famous Tunisian pastry, brik, and then enjoyed our feast together.
Afterwards, we visited Tunisia’s oldest winery, where I tasted some incredible local wines, including a unique blue wine made with spirulina. Tunisia’s wine are pretty light with a summertime freshness.
We ended the day with a fresh seafood dinner after checking into our hotel, Dar Said, in Sidi Bou Said. We enjoyed a nightcap after dinner of almond green tea at the city’s oldest café, Cafe Nattes—talk about a perfect day!
Day 4: Tunis Street Food Tour & Oil Tasting
Our street food tour in Tunis was an absolute highlight of the trip. We started the day with a light breakfast before diving into the bustling streets of the Medina, where our guide, Emily led us through a maze of vibrant food stalls and hidden culinary gems.
The medina was alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, offering a sensory overload in the best possible way. We sampled everything from savory pastries filled with spiced meats to sweet treats that melted in our mouths.
Our guide introduced us to dishes that I never would have found on my own. The experience was more than just tasting delicious food. It was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the daily life of Tunisians.
Olive oil tasting was up next! This was a first for me! I learned that during a proper oil tasting, you actually drink the oil—a first for me! I guess I just assumed we would be dipping something in it to taste. You learn something new every day!
After a busy morning and lunch at The Resto, we returned to Sidi Bou Said to relax before our final dinner. We had our final dinner at Dar el Jeld Hotel–an elegant restaurant that perfectly encapsulated the beauty of our week.
Needless to say Tunisia has left a lasting impression on me! From the initial warm hospitality in Cap Bon to the vibrant energy of Tunis.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful country! I hope my journey inspires you to consider Tunisia for your next adventure.
Stay tuned for more travel stories, and until then, keep exploring!
