When you’re busy with work and life, it’s really easy to fall back on the same boring recipes you always throw together for dinner.  That’s why one of the best, most anticipated things about traveling is being able to get out of your normal routine and sample different types of food. If you’re planning a holiday to Tunisia, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Tunisia, the smallest country on the North African coast, draws culinary influences from many sources. Because Tunisia has suffered under many different colonial rulers over the past centuries, the food mixes elements of French, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with native North African flavours.

Tunisian cooking tends to be spicy, but not all dishes tend this way – one of the most famous dishes to come from Tunisia is couscous. Mixed with peppers, chickpeas, potatoes and meat, couscous is a hearty dinner that can be mild enough for even the faintest of heart. Lamb is a common meat found in many Tunisian dishes, but you can also get
your couscous with fish or chicken.

The capital city of Tunis is bustling with delicious restaurants. Along the narrow streets of the Medina, Dar Bel Hadj offers traditional Tunisian fare like brochettes du mérou (a type of fish kebab) and mixed platters. Many restaurants in Tunis are housed in beautifully grand 18th century mansions, like Dar el-Jeld where you can sample the best Tunisian cuisine while dining in a lovely covered outdoor courtyard.

Tunisia makes the most of its coastline by using fish in much of the cooking. Sea bass and red mullet are the most common fish and are traditionally served freshly caught and grilled, with the whole fish on the plate, sprinkled with lemon juice, salt and pepper. The simplicity allows the flavour of the fresh and local fish to shine.

All great meals finish with dessert, and a discerning diner in Tunisia will find honey-nut baklava or date-filled Makroudh to satisfy their sweet tooth. Segni and Patisserie Rabaoui Kairouan are especially popular Tunisian bakeries, though there are also countless street carts with unbeatable dessert prices.

With such a diverse palate, a Tunisian holiday offers unique dining experiences to those who seek them out. Go with an open mind and a willingness to try everything and you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of flavours.