Djerba Food Guide: What to Eat in 2025

Introduction to Djerba Cuisine

Djerba’s cuisine reflects its Mediterranean setting and cultural diversity. Influenced by Berber, Arab, and Jewish traditions, food here is rich in spices, fresh seafood, and local produce. Dining in Djerba is both a cultural journey and a culinary adventure.

Couscous Djerbien

Couscous is Tunisia’s most famous dish, and Djerba offers its own version. Typically prepared with fish or lamb, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, Djerbian couscous is often cooked in clay pots, giving it a distinctive earthy flavor.

Brik à l’Oeuf

A popular starter in Djerba, brik is a thin pastry filled with egg, tuna, capers, or parsley, then deep fried until crispy. It’s a must-try dish that locals often enjoy during Ramadan and family gatherings.

Seafood Specialties

Surrounded by the Mediterranean, Djerba offers a wealth of seafood dishes. Grilled fish, octopus stew, and seafood couscous are among the highlights. Many restaurants in Houmt Souk and Aghir serve the catch of the day fresh from the port.

Mechoui & Grilled Meat

Meat lovers should not miss mechoui, a traditional slow-roasted lamb dish seasoned with local spices. Grilled merguez sausages and kebabs are also widely available, often paired with harissa and bread.

Local Pastries

Djerba’s sweets are legendary. Try makroudh (semolina pastry stuffed with dates and fried in honey), almond cakes, and samsa (pastry triangles filled with nuts). These pastries pair perfectly with mint tea.

Street Food in Djerba

Street vendors sell quick, delicious bites like fricassee (fried sandwich with tuna, potato, and harissa), grilled kebabs, and fresh fruit juices. Affordable and authentic, street food is part of daily life in Djerba.

Foodie Tips

• Best time to try traditional dishes: Friday markets and family restaurants.
• Pair meals with local wines or refreshing mint tea.
• Always taste the local harissa — spicy but flavorful.

FAQ

Djerbian couscous with fish or lamb is the most iconic local dish.

Yes, many dishes use harissa and spices, but spice levels can usually be adjusted.

Family-run restaurants, Houmt Souk markets, and Guellala village are great places for authentic local meals.