Authentic Tunisian Kafteji: The Famous Traditional Dish of Kairouan
How Kairouan Turned Kafteji Into One of Tunisia’s Most Iconic and Beloved Foods.
Tunisian kafteji is one of the country’s most cherished traditional dishes, and nowhere is it more iconic than in Kairouan, the historic city where this humble yet flavorful meal has become a culinary symbol. Known for its deep-rooted food traditions, Kairouan elevated kafteji from a simple fried-vegetable dish into a celebrated expression of Tunisian identity.
At its heart, kafteji is a rich mix of fried vegetables, typically including pumpkin, potatoes, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and sometimes eggplant. These ingredients are fried separately, then finely chopped together using the traditional mahraz (mortar and pestle), which gives the dish its signature texture and helps blend the flavors harmoniously.
What distinguishes Kairouan-style kafteji is its bold seasoning and generous finishing touches. The mixture is enriched with olive oil, harissa, cumin, and coriander, then topped with fried eggs, tuna, olives, capers, and occasionally lamb liver or merguez. The result is a deeply satisfying dish that balances spice, richness, and freshness.
Kafteji in Kairouan is more than just food—it is a social ritual. Locals often gather at small neighborhood eateries where the dish is prepared fresh and served either on a plate or inside a crusty Tunisian baguette, known as kaskrout kafteji. It is equally popular as a hearty breakfast, a lunch meal, or a late-night comfort food.
Despite its simplicity, kafteji reflects Tunisia’s culinary philosophy: maximizing flavor through technique rather than complexity. The use of seasonal vegetables, traditional spices, and high-quality olive oil showcases the agricultural richness of central Tunisia and the culinary wisdom passed down through generations.
Today, kafteji remains a proud emblem of Kairouan’s food culture. Whether enjoyed by locals or discovered by visitors, this iconic dish tells a story of heritage, resilience, and creativity—one that continues to define Tunisian cuisine at its most authentic.
