Founded by the Arabs around 670, Kairouan became a dominant trading hub and centre of Islamic scholarship in the 9th century, when Aghlabid emirs ruled Kairouan and built many of its monuments. 

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded by many Muslims as the fourth holiest site in Islam.

While the city is famous for its mosques and monuments, one should not ignore the amazing food the city has to offer. 

Kafteji [Kaf-teh-ji]

Kafteji is something of a Tunisian poor man’s food: various vegetables are fried separately and then with an oozy fried egg, chopped up together with a large knife. It’s made with butternut squash, potatoes, pepper and tomatoes. One eats it with bread or as a sandwich.

Kafteji is one of the country’s most popular and delicious street foods. It originated in Kairouan.

Every food stall, we saw in Kairouan, had kafteji sandwiches. We tried one shop that was highly praised.

كفتاجي خيري -Kafteji Khayri is a must-visit in Kairouan. It offers the best kaftejis cooked in a traditional oven. Price wise, a plate of Kafteji costs less than one pound Sterling!

They are very generous with quantities. The price includes a side of fries and traditional bread.

Kafteji Khayri is not touristy in any way, and it’s where the locals eat. If you’re looking for a cheap, delicious plate of food surrounded by the locals, it's the place to be. 

Makroudh [Mak-roudh]

Makroudh is a North-African sweet pastry filled with dates and nuts or almond paste, that has a diamond shape – the name derives from this characteristic shape. The dough is made with a combination of semolina and flour, which gives the pastry a very specific texture and flavour. It is said that it originates from Kairouan, thus, in every corner of the Madina, you’ll see a Makroudh shop. Every seller will brag how their Makroudh is the best Makroudh in Kairouan. The truth is they are all equally good.