Is Tunisian Food Safe? A Taste That Heals

Tunisian Food: A Taste That Heals

Should you eat Tunisian street food? Is it dangerous? Of course, there is always a risk eating out, but what about Tunisia? For this blog, we sat down with Paul Beeman (aka Am Paul) an expat living in Tunisia to get his scoop on Tunisian food safety.

"Am Paul:

The diet here is naturally designed to make you feel good. It’s not about counting calories; it’s about fresh ingredients that heal the body. Let's break down why eating in Tunisia is a game-changer for your health.

Liquid Gold: Tunisian Olive Oil

First off, we have to talk about the star of the show: Olive Oil. It is absolutely one of the main staples in Tunisia. We don't just cook with it; we basically live on it! And that’s a very good thing. Tunisian olive oil is incredibly healthy and is famous for being packed with polyphenols (antioxidants). It’s amazing for your cholesterol and overall heart health.

There are actual scientific studies showing that the specific varieties of olives we grow here (like the Chetoui olive) are some of the most antioxidant-rich in the world. It’s basically a shield for your heart.

The Science: Therapeutic Properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (MDPI Study)

Fresh from the Sea

Another huge part of our healthy diet is fish. We eat a lot of fish here—sardines, sea bream, tuna—fresh from the Mediterranean. Just like our olive oil, this staple is wonderful for keeping the heart strong. It’s loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart function. When you eat a grilled fish in Tunisia, you aren't just having a meal; you're fueling your body.

Learn more: Health Benefits of Oily Fish and Omega-3s (PubMed)

Organic and seasonal!

Hang around in Tunisia long enough and you'll start realizing that farm fresh food goes bad quickly and that there is only a select variety of fruit and veg at the local market. This is because Tunisian produce is not treated with the same harsh chemicals as in other countries. Much of it's natural flora is still on the skins. For better or worse. (make sure you wash your produce well).

As for the limited supply? Tunisians eat fresh and seasonal. Here, its just not natural (or healthy) to eat a fruit or vegetable growing out of season.

Learn more: Health Benefits of Oily Fish and Omega-3s (PubMed)

Safety First: You Can Eat with Comfort

Most importantly, I want to emphasize food safety in Tunisia. I know this concerns travelers sometimes, but honestly, I have never gotten sick at any restaurant in Tunisia. Whether you are eating out or having food at a home, it is clean.

Tunisians are very sanitation conscious. We have strict hygiene protocols, especially in the tourism sector. You can take comfort in the cleanliness of the food you are eating. We do need to be a little careful with the tap water—I personally drink filtered or bottled water just to be sure—but when it comes to the food itself? Dig in and enjoy worry-free.

Fact Check: Tunisia’s Official Health & Safety Protocols for Tourism

Want to see more of my food adventures?

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Am_Paul

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampaul_tn