When you think of Ramadan in Tunis, the first thing that might come to mind is the idea that food is scarce. After all, the whole country is fasting during daylight hours. But the truth is, there’s more food around than you might expect—if you know where to look.
Ramadan in Tunis is a special time for both locals and visitors, but eating during this month does require a bit of respect and a different approach.
Ramadan and Food: A Quick Overview
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, during which practicing Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. This means no food or drink passes the lips until after Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. It’s not just a physical fast but a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and community.
For visitors, this can make finding a meal during the day seem a little tricky, especially when most businesses and restaurants are closed during daylight hours. However, there are still plenty of places where you can get a bite, and you just need to know where to go and what the customs are. Most importantly, be respectful—eating or drinking in public while others are fasting can be seen as inconsiderate.
Ordering In: The Hotel Receptionist’s Offer
Our receptionist at the hotel offered to order food for me from a delivery app with there actually being quite a lot of variety available. Think fast food and quick food, but regardless theres a lot of people still cooking and indeed eating at this time.
That said, if you’re using delivery services like Bolt or local apps, make sure to tip your delivery driver generously. They’re working during fasting hours, which is no easy feat. So, yeah, don’t be a dick….
Where to Eat During Ramadan in Tunis: The Backstreets of the City
When I told the receptionist I had eaten she asked me “where did you find open”, I had to reply “kinda everywhere”, well not everywhere, but certainly on the backstreets and away from the main drags in Tunis.
The trick is to look for places with crude curtains, sometimes even newspapers taped to windows. It might seem like you’ve stumbled into a dodgy alley, but this is where the locals go to break their fast. These establishments keep things low-key, away from the prying eyes of those observing the fast. You’ll find smaller, more intimate places where people eat simple food such as sandwiches, stews, and the occasional fried snack.
Now, eating in these backstreet spots isn’t glamorous. I personally found a half-assed French sandwich in a smoky, rundown place filled with fellow “fast-breakers.” It wasn’t the cleanest of settings, but I found the whole thing alarmingly gangster and law breaker link.
Can You Drink During Ramadan in Tunis?
Yes, Tunis is a country where alcohol is legal, but during Ramadan, it’s another story. Drinking alcohol during fasting hours is considered haram, and most local bars will be closed. This leaves the bars in international hotels as your best bet for a drink. These spots cater to tourists and expats, so they’re a little more lenient when it comes to serving alcohol. But be prepared: the prices will be steep. A vodka soda at a hotel bar can set you back around $10 or more.
I personally could not justify this, even after 7 days of drink celibacy inspired by my Dubai and Libya excursions. My own fast breaking would have to wait until a bottle of duty-free Absolut in Marrakech….
Conclusion: Ramadan in Tunis
To sum it up, while eating during Ramadan in Tunis requires a bit of planning and respect, it’s by no means impossible. There are plenty of places to get food, from backstreet eateries to delivery services. Just be sure to tip well, respect the locals who are fasting, and understand that while alcohol might be available, it’s not the easiest thing to find. But, if you really wanna chow down then inshallah…..
So, next time someone tells you that you can’t eat during Ramadan in Tunis, you can confidently tell them: “Not true!”