EAT IN ASIA / Destinations / Other destinations / Africa / Tunisia
Have an organic bread in a moonlike landscape in Tunisia
What would you say about sharing a very simple, organic bread with your friends and local people in an incredible environment? In a place that is so unusual, full of mystery and beauty? In a remote area that only slightly resembles any place on earth? Wouldn’t it be great to spend time in a moonlike area full of emptiness, open space, with no modern buildings, no cars, with no Internet connection and with no luxury? In a secluded place full of its own charm and very calm. In a place where Star Wars were created?
I am pretty sure that Sand Dunes of Sahara Desert near Ong Jemel in Tozeur, Tunisia, will make a huge impression on you. The Sahara Desert is really huge. It covers multiple countries including (at least partially) for example Algeria, Libya, Mali, Chad, Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania or Morocco.
Or maybe it would be nicer for you to spend some time in an underground Berber house? In an incredible troglodyte house of Matmata in the southern part of Tunisia?
For us, both places were magical and were full of great moments and views. We could at least partially move in time and space.
And add to that the possibility of trying an organic bread prepared according to the old recipe that was passed from one generation to another. Baked on a natural fire, it got a wonderful wood smoke smell. It was prepared with basic utensils and basic ingredients. All that was making these breads so unusually and tasting greatly. They cannot be compared to any other bread that you buy in a bakery or in any other place. Even if you choose homemade, vegan loafs and organic products, it is still not the same.
I believe that there are some tricks in baking this bread, so that it becomes so delicious and tastes so great. Apart from that, the surrounding and local people make a huge difference to what you experience. No matter whether it is close to Tozeur or in Matmata, these people are wonderful. So natural, so positive, with a lot of good energy and full of love and hospitality. No matter how little they would have, they would share it with you! They will give you all the best they have and that will be done from the depth of their heart!
A real fire baked bread in a marvelous environment full of Sand Dunes of Sahara in Ong Jemel close to Tozeur
Although both of these breads were so tasty, they were completely different. The first one we had was in a marvelous environment full of Sand Dunes of Sahara. Although the area of these dunes is enormous, we visited this great place of Ong Jemel close to Tozeur that was relatively touristic. That is due to the fact that in this area Star Wars were filmed.
The bread we had there was nicely smelling and was delicious. It was baked on fire that was additionally creating a magical atmosphere. All traditional elements - wood, ash and simple utensils played an important role in the whole experience. This bread was prepared with basic ingredients. Only flour, water and salt. Nothing more. The bread was formed manually and baked on an open fire. You could smell these delicious aromas and observe the whole process of the preparation.
Finally, after a short time, we could try it in a relaxing atmosphere and admire the sky and the sunset. This bread was served optionally with a small cup of the local tea, that was also prepared with water boiled on fire! Something that hardly ever exists in most places.
Homemade bread baked by a Berber family living in a traditional troglodyte house in Matmata in the southern part of Tunisia
Spending time with local people in their houses is always great for us (like for example the visit in an Omani home where we had a delicious coffee, fresh dates and an Omani bread - Lunch in Oman with local people in a rural area). That is when we can really chat with our hosts, learn about their way of living, experiences, believes and values. That is why, these moments spent close to Matmata were an exceptional experience. Not only the location and the design of it were incredible, but also the whole Berber atmosphere. Apart from that, the light meal we had with hosts was awesome.
The Berber family served us bread, olive oil with honey and a very refreshing tea. All of these products were organic and made by them. What is worth mentioning is the fact that although the surrounding was secluded and deprived of trees and bushes, these products were extremely flavorful! The bread was delicate, completely different from the previous one we had in Ong Jemel. It was thicker, less crunchy and more puffed. Apart from that, the bread's color was yellowish both inside and outside. The crust was slightly nicely darkened and delicate. The whole round shaped little loaf was soft and easily absorbing olive oil mixed with honey.
And that composition of olive oil and honey was something surprising for us. We have never had it before. We were usually dipping our bread either in oil or in a bowl with honey. And this time, both ingredients were mixed. Although it might sound strangely, it is really good and I highly recommend you trying it.
Not only the composition of these two ingredients was tasting great. Impressing was also their origin as both of them derived from the nearby area. The honey was made by bees owned by that family! It was delicious!
And finally, after the semi-sweet light meal, we had a great time with them. We were chatting, dancing and sipping tea prepared by them.
Such a different experience from the previous one, but so nice too! We were able to see a traditional tryglodyte accommodation located in an underground home. Thanks to that, we had a unique option of visiting and seeing all their rooms, furniture and decorations. So great moments!
Well, what to say more? You have to experience it, otherwise it would be hard for you to imagine how wonderful might it be!
Date: 2024-01-04
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
