Algerian Street Food Guide

Algeria's street food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, aromas, and textures that reflect the country's rich culinary heritage. From savory pastries to sweet treats, here's your guide to the must-try street foods of Algeria.

Karantika

This chickpea-based dish is a staple of Algerian street food. Similar to a thick pancake, karantika is seasoned with cumin and served hot, often topped with a sprinkle of cumin and a drizzle of olive oil.

Bourek

These crispy pastry rolls are filled with a variety of ingredients, including minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. The thin dough is rolled around the filling, then fried until golden and crispy.

Mahjouba

A popular Algerian crepe made from semolina dough and filled with a spicy tomato and onion mixture. It's folded into a rectangular shape and cooked on a hot griddle until the outside is crispy and the inside is tender.

Garantita

Another chickpea-based dish, garantita is similar to karantika but with a slightly different texture and preparation method. It's often served in small paper cones with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Sfenj

These Algerian doughnuts are a popular breakfast item and afternoon snack. Made from a simple yeast dough, sfenj are deep-fried until golden and can be enjoyed plain or dusted with sugar.