According to Taste Atlas, Algerian cuisine is the 21st best in the world, and while I do not agree with all of their choices, this one is fairly spot on. Generally unknown compared to North African rivals such as Morocco or Tunisia, in fact Algerian fare is pretty damned unforgettable.
And what makes it so special? Well not only do they have everything that you can get in the rest of North Africa, but there are also huge influences from France and the Mediterranean. This combo creates a culinary landscape that does not fail to keep even the fussiest of eaters happy.
Click to read about Constantine.
Table of Contents
What the Algerian Cuisine?
Algerian cuisine has a rich and complex history influenced by centuries of trade, conquest, and migration. Traditional dishes often draw on Berber, Arab, and Ottoman recipes, while the French colonial period added a layer of European techniques and ingredients. Staples like couscous, tajines, and flatbreads reflect local produce, including wheat, olives, and dates, while spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and coriander add depth to meals.
Coastal regions add Mediterranean seafood, while inland areas focus on lamb, chicken, and occasionally camel. Over time, Algerians have blended these influences into a cuisine that balances freshness, bold flavors, and French-style refinement, creating meals that are both hearty and sophisticated, offering something for every palate.
Click to read about Libyan Cuisine.
Top 10 Foods You Have to Try in Algeria
There are actually so many foods to try when you visit Algeria that getting it down to 10 is quite hard. That though is our job….
Couscous
The national dish, usually steamed with vegetables and meat like lamb or chicken. Traditionally served with a rich sauce.
Chorba
A hearty soup made from tomatoes, chickpeas, and a mix of spices, commonly eaten during Ramadan.
Tajine
Slow-cooked stew that can include chicken, lamb, or fish, often combined with vegetables, olives, or preserved lemons.
Mechoui
Whole lamb roasted over an open fire, succulent and spiced, usually reserved for special occasions.
Rechta
Algerian noodles served with chicken or lamb and a light broth, often flavored with cinnamon and chickpeas.
Brik
Thin pastry stuffed with egg, tuna, or meat, then deep-fried, a crunchy and popular appetizer.
Mhadjeb
Semolina flatbread stuffed with a spicy vegetable mixture, a favorite street food snack.
Dolma
Vegetables like peppers or zucchini stuffed with rice, herbs, and occasionally minced meat.
Lham Lahlou
A sweet meat dish with prunes or apricots, usually served during celebrations.
Makroud
Semolina and date pastries, fried or baked, often soaked in honey syrup.
Top 5 Sweets in Algeria
If you got a sweet tooth then Algeria is heaven, with there being weird candy and cake shops everywhere. I’ll get to what you need to try in a bit, but I cannot move anywhere without talking about the marzipan cakes shaped like fruit. These are everywhere and will get their own article.
Marzipan Fruit
Small confections shaped like fruit, made from almond paste and sugar, ubiquitous across Algeria and visually stunning.
Ghriba
Buttery, crumbly cookies, sometimes with coconut or almonds, dusted with powdered sugar.
Kaab El Ghzal
Crescent-shaped pastries filled with almond paste, also known as Gazelle Horns.
Ftayr
Flaky pastries stuffed with dates, nuts, or sesame, served as dessert or a snack.
Mlabes
Layered nut and honey sweets, dense and rich, often served at weddings or celebrations.
Top 5 Street Food Algeria Dishes
The overall street food Algeria scene is based heavily around BBQ, which is pretty much everywhere, as well as classics like kebabs. There is though much more of a range here than next door in say Libya, or even Morocco which makes Algeria a bit of a street food gem.
Yes it will get its own article, but for now, just a top 5…
Brochettes
Grilled meat skewers, usually lamb or chicken, spiced and charred over open coals, a street staple.
Mhadjeb
Flatbread stuffed with spiced vegetables, folded and cooked on a griddle, sold at markets and street corners.
Bourek
Pastry parcels filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, deep-fried for a crunchy snack.
Mahjouba
Similar to Mhadjeb, but thinner and crispier, often eaten hot with a side of harissa.
Roasted Chicken
Whole or half chicken, marinated with spices, roasted over charcoal and served with bread.
Top 5 Drinks in Algeria
When it comes to drinking Algeria is neither Morocco, nor Libya, but instead somewhere happily in between. There are a few wines and beers made here, but the best things to try by and large are the juices, as well as dare I say camel milk!
Tamarind Juice (Tamr Hindi)
Sweet and tangy, sold at street stalls, refreshing and widely consumed.
Fresh Orange Juice
From local oranges, sweet and served in small glasses at markets or cafes.
Almond Milk
Lightly sweetened and served chilled, a traditional drink in summer.
Camel Milk
Fresh and slightly tangy, often served warm or mixed with spices.
Albrau Beer
Local beer, light in flavor, widely available in urban bars and some restaurants.
Conclusion on Algerian Cuisine
Algerian cuisine is an absolute treat for anyone visiting the country. From hearty couscous and tajines to sweet marzipan and street snacks like Mhadjeb, there is an endless array of dishes to try.
Drinks are equally diverse, from fresh juices to camel milk and local beers. The blend of Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French influences creates meals that are hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. You might not hear much about Algerian cuisine, but that is only because so few people come here.
Click to see my tours with YPT to Algeria.