Makroudh is the sweet most associated with Kairouan. Diamond-shaped pastries of semolina dough are filled with date paste, fried, then soaked in honey or syrup. Locals buy boxes of it as a gift, and it is a staple at celebrations, including Eid and the Mawlid.

Where and how to buy

  • Look for the pastry shops around the medina and on the main roads into town, where it is made fresh every day.
  • Choose pieces that are golden, not greasy, with a soft date centre.
  • Boxes keep well for a few days, so makroudh makes an easy souvenir.

Tips

  • Pair it with mint tea or coffee.
  • Ask for a taste before buying a large box; prices are normally per kilo.
  • Makroudh is traditionally made without alcohol; ask if you have allergies (gluten, nuts).

Draft content: verify hours, prices and figures before publishing.