Blessed by pleasant waters of the enchanting Mediterranean Sea in the north, Libya is a wonderful country in the Maghreb region in fascinating North Africa. A large area of this country is occupied by the Libyan desert and the world-famous Sahara Desert. Tripoli, which is the capital of Libya, is the largest city and home to a significant population of the country. Besides this, Libya is home to Roman and Greek remains and several spectacular ancient attractions which date back to the Ottoman era. Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts several history buffs and tourists. Incredible Red Castle Museum, spectacular Cyrene, magnificent Sabratha, and Apollonia Port are some of the popular attractions in Libya that greets plethora of tourists every year. Besides this, the scrumptious traditional food of Libya is yet another reason for its increasing tourism. Learning about various traditional delicacies here and trying them when exploring the country can make your trip memorable. Find some of the top 10 savory traditional foods in Libya below.
1. Asida (flour pudding)
One of the most famous Libyan traditional food preparations is Asida. It is prepared by using a cooked lump of dough of wheat flour, honey, and butter is then added to it. When touring through Libya, you may also find it served with molten sheep ghee or a rub, which is usually date syrup. The traditional manner to eat Libyan Asida is by using your right hand’s index and middle finger. Asida is often served during traditional ceremonies and religious holidays.
2. Couscous (semolina)
Couscous is the most common and incredibly popular traditional Libyan cuisine. It is also well-known as a Maghrebi dish. This well-known North African delicacy is made using semolina. Some also regard Couscous as the national dish of Libya. To prepare it, small balls of crushed durum wheat semolina is steamed and served to eat with a stew. It’s the staple food of the country. It is one of the prominent delicacies served during big ceremonies and weddings. So, make sure you taste it during your trip to Libya.
3. Shakshouka (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce)
Shakshouka is not just a traditional food of Libya but is also a quintessential meal of the country. It’s is prepared by using eggs which are poached in a sauce of chili pepper, tomatoes, and onions, and nutmeg, cumin, cayenne pepper, and paprika are used to spice it. Aged mutton or lamb jerky is used as its meat base. It is relished in Libya as a traditional breakfast delicacy. It is usually served in a cast iron pan.
4. Shorba (soup)
Are you looking forward to tasting the traditional soup of Libya? If yes, make sure you order shorba when traveling here. This cuisine is known to originate from the shores of Tripoli. It’s a vegetable and lamb soup served with tomato paste and mint. It also contains chickpeas, onion, spices, such as turmeric, chili powder, and coriander, and salt. Once it’s ready dried mint is stirred in, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is added and served. Dried mint imparts an exotic flavor to it.
5. Tajine (stew or casserole)
Another traditional delicacy of Libya is Tajine, which is also popular as Marag or Marga. This Maghrebi cuisine is named Tajine after the peculiar earthen pot which is used to cook it. It originated in Libya. In Libya, this traditional delicacy is prepared using spiced lamb with fresh tomato and paprika sauce. The other ingredients added are spring onions, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, carrots, coriander leaves, hilba (fenugreek paste), butter, and salt. Once prepared, it is garnished with olives and lemon juice. It’s served with rice pilaf, bread, or spaghetti.
6. Ghoriba (cookie)
Do you wish to taste traditional cookies when touring through Libya? If so, you should definitely try Ghoriba, which is also pronounced as Ghyrauba at times. It is a shortbread, round cookie which is prepared by using flour, butter, sugar, and, most often, almonds. You may also find it prepared by using walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, and other ingredients in different regions of North Africa. This savory cookie is often served with Maghrebi mint tea or Arabic coffee.
7. Kunafa (dessert)
Are you fond of desserts? Then, you simply can’t miss relishing this lip-smacking traditional dessert when spending your vacations in Libya. Kunafa is a popular traditional dessert in this country and Arabia. It is prepared by using thin noodle-resembling pastry or dough of fine semolina soaked in a sweet syrup. It is usually layered with cheese or nuts, clotted cream, and other similar ingredients, You may love devouring it when topped with almonds, rose water, and pistachios.
8. Filfel Chuma (hot pepper paste)
If you are fond of sauces and wish to taste a blend of spicy, sweet, and pungent flavor, you should go for Filfel Chuma when in Libya. It originates from the Libyan cuisine and is also well-known as ‘maseer’ in the country. Filfel Chuma is a delicious hot sauce which is prepared from crushed garlic and powdered sweet and hot peppers. It’s a traditional chili sauce of Libyan Jewish cuisine. Make your meals in Libya more delicious by adding this tasty sauce to it.
9. Magrood (traditional sweet)
Are you craving to taste a traditional Libyan sweet when exploring this North African country? Then you should go for Magrood. Magrood is a popular Libyan traditional sweet which comprises of semolina, dates, syrup, and honey. This delicate cookie is prepared by using semolina which is filled with dates and then soaked in honey and syrup. It is garnished with sesame seeds, which are sprinkled on it. It melts as soon as you put it in your mouth. Magrood is a perfect snack or sweet to enjoy with a hot cup of tea.
10. Bureek (pastry)
If you are fond of eating pastries, don’t miss eating Bureek during your excursion in Libya. This traditional Libyan delicacy is prepared by keeping a savory filling on a piece of dough which is then folded, sealed properly and baked well or fried. Scrumptious pastry fillings usually include vegetables, herbs, meat, or cheese. These mouthwatering pastries are often devoured as a portable meal, during breakfast, or as a dessert.
Experience authentic appetizing delights when in Libya
All these traditional Libyan delicacies will not only satisfy your appetite but will also please your taste buds. So, make sure you enjoy eating these scrumptious traditional foods in Libya during your holidays.