Tunisian keto guide
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192 dishes71 keto as served114 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Tunisian cuisine offers many inherently keto-friendly components, but requires careful navigation to avoid common carb-heavy staples.
Top ingredients
Grilled lamb, beef, chicken, and fish, along with olive oil, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, are excellent keto staples.
Danger zones
Avoid couscous, bread (khobz), pasta, rice, potatoes, legumes in stews, and the pastry used in brik; confirm no added sugar in marinades or sauces, especially in some tagines or pre-made harissa.
Best for
This cuisine is best for high-protein, moderate-to-high fat, and clean keto dieters who are adept at asking for modifications or side-stepping carb-heavy components.
192 dishes · page 1 of 4
Cœur de Boeuf Grillé
Grilled Beef Heart
Lean and flavorful beef heart, often marinated simply with olive oil, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perf…
1 net2 total1 fibre60 protein38 fat600 kcal
Sardines Grillées
Grilled Sardines
Fresh sardines, simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of cumin, then grilled to perfection. …
1 net2 total1 fibre40 protein45 fat580 kcal
Djej Mchawi bel 3chab
Grilled Chicken with Herbs and Olive Oil
Tender chicken pieces (thighs or breasts) marinated simply with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fresh l…
2 net3 total1 fibre60 protein28 fat520 kcal
Kaddid Grillé
Grilled Tunisian Dried Lamb/Beef
Kaddid is a traditional Tunisian sun-dried and salted meat, typically lamb or beef. For a keto meal, it is reh…
2 net2 total0 fibre70 protein55 fat800 kcal
Mechoui (Spit-roasted Lamb)
Spit-roasted Lamb with Keto Sides (Omission of Carbs)
Slow spit-roasted lamb, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful mea…
2 net3 total1 fibre70 protein60 fat850 kcal
Djej Mchermel
Marinated Grilled Chicken
Succulent chicken pieces, often thighs or drumsticks, marinated in a vibrant, fragrant blend of crushed garlic…
3 net4 total1 fibre65 protein30 fat550 kcal
Kaddid w'3dham
Tunisian Dried Meat and Eggs
A traditional, intensely flavorful and hearty dish featuring salt-cured and sun-dried lamb (Kaddid), pan-fried…
3 net3 total0 fibre62 protein58 fat780 kcal
Lsan Bel Zeit w'Thoum
Tunisian Beef Tongue with Olive Oil & Garlic
Tender, thinly sliced beef tongue, pre-cooked until tender, then either slowly simmered or pan-seared in rich …
3 net4 total1 fibre42 protein58 fat700 kcal
Poulet Rôti (Tunisian Roast Chicken)
Tunisian Roast Chicken with Keto Sides
Whole or half chicken marinated in Tunisian spices and herbs, then roasted until tender and flavorful. Served …
3 net5 total2 fibre70 protein45 fat700 kcal
Smayn Mchawi
Grilled Quail (Tunisian Style)
Whole quail, marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic Tunisian spi…
3 net4 total1 fibre58 protein32 fat530 kcal
Broujine
Grilled Liver and Heart Skewers
Succulent skewers featuring tender pieces of marinated lamb or beef liver and heart, expertly grilled to perfe…
4 net7 total3 fibre75 protein50 fat800 kcal
Calmar Mchawi (Grilled Calamari/Squid)
Grilled Calamari/Squid with Lemon and Herbs (Keto)
Tender calamari or squid, simply grilled with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley. A …
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein30 fat450 kcal
Kibda Mchawiya
Grilled Liver (Tunisian Style)
Flavorful beef or lamb liver, often marinated simply with garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili powder, then grill…
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein32 fat480 kcal
Kibda Mchermla
Tunisian Marinated Chicken Liver
Chicken livers marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, harissa, and various spices, then…
4 net6 total2 fibre40 protein45 fat580 kcal
Kibda w'3dham
Tunisian Liver and Eggs
A hearty, protein-rich dish combining tender pieces of pan-fried lamb or beef liver, often seasoned simply wit…
4 net5 total1 fibre48 protein48 fat630 kcal
Loup de Mer en Croûte de Sel
Salt-Crusted Sea Bass with Keto Sides
A whole sea bass (Loup de Mer) baked encased in a thick crust of coarse sea salt, which gently steams the fish…
4 net7 total3 fibre60 protein35 fat600 kcal
Lsan Mchermel
Tunisian Marinated Beef Tongue
Tender beef tongue, first boiled until soft, then sliced and marinated in a robust mixture of garlic, olive oi…
4 net5 total1 fibre48 protein50 fat650 kcal
Mokli Hout (Poisson Frit Keto)
Keto Fried Fish (Tunisian Style)
Fresh whole small fish (like mullet or sea bream) or fish fillets seasoned with a blend of Tunisian spices suc…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein48 fat700 kcal
Mosli Djel (Lamb) / Djej (Chicken)
Roasted Lamb or Chicken
A whole leg of lamb or a chicken, slow-roasted with herbs and spices until tender and flavorful, often cooked …
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein65 fat900 kcal
Poisson Grillé
Grilled Fish
Fresh fish (such as sea bream, sea bass, or sardines) seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and herbs, then grill…
4 net5 total1 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
Salata Mokh
Tunisian Brain Salad with Capers and Herbs
A refreshing salad made from tender, boiled lamb or beef brain, chilled and dressed generously with olive oil,…
4 net5 total1 fibre28 protein62 fat680 kcal
Slata Khadhra
Simple Green Salad
A refreshing and straightforward Tunisian green salad, typically composed of crisp lettuce, sliced cucumber, a…
4 net8 total4 fibre3 protein25 fat250 kcal
Zitoun Makhlel (Marinated Olives)
Marinated Olives with Harissa and Spices (Keto Side)
A simple yet flavorful side dish of mixed green and black olives marinated in olive oil with harissa, garlic, …
4 net8 total4 fibre2 protein25 fat250 kcal
Gambas Grillées
Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Herbs
Succulent large prawns, marinated in olive oil, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs such as parsley or coriander,…
5 net7 total2 fibre50 protein35 fat500 kcal
Kefta Mchermla Grillée (Keto)
Tunisian Marinated Grilled Meat Patties (Keto Modified)
Ground beef or lamb patties (kefta) seasoned with fresh herbs, onions, garlic, and Tunisian spices, then marin…
5 net7 total2 fibre50 protein55 fat720 kcal
Lham Ras Mfawar
Steamed Lamb's Head with Herbs
A traditional and hearty dish featuring lamb's head, slow-steamed until incredibly tender. Often served simply…
5 net8 total3 fibre60 protein95 fat1050 kcal
Mokh Mchermel
Marinated Lamb Brains
A delicacy of tender lamb brains, marinated in a pungent and spicy chermoula sauce (garlic, cumin, coriander, …
5 net8 total3 fibre25 protein55 fat650 kcal
Salata Khadhra avec Poulet Grillé
Green Salad with Grilled Chicken
A classic, fresh green salad featuring crisp lettuce, hydrating cucumber, vibrant bell peppers, and a light ye…
5 net8 total3 fibre50 protein30 fat500 kcal
3dham bel Qarnit
Tunisian Eggs with Artichoke Hearts
A savory dish featuring eggs gently scrambled or baked with tender artichoke hearts, garlic, fresh parsley, an…
6 net9 total3 fibre32 protein42 fat520 kcal
Batinjan Maqli (Keto)
Keto Tunisian Fried Eggplant Slices
Thick slices of eggplant, lightly salted and shallow-fried in olive oil until perfectly golden brown and tende…
6 net13 total7 fibre6 protein35 fat380 kcal
Brik (Crustless Egg and Tuna Bake)
Crustless Egg and Tuna Bake (Brik Style)
The flavorful filling of a traditional Tunisian Brik, prepared without the high-carb malssouka pastry shell. I…
6 net8 total2 fibre35 protein45 fat550 kcal
Brochettes de Viande (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Grilled Meat Skewers with Keto Sides
Marinated chunks of beef, lamb, or chicken threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. A simple, flavorfu…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein45 fat650 kcal
Champignons Sautés à la Tunisienne
Tunisian Sautéed Mushrooms
Fresh button or cremini mushrooms sautéed in generous amounts of olive oil with minced garlic and fresh parsle…
6 net8 total2 fibre8 protein26 fat280 kcal
Choufleur Maqli (Keto)
Keto Tunisian Fried Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets lightly coated in a keto-friendly batter (typically almond flour and egg) and fried until …
6 net10 total4 fibre10 protein28 fat320 kcal
Harissa bi Dha
Tunisian Harissa with Poached Eggs
A simple, spicy, and satisfying dish where eggs are gently poached directly in a rich, olive oil-infused haris…
6 net10 total4 fibre22 protein45 fat500 kcal
Kefta (Tunisian Meatballs)
Tunisian Meatballs with Keto Sides
Savory Tunisian meatballs made from ground beef or lamb, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, pan-fried or ba…
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein42 fat600 kcal
Keto Lablebi Bowl (Sans Pois Chiches et Pain)
Tunisian Chickpea-Free Soup Bowl with Tuna and Egg
A deconstructed version of the traditional Tunisian Lablebi. This savory, spicy broth-based bowl features a ri…
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein40 fat600 kcal
Keto Mokh Maqli
Keto Fried Brain Fritters
Delicate and tender beef or lamb brain pieces, lightly seasoned with Tunisian spices and herbs, coated with a …
6 net10 total4 fibre40 protein65 fat750 kcal
Keto Tajine Lham (Haché)
Keto Baked Meat and Egg Casserole (Meatloaf Style)
A dense, oven-baked casserole that resembles a savory meatloaf, made with seasoned ground meat (beef or lamb),…
6 net8 total2 fibre55 protein48 fat680 kcal
Médaillons de Veau Sauce Citron et Câpres
Veal Medallions with Lemon and Caper Sauce
Tender veal medallions pan-seared to a golden finish, served in a rich, tangy sauce crafted with fresh lemon j…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Merguez Farcies (Keto)
Tunisian Stuffed Merguez Sausage (Keto Modified)
Authentic Tunisian merguez sausages, carefully split and stuffed with a savory keto-friendly filling, such as …
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein65 fat780 kcal
Merguez Grillées
Grilled Merguez Sausages
Spicy, fresh lamb or beef sausages, heavily seasoned with harissa, cumin, and garlic, then grilled until charr…
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein55 fat680 kcal
Mérou à la Harissa
Grouper with Harissa Sauce and Keto Sides
A succulent fillet of Mérou (grouper) pan-seared or baked, then served with a bold, spicy, and tangy harissa-i…
6 net9 total3 fibre55 protein35 fat580 kcal
Moules Mchermla
Tunisian Marinated Mussels
Fresh mussels steamed open, then chilled and marinated in a vibrant, zesty Tunisian sauce. The marinade typica…
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein28 fat450 kcal
Omek Houria
Keto Modified Roasted Red Pepper & Carrot Dip
A vibrant dip traditionally made with carrots, reimagined for keto by using a larger proportion of roasted red…
6 net12 total6 fibre4 protein40 fat400 kcal
Omelette Tunisienne (Tunisian Omelette with Tuna and Herbs)
Tunisian Keto Omelette with Tuna and Herbs
A thick, savory Tunisian omelette made with eggs, often mixed with canned tuna, chopped onions, parsley, and v…
6 net8 total2 fibre35 protein40 fat550 kcal
Qarnit Mchawi
Grilled Artichoke Hearts (Tunisian Style)
Fresh artichoke hearts, marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and traditional Tunisian her…
6 net11 total5 fibre9 protein28 fat310 kcal
Salatat Batinjan
Tunisian Roasted Eggplant Salad
A flavorful and robust side dish made from roasted or grilled eggplant, mashed and mixed with generous amounts…
6 net12 total6 fibre3 protein28 fat300 kcal
Tajine Jebna (Keto Modifié)
Keto Tunisian Cheese and Egg Bake
A savory Tunisian 'tajine' (more like a baked frittata or quiche) made primarily with eggs, a generous blend o…
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein75 fat980 kcal
Côtelettes d'Agneau Grillées
Grilled Lamb Chops with Keto Sides
Tender and juicy lamb chops, expertly grilled and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and Mediterranean herbs. …
7 net12 total5 fibre75 protein70 fat880 kcal
Djej Mahchi (Keto Stuffed Chicken)
Keto Stuffed Whole Chicken
A whole chicken generously stuffed with a savory, keto-friendly mixture, typically composed of seasoned ground…
7 net10 total3 fibre80 protein60 fat900 kcal
Fricassé de Crevettes (Keto)
Tunisian Shrimp Stew (Keto Modified)
Plump shrimp simmered in a vibrant and aromatic tomato-based sauce, flavored with Tunisian spices and herbs. A…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein35 fat550 kcal
Imprimée
Tunisian Eggplant and Tomato Bake with Egg
A delicious and hearty vegetarian dish featuring sautéed or baked eggplant and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic …
7 net15 total8 fibre15 protein35 fat420 kcal
Khoudra Mchawiya
Tunisian Grilled Low-Carb Vegetables
An assortment of fresh, seasonal non-starchy vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms…
7 net13 total6 fibre7 protein24 fat270 kcal
Kibda Mqalliya B'sal (Foie Poêlé aux Oignons)
Pan-Fried Beef Liver with Onions
Thinly sliced beef or lamb liver, quickly pan-fried in olive oil until perfectly tender, served with a generou…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein40 fat600 kcal
Kloub Djej B'sal (Pan-Seared Chicken Hearts with Onions)
Pan-Seared Chicken Hearts with Onions and Spices (Keto)
A savory and traditional Tunisian dish featuring tender chicken hearts pan-seared with caramelized onions, gar…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein40 fat580 kcal
Poulet aux Olives et Citron Confit
Chicken with Olives and Preserved Lemon
Tender chicken pieces, typically bone-in, braised slowly in an aromatic sauce featuring briny green olives, ta…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein48 fat650 kcal
Rouget à la Tunisienne
Tunisian-Style Red Mullet with Peppers and Tomato
Fresh red mullet (rouget) pan-fried or baked with a vibrant and piquant sauce made from sautéed bell peppers, …
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein55 fat720 kcal
Salade Nichoise style (Tunisian Tuna Salad)
Tunisian Tuna Salad (Nicoise Style, Keto)
A vibrant Tunisian-style salad featuring canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, and re…
7 net12 total5 fibre40 protein45 fat600 kcal
Tajine El Ghoula (Keto Modifié)
Keto Tunisian Spinach and Meat Bake
A robust Tunisian baked 'tajine' (casserole) featuring a base of sautéed fresh spinach and seasoned ground mea…
7 net10 total3 fibre68 protein68 fat900 kcal
Questions people ask
What can I eat at a Tunisian restaurant on keto?
Good orders that are keto as served include Cœur de Boeuf Grillé (1g net carbs), Sardines Grillées (1g net carbs), Djej Mchawi bel 3chab (2g net carbs), Kaddid Grillé (2g net carbs), Kaddid w'3dham (3g net carbs) and Lsan Bel Zeit w'Thoum (3g net carbs). Of the 192 Tunisian dishes in this guide, 71 are keto as served.
Is Tunisian food keto-friendly?
Keto Atlas rates Tunisian food "Navigable" for keto. Tunisian cuisine offers many inherently keto-friendly components, but requires careful navigation to avoid common carb-heavy staples.
What Tunisian dishes should I avoid on keto?
Avoid couscous, bread (khobz), pasta, rice, potatoes, legumes in stews, and the pastry used in brik; confirm no added sugar in marinades or sauces, especially in some tagines or pre-made harissa. Dishes to skip include Merguez au Four avec Légumes Méditerranéens (21g), Lham Felfel (20g), Salade Mechouia (20g) and Frikassé de Foies de Volaille (19g).
How do I order Tunisian food keto-style?
Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Mechoui: say "For the Mechoui, no potatoes, rice, or bread. Please serve with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables like bell peppers/zucchini, with olive oil." For Djej Mchermel: say "Please serve without rice, bread, or starchy vegetable sides. Confirm no sugary marinades or glazes are used."