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Kaskrout Tounsi: Classic Tunisian Sandwich Recipe
Traditional Tunisian Tuna Baguette with Harissa & Potato
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The Tunisian tuna sandwich is one of Tunisia’s most recognizable street foods — bold, spicy, fresh, and packed into crisp baguettes layered with tuna, eggs, potato, vegetables, olives, and harissa.
Simple ingredients combine into something surprisingly flavorful. The creamy potato and eggs balance the heat of harissa while olives, parsley, onion, and olive oil bring brightness and richness to every bite.
Found in cafés, bakeries, beach kiosks, and street food shops throughout Tunisia, this sandwich is filling, fast, and deeply rooted in everyday Tunisian food culture.
What Is It?
A Tunisian tuna sandwich is a crusty baguette stuffed with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, potato, vegetables, olives, herbs, and harissa.
Unlike simple tuna sandwiches found elsewhere, Tunisian versions are heavily layered and often include spicy harissa as the defining flavor element.
The sandwich is commonly eaten as street food, lunch, or a quick meal and can vary slightly depending on region or vendor.
A Little History
Tuna sandwiches became widely popular in Tunisia due to the country’s strong Mediterranean fishing culture and French baguette influence.
As baguettes became integrated into Tunisian daily life, local ingredients such as harissa, olives, potatoes, and preserved flavors transformed the sandwich into something distinctly Tunisian.
Today, variations of the sandwich are sold throughout Tunisia and remain a staple of casual everyday food.
What You Need
Baguette
Potato
Eggs
Tuna
Harissa
Mayonnaise
Cucumber
TomatoO
nion
Olives
Fresh parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
The Process
The baguette is first opened and lightly dressed with olive oil and harissa to create a rich spicy base.
Layers of potato, tuna, eggs, vegetables, and olives are then packed tightly into the bread so every bite contains texture and flavor. The sandwich is gently pressed together before serving to help the ingredients meld together naturally.
Fresh parsley and olive oil finish the sandwich with brightness and richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the baguette lengthwise without cutting fully through.
- Drizzle the inside lightly with olive oil.
- Spread harissa along one side of the bread.
- Mix the harissa with mayonnaise if you prefer a milder heat.
- Layer the potato slices inside the baguette.
- Add the tuna evenly over the potatoes.
- Arrange slices of hard-boiled egg over the tuna.
- Add cucumber, tomato, and onion slices.
- Sprinkle olives and chopped parsley over the top.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Gently press the sandwich closed.
Serving
Bambalouni is best eaten fresh while still warm and crisp.
They pair perfectly with mint tea, coffee, or strong black tea.
Storing
Although they can be stored for several hours, the texture is at its best immediately after frying. Reheat briefly in the oven if needed before serving again.
Kraskrout Tounsi
Kraskrout Tounsi is a beloved Tunisian street food – a crusty baguette generously filled with tuna, hard-boiled egg, olives, potatoes, harissa, and fresh seasonal vegetables. It’s the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and comfort.
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RateServings: 2 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Baguette
- 1 medium potato boiled and sliced
- 2 eggs hardboiled
- 1 can tuna drained
- 1-2 tbsp harissa to taste
- 1 tbsp mayonaise
- 1/2 cucumber sliced
- 1 tomato sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 6-8 black/green olives pitted and halved
- stalk fresh parsley chopped
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil for drizzeling
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the baguette lengthwise but not all the way through, creating a pocket. Lightly drizzle the inside with olive oil.
- Spread the base: SmSpread the base: Smear harissa along one side of the bread (mix with a little mayonnaise if you prefer it less spicy).ear harissa along one side of the bread (mix with a little mayonnaise if you prefer it less spicy).
- Layer the fillings: Add the potato slices, tuna, egg, cucumber, tomato, and onion.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle over the olives and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Close and press: Gently press the sandwich closed so the fillings meld together. Slice into halves or quarters and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra authenticity, use local Tunisian bread rolls instead of baguette.
- Street vendors often add boiled carrots, capers, or pickled vegetables depending on the season.
- The key to Kraskrout is the balance of spice (harissa), freshness (vegetables), and comfort (potato + egg).
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 18g
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