Makloub is one of Tunisia’s most popular modern street foods — a hot grilled sandwich stuffed with spicy meat, vegetables, cheese, and harissa folded inside soft flatbread.

Crisp on the outside and rich inside, makloub combines North African flavors with influences from Mediterranean grilled sandwiches and panini culture. The bread becomes golden and toasted while the cheese melts into the seasoned meat and vegetables.

Served from street-food shops, cafés, and late-night takeaway counters across Tunisia, makloub is filling, spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

What Is It?

Makloub is a Tunisian grilled flatbread sandwich traditionally made with mlewi, tabouna, or pita-style bread stuffed with meat, vegetables, harissa, and cheese.

The sandwich is folded or sealed before being grilled until crisp outside and melted inside.

Chicken and merguez sausage are among the most common fillings, though tuna, turkey, kebab meat, and mixed vegetables are also popular.

A Little History

Makloub became widely popular in Tunisia during the rise of modern sandwich shops and fast-casual street food culture.

While rooted in traditional Tunisian flavors like harissa and flatbread, the sandwich also reflects Mediterranean and European influences through melted cheese and pressed grilling techniques.

Today, makloub is especially popular as quick street food, evening takeaway, and casual comfort food throughout Tunisia.