Sharing Meals in Tunisia

Sharing Meals in Tunisia

Back home in Canada, I often find myself dining alone, but during my small group trip to North Africa, I discovered a new sense of connection through shared meals. The warm welcome from Taoufik as he invited our group into his home in Matmata, where Amazigh families live in traditional underground houses, made me feel like part of a family.

As we all shared baskets of fresh bread and the finest olive oil I’ve ever tasted, I felt a closeness with my travel companions, who quickly became cherished friends.

Life in the Modern City

In Toronto, with its busy lifestyle, dining alone has become my norm. This has placed me squarely in the growing trend of solo dining in North America, where many choose to eat at their desks or in front of screens rather than together. Listening to happiness podcasts, I know that this isn’t a healthy habit. Research shows that shared meals can lift our spirits and reduce depression.

It doesn’t take a lot of reading to realize that my life has become lonelier as in-person gatherings have dwindled. I no longer go out to restaurants with friends regularly; those outings are now reserved for special occasions. Transitioning to remote work has also taken away my daily interactions with colleagues during lunch breaks.

Culinary Discoveries in Tunisia

When I met Taoufik, I had been traveling with the Intrepid group in Tunisia for almost a week. During that time, I enjoyed most of my meals together with the group, and I didn’t even realize that dining with these strangers had become one of the highlights of my trip. From bowls of lablabi – a chickpea soup – to sweet bites of makroudh, each meal was filled with laughter and connection.

These shared experiences made it easy for everyone to try new foods and created a joyful atmosphere as we searched for our favorite dishes in Tunisia. For me, brik stole my heart – a crispy thin pastry filled with egg and spices.

Food as a Language of Love

The phrase “breaking bread” has religious roots, but the concept of food fostering connection transcends any single culture. It reflects how we welcome guests into our homes and celebrate significant events. In fact, the term “companion” comes from the Latin word meaning “to eat together.”

While I cherish my memories of solo dining, there’s something profoundly missing from those trips – the playful banter, the joyous laughter while reminiscing over special dishes. Especially the bond that can only be felt when gathered around a table with friends, sharing glasses of wine or plates of cheese.

Memorable Moments in Tunisia

During my trip to Tunisia, I experienced those moments every day. We shared drinks and deep conversations, from intimate stories to fun games. The dinners were extraordinary, from baking on the sands of the Sahara to enjoying local wine alongside traditional dishes in Gammarth.

I can’t forget the small moments, like showing interest in each other’s preferences or simply inviting one another to try delicious foods. Family-style meals featuring couscous, carrot salad, or ojja passed around the table felt so warm, reminding me of family dinners back home in Canada.

Learning from Every Meal

In North America, when it comes to dining, the focus is often solely on the food. But in Tunisia, I realized that who you eat with matters even more. I’m not a scientist or a doctor, but I can confidently say that my happiness quotient increased with every shared meal on this journey. That’s a lesson I will carry with me for a lifetime.