Bambalouni (بامبالوني) is a traditional Tunisian fried dessert similar to a doughnut with a hole in the center. It is served hot and sprinkled with sugar. While it resembles American doughnuts, its texture is much softer and fluffier. Bambalouni is especially popular as a street food snack.
The preparation of bambalouni is very simple. Dough made from flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt is left to rise until it doubles in size. Once risen, it is divided into small balls, which are stretched into rings and immediately placed into hot oil using a specific circular motion. The hot bambalouni are removed from the oil, drained, and coated in sugar while still warm.
A similar dessert can also be found in nearby Morocco. Morocco has its own version of fried doughnuts called “sfenj,” which resemble bambalouni. However, sfenj tends to have a denser texture and is less sweet.
In Tunisia, bambalouni is most commonly associated with the village of Sidi Bou Said, where it is a local regional specialty. This is where I tried bambalouni myself, at a shop that has been in operation since 1932.
A freshly fried bambalouni here cost 1.500 TND (0.50 EUR) and was absolutely perfect.
Bon appétit!
