Mlewi (ملوي, also known as mlawi or mléoui) is a traditional Tunisian flatbread. The bread also serves as the base for the sandwich of the same name, a typical Tunisian dish.
Mlewi is made from a simple dough that is carefully hand-kneaded, folded, and rolled several times, creating its typical layered structure. The bread is cooked on a hot griddle or pan, usually without oil or with only a minimal amount of vegetable oil. The typical shape is square, but you may also come across round mlewi bread. Its surface is usually lightly golden with fine toasted spots, which form during the cooking process on the hot griddle.
In addition to the bread itself, the term mlewi is also used to refer to a popular Tunisian sandwich. In this case, the cooked mlewi bread is filled with various ingredients.
The most common ingredients used as mlewi fillings include:
- Cheese: typically processed cheese or sliced cheese is used.
- Eggs: often freshly cracked and mixed with herbs, prepared as an omelet.
- Harissa: a spicy paste made from chili peppers, garlic, and spices, which is a very popular component in Tunisian cuisine.
- Tuna: canned tuna is one of the most common fillings for the mlewi sandwich. It is often combined with harissa, eggs, and olives.
- Vegetables: fresh vegetables usually include tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, or olives.
Before preparing the sandwich, mlewi bread is briefly reheated or toasted on a griddle to make it warm and soft. It is then filled with the selected ingredients. The finished sandwich is usually folded or rolled. It is served either wrapped in paper or on a plate.
The mlewi sandwich is one of the most popular Tunisian street foods. Due to its practicality, quick preparation, and wide range of possible fillings, mlewi is a favorite choice among locals.
Thanks to the option to combine fillings according to my taste, I like it too. One generously filled mlewi sandwich, shown in the photos above, cost me 5 TND (1.60 EUR) from a street vendor in Kairouan.
Bon appétit!
