Do you love garlic? Then you will fall in love with the Tunisian dish sahfa thoum!
Sahfa thoum (صحفة ثوم) is a traditional Tunisian dish where garlic is the main ingredient. The name “sahfa thoum” can be literally translated as “a bowl of garlic.” This dish is especially popular during the colder months when it is enjoyed for the health benefits of garlic.
The preparation of the dish begins by mashing garlic into a smooth paste. Olive oil is mixed into this paste, and a soft-boiled egg is cracked into the bowl.
On top of these essential ingredients, additional toppings are added based on the customer’s preference; the most popular choices include tuna, gouda-like cheese, beef salami, pickled vegetables, olives, and salata mechouia.
Everything is then drizzled with more olive oil and topped with more garlic. And more garlic. And more. This dish is all about garlic!
Visually, sahfa thoum might not look appealing, but if you love garlic like I do, you will be thrilled. Once mixed, the result is a truly warming and nourishing dish. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and the runny egg yolk is incredibly delicious, and the additional ingredients only enhance the flavor. Sahfa thoum is most commonly served with crispy baguette (and thanks to the historical influence of France, baguettes in Tunisia are truly perfect).
I’ve already mentioned it, but I must say it again. Do you see the amount of olive oil? The amount of garlic? Sahfa thoum is the most “garlicy” dish I’ve ever eaten. And it’s amazing!
You can find sahfa thoum in Tunisia at specialized bistros, with prices starting at 5 TND (1.60 EUR) for the basic version and going up to 8 TND (2.60 EUR) for the “everything” version (which, of course, includes an entire baguette).
Do you love garlic? Would you like to try sahfa thoum?
Bon appétit!
