As a Czech, I enjoy tasting various beers from around the world. Tunisia is predominantly a Muslim country, which brings restrictions on alcohol consumption. Islam considers drinking alcohol a sin, so alcohol is not as readily available in Tunisia as it is in other countries.
Still, beer is officially produced and consumed in Tunisia, albeit in limited quantities and under specific conditions.
Beer in Tunisia
The most well-known Tunisian beer brands are Celtia, Stella, and Golden Brau. Celtia is the flagship of the Tunisian brewing industry. It is a pale lager with an alcohol content of about 5%. Celtia has been brewed in Tunisia since 1951. Another well-known Tunisian beer brand is Stella. However, don’t confuse it with Belgian Stella Artois, as these are entirely different beers. Golden Brau is the third most popular Tunisian beer.
Where to Buy Beer in Tunisia
The availability of alcohol in Tunisia is limited due to Islamic laws and traditions. You definitely won’t find beer in every store like you would at home. The best option for purchasing it is in larger supermarkets in major cities (such as the Monoprix chain in Tunis). These stores have special alcohol sections that are strictly separated from other goods. The selection of beers there is decent, and you’ll find all three mentioned brands as well as a few beers from international brands. These sections also offer foreign and Tunisian wines and a small selection of spirits. There is always a staff member present in the alcohol section.
Where to Have a Beer in Tunisia
Another option for trying Tunisian beer is visiting bars. In larger cities (like Tunis), you can find establishments that sell alcohol. These are usually indoor establishments, and you won’t see anyone standing outside with a drink. On the contrary, you’ll almost always see several security staff standing outside in the evening. In such establishments, drinking alcohol is often accompanied by smoking. In the evening, these places are packed, with locals stacking empty bottles on their tables (the bill is calculated based on the number of bottles), and the amount of smoke inside is extreme (public smoking is otherwise prohibited). If you decide to visit such a place in the evening, be cautious.
How Much Does Beer Cost in Tunisia?
Beer is not one of the cheapest drinks in Tunisia. In a bar, a 300 ml bottle costs about 4 – 5 TND (1.20 – 1.40 EUR), slightly less in a supermarket. At the airport in Tunis, a 0.24 l can of Celtia beer cost 1 EUR.
And how did I like Tunisian beers? Surprisingly, they were quite good. While Tunisian beers aren’t as famous as Czech or Belgian ones, they are definitely worth trying.
Cheers, and drink responsibly!
Note: The above information applies to non-tourist areas of Tunisia. In tourist resorts and nearby establishments, the availability of alcohol is different.
