ALL THINGS FOOD: Trip to Algeria flavored unique food experiences

I recently had a fascinating time experiencing some of the food and sights in Algeria.

Located in northern Africa, it is the largest country in Africa and filled with lots of history and delicious foods.

To travel to Algeria, one needs a visa and to get it you must have an invitation from the Algerian government. This was a bit of a complex challenge, but I like that kind of thing.

I also love visiting a country with almost no tourists. We felt very welcomed and enjoyed lovely hospitality.

Algeria is a cash economy and does not use credit cards, but prices were very reasonable. Our hotel in the capital city of Algiers was lovely and mostly frequented by Algerians.

I imagine within the next 10 years Algeria will start seeing more tourism, so this felt like an extra precious time.

We visited the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Heritage site of Tipasa outside of Algiers. This gorgeous site is more than 2,000 years old and features Roman ruins overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. We were amazed that we basically had the place to ourselves.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

During her trip, Christine Gallagher tried an Algerian version of a taco, which is shown here with fries. It was stuffed with meat and cheese, and unlike any taco she had ever had.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

Our guide, Riad, knew I am a food writer so he was helpful in finding me interesting places to eat. One of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had was in a hopping neighborhood in Algiers — perfectly cooked pasta with amazing artichokes, olives and mushrooms.

Algeria has a variety of food options. They have what they call “traditional” food, which focuses more on tagines, rice, meats and vegetables. I thought it was delicious, but it was clear the younger generation enjoyed more fast, casual foods.

On our hotel street, there were multiple restaurants advertising “American burgers” in their title and selling pizza and tacos. There are no foreign chains in Algeria, with the exception of five Pizza Hut restaurants in Algiers.

We tried pizza at one place and learned that Algerians like to eat it with mayonnaise on top, so it was served with a squeeze bottle of mayo.

We also tried their version of a taco. It was definitely unlike any taco we had ever eaten. It reminded me more of a thick tortilla stuffed with meat and cheese, then folded like a burrito and put into a panini press.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

During a recent trip to Algeria, Christine Gallagher discovered the many delicious patries available in shops. They are placed on tables or displayed in shop cases so that they look like delicious works of art.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

Throughout our trip, I was overwhelmed by the sheer multitude of STUNNING pastries everywhere! Gorgeous shops filled with various desserts lined the streets. They were absolutely delicious works of art. Even the airport had a store with a giant table laden with pastries, each costing approximately $1.45.

I loved wandering the streets of Algiers, visiting ancient Roman ruins, watching children play, meeting people and learning about their hopes and dreams.

Our guide, Riad, wanted to visit New York City someday, and he told us he learned “American English” from watching television. One of the foods he wants to try in NYC is Twinkies.

Riad noted that in movies, Twinkies are quintessentially American treats. There he was, surrounded by some of the most exquisite pastries in the world, and he wanted to eat Twinkies!

But that is one of the many things I love about exploring and learning about new cultures and peoples: seeing our commonalities and our differences and enjoying food together as a wonderful international language.

I am deeply grateful I was able to travel to Algeria and look forward to more explorations in the future.

Email Christine Gallagher at allthingsfoodchristine@gmail.com.