Today I am sharing an absolutely lip smacking street food from Tunisia .Fried Plantain (Tunisian Style) is a very popular from this African Nation. It takes just 20 minutes to put this together and serve.I can’t wait to try popular Vegetarian street foods from all over the world. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crispy street food, you’re going to love this Tunisian Style fried plantain recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious snack or side dish that’s bursting with taste and texture. The use of za’atar spice and dried red chilli powder gives this dish a unique twist that sets it apart from the usual sweet or savory versions.
Some Popular Street Foods from Africa:
There are many countries in African Continent. Each country has a unique taste and culture. We are spoiled for choices.Street Food is mostly sold by the locals.African street food is not only delicious and spicy, but it is rich in history and diversity, dating back to ancient times. The more you explore about this culture the more you learn. Their culture is very unique and interesting. Some cultures and food are influenced by the settlement of immigrants.Now they are well settled for generations.List of some popular street food from Africa:
- Boboti from South Africa
- Poulet Yassa from Senegal
- Fried Mopani Worms from Zimbabwe
- Boerie Roll from South Africa
- Kachi Keri from Kenya
- Kelewele from Ghana
- Bessara from Morocco
- Suya from Nigeria
- Bunny Chow from South Africa
- Mofo Gasy from Madagascar
- Chebakia from Morocco
- Rolex from Uganda
- Ethiopian Coffee from Ethiopia
- Fried Plantain (Tunisian Style)
- The list goes on ……………………………
About Fried Plantains (Tunisian Style)
Fried plantains are a beloved street food across many African, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures — but this Tunisian-inspired version adds an exciting North African twist. By blending the sweetness of ripe plantains with the earthy complexity of za’atar and the kick of dried red chillies, this dish becomes a flavor-packed fusion that’s both comforting and bold.
In Tunisia, spices are everything. From the bustling souks of Tunis to coastal family kitchens, you’ll find spice blends like za’atar, harissa, and cumin forming the backbone of everyday cooking. In this recipe, za’atar — a fragrant mix typically made with wild thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and other herbs — adds a herby, tangy edge that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of plantains.
Though plantains aren’t native to North Africa, global trade routes and regional influence have brought them into modern African cooking — especially in fusion recipes or contemporary street food scenes. This dish is a celebration of that culinary crossover — where tropical ingredients meet bold North African spices.
What Makes This Fried Plantain (Tunisian Style) recipe more Special?
- Quick & Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Vibrant Flavor: The sweet-savory-spicy combination makes this dish an instant hit for anyone who loves bold flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a snack, a side dish, or even as part of a meze-style platter with dips and flatbreads.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: Great for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor.
Flavor Profile
- Sweet from the ripe plantains
- Savory & herby from the za’atar
- Smoky heat from the roasted red chillies
- Crunchy outside, soft inside thanks to deep frying
FRIED PLANTAIN (TUNISIAN STYLE)
Equipment
- 1 Heavy Bottom Pan
- 1 Blender
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Nos Ripe but firm plantains (Pisang Raja variety recommended)
- Salt to Taste
- 2 Nos Dried red chili
- 1 Tbsp Za’atar spice
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
1.Prep the Plantains
- Start by peeling the plantains and slicing them into thick rounds. Make sure they're ripe but still firm — this helps them hold their shape while frying.
2.Make the Chilli Powder
- Dry roast the red chillies in a pan until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder. This adds a wonderful smoky heat to the dish.
3.Fry the Plantains
- Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the plantain slices in and deep-fry until they turn golden brown and crisp on all sides. Be careful not to let them burn.
4.Drain and Season
- Remove the fried slices and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the salt, za’atar spice, and chilli powder. Toss the warm plantains in this mixture until evenly coated.
5.Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish. They're best enjoyed fresh and crispy!
Notes
Tips & Notes
- For best results, use the Pisang Raja variety of plantains, known for its rich flavor and firm texture.
- Adjust the amount of chilli powder based on your spice preference.
- These pair beautifully with a mint yogurt dip or as a side to grilled Vegetables.
Pin it Later:
If you try my recipe and love it , then please share some pictures of your dish with me. Kindly rate the recipe below, and give your valuable feedback in the comment section.
Don’t forget to tag me with the pictures on my social media handles.Do follow my blog and Social media handles on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and Pinterest to get an update on the latest recipes.The more you share the more I will Smile. Thank you for your encouragement and support.
Fried Plantain is quite new to me, this looks a delectable snack. Addition of zataar spice must have given a wonderful taste to it.
That zatar n chilly kick to this street food must be another level of food ! Amazing share and so many many street foods for us to choose from ❤️
Fried Plantain Tunisian Style looks so tempting. What an easy snack to prepare and tasty sounding with the chilis and za’atar. Street food world over tends to be so yummy.
Tunisian style fried plantains looks so tempting and my that topping is so droolicious! We get plantains often, i m definitely trying this punchy snack!!
Fried Plantain Tunisian Style seems a quick easy and flavorful snack and street food recipe. Dry roasting of red chilies gives a nice smoky and fiery flavor to the plantain. The spices are so much similar to Middle eastern flavors such as the use of zaatar and use of sumac.
I love how the balance of starch to fibres in Pisang raja. I will certainly try this recipe when I get the sugar bananas here.
Fried Plantain Tunisian Style sounds delicious and quick, and flavourful. Love zaatar so this is one delicious snack that I am making.
Tunisian style plantains is what I will be making for a friend’s get together tomoro. Really loved how you have roasted the chillies to give a smoky after taste.
This Tunisian style plantain looks addictive. The za’atar and red chilli powder soud delicious in this quick recipe. I am bookmarking it to try.