Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport

Monastir's Habib Bourguiba International Airport isn't going to win any awards for culinary ambition, but it offers a handful of genuinely satisfying options that lean into Tunisia's flavorful pantry. The main departure hall houses a modest food court where you'll find freshly made sandwiches stuffed with tuna, harissa, and olives — the quintessential Tunisian casse-croûte that locals grab for breakfast or a quick lunch. A sit-down café near the departure gates serves decent espresso alongside warm brik, the flaky pastry filled with egg and parsley that is practically a national obsession.

For something more substantial before a flight, the airport's sit-down restaurant offers a rotating menu that typically features Tunisian staples like couscous with lamb, chorba soup thick with chickpeas and tomato, and grilled fish that reflects the city's close relationship with the Mediterranean. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable by European airport standards, making it worth arriving with a little extra time to sit down and eat properly. The staff are warm and used to international travelers, so don't be shy about asking what came in fresh that day.

Sweet tooths will appreciate the pastry counter stocking makroudh, the semolina and date pastry from nearby Kairouan that travels beautifully as an edible souvenir. Packaged Tunisian dates, local olive oil, and harissa in sealed jars are sold alongside snacks at the retail kiosks, doubling as both a last-minute gift and a final taste of the country. It's airport food, yes, but it's airport food with a distinctly Tunisian personality — and that counts for quite a lot.