Tunisian Shopping Guide: Most Popular Items

Traditional Handicrafts

Pottery and Ceramics: Colorful plates, bowls, and decorative items from Nabeul and Sejnane. Sejnane pottery is UNESCO-recognized for its traditional crafting methods.
Carpets and Rugs: Hand-woven Berber carpets (Mergoum) featuring geometric patterns and bright colors. Kairouan is famous for its high-quality carpet production.
Chechias: Traditional wool caps that are part of the Tunisian national costume. The red chechia is particularly iconic and is still crafted using centuries-old techniques in the medina of Tunis.
Olive Wood Products: Kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and decorative items made from Tunisia's abundant olive trees.

Olive Oil: Premium extra virgin olive oil produced across Tunisia, often packaged in decorative ceramic bottles.
Harissa: The famous spicy chili paste that is a staple in Tunisian cuisine. In spice shops you can find homemade harissa. Nabeul is considered the Harissa Capital of the world.
Dates: Premium Deglet Nour dates ("fingers of light") from southern Tunisia, known for their honey-like sweetness and translucent appearance.
Tabil and Spice Mixes: Unique Tunisian spice blends used in local cooking, typically containing coriander, caraway, garlic, and chili.

Fouta: Traditional lightweight cotton towels used as beach towels, tablecloths, or shawls, featuring colorful stripes.
Burnous: Traditional hooded cloaks made of wool, often worn during celebrations and special occasions.
Leather Goods: Handcrafted bags, shoes, and wallets, particularly from the tanneries of Tunis medina.
Embroidery: Delicate hand-embroidered textiles, particularly from cities like Monastir and Mahdia.

Wrought Iron: Decorative lanterns, candleholders, and furniture featuring intricate metalwork designs.
Mosaic Items: Mirrors, tables, and decorative pieces featuring traditional geometric patterns.
Essences: Rose water, orange blossom water, and jasmine essences used in cooking and beauty routines.