Traditional Tunisian Ramadan Sweets Stand Firm At Ramadan Midpoint, From Zlabia To Gazelle-Horn Pastries

As the holy month of Ramadan reaches its midpoint, demand for traditional Tunisian sweets stays high, keeping pastry shops busy from iftar until late at night. Zlabia, mkharek, makroudh and gazelle-horn pastries appear on many tables, signalling continuity of custom and shared memory.

These traditional Tunisian sweets have become part of the daily rhythm for those observing the fast, especially in urban centres. Families often buy several types at once, serving them after maghrib and again following evening prayers, usually with tea or coffee during social visits.

Zlabia is widely seen as the symbol of Tunisian Ramadan sweets, with roots stretching back centuries. Many families make buying zlabia a fixed habit after iftar each night, treating it as an essential element of Ramadan practice rather than an occasional dessert.

Mkharek shares many ingredients with zlabia but offers a different texture, which encourages varied preferences. People often choose mkharek for gatherings after Tarawih prayers, where it is served with hot drinks. These small meetings extend late into the night, reinforcing its link with Ramadan evenings.

Makroudh is considered among the oldest Tunisian pastries and is especially valued for those fasting. Many see makroudh as helpful for regaining strength after long fasting hours, so it is prepared or purchased more often in the second half of Ramadan and served during family visits.

Gazelle-horn pastries, known locally as qarn ghazal, are recognised for a delicate flavour and light texture. Hosts frequently offer them with tea or coffee when welcoming guests to Ramadan gatherings. Their refined appearance also makes them a preferred choice when presenting plates to visitors.

Beyond the calories they offer, traditional Tunisian sweets carry cultural weight for many households. Pastry shops turn into familiar meeting points where neighbours exchange news, while recipes continue to pass between generations. This connection becomes stronger after mid-Ramadan, as these sweets keep their place on tables until the final day.

With inputs from SPA