Waleed Maoed Hails Diverse Algerian Culinary Experience

A renowned Palestinian globetrotter, Waleed Maoed, recently shared a glowing account of his culinary journey through Algeria, detailing the traditional dishes and street food he experienced. In a video posted on social media, Maoed expressed his appreciation for Algerian cuisine, noting that it was one of the first aspects of the country that captivated him. Among his initial tastes was rechta, a traditional noodle dish typically served with chicken and a flavorful sauce, which he found particularly appealing.

Maoed's exploration extended to many regions, allowing him to sample various local specialties. He highlighted the iconic couscous, observing that each region offers its own distinct version, contributing to the dish's wide array of tastes. During his visit to Oran in the west, he enjoyed tajine and a local specialty soup, while in Constantine in the east, he savored chakhchoukha, a traditional dish featuring hand-crumbled thin galette pieces mixed with a rich stew.

A significant part of Maoed's culinary adventure involved Algerian street food, which he described as "very good." He sampled a variety of offerings, including karantika, a baked chickpea flour sandwich; mahjouba, a savory stuffed galette; bourek, a savory pastry often filled with meat; and square pizza. He also noted the abundance of local tacos and burgers, attributing the high quality of Algerian street food to its reliance on fresh ingredients rather than large chain establishments.

Among all his culinary discoveries, Waleed Maoed's favorite was the Algerian barbecue, known as "chwa." He recounted frequently enjoying this specialty, where customers select their desired meat to be freshly cooked, often accompanied by harissa and hmiss. For the globetrotter, who has traveled solo to over 180 countries, chwa stood out as one of the best dishes he tasted in Algeria, especially when paired with Hamoud, a local Algerian carbonated drink.