Tunisia’s rich culinary traditions are being celebrated in homes across America through the popular PBS show Sara’s Weeknight Meals. The fast-paced, half-hour program, hosted by chef Sara Moulton, helps viewers create quick, flavorful meals while also highlighting the cultural stories behind the food. As part of ongoing efforts to boost Tunisia’s tourism and promote local businesses, USAID, through its Visit Tunisia project, facilitated the production, working closely with the show to bring these authentic experiences to life. The show explores iconic dishes and the cultural treasures of Tunisia, from the mint tea of Sidi Bou Said to the spice of Tunisian harissa. The show puts Tunisia on the map as a destination for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers, encouraging more visitors to discover Tunisia’s traditions and attractions through its cuisine.

In the episode, Sara wandered through the vibrant streets of Sidi Bou Said, guided by local food expert Malek Labidi. From tasting the famous bambalooni to preparing shakshuka in the scenic garden of Dar Said, the episode captured the spirit of Tunisia’s culture and the warmth of its people. Host Sara also learned about the food industry in Tunisia from Lamia Temimi, owner of Sawa Taste of Tunisia. Temimi’s small business has flourished with USAID’s support, sharing the secrets of Tunisian harissa and geranium water globally.

For Lamia, this wasn’t just about her products—it was about sharing Tunisia’s story with the world. As she expressed,

The opportunity to represent Tunisia's rich culinary heritage alongside such respected partners has been incredibly rewarding for us. USAID’s support opened new doors for us, and we’re proud to show the beauty of Tunisian gastronomy to a global audience.”