Known as karantika in Algiers and calienté in Morocco, this beloved traditional dish traces its origins back to Spanish influence during the colonial period, as its name is derived from the Spanish word calentita, which means "warm." Over time, what began as a humble, filling meal for the working class evolved into one of Algeria’s and Morocco's most cherished street foods, often enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Mahjouba is a traditional flatbread that is one of the most popular street food items in the country. These thick and flaky crepe-like flatbreads are made with semolina, then filled with a combination of tomatoes and caramelized onions. Mahjouba is often paired with harissa sauce on the side, but the condiment is completely optional.

Sfenj are popular Moroccan and Algerian doughnut-like fritters made from sticky unleavened batter, similar to Libyan sfinz and Tunisian bambalouni. The dough is traditionally shaped into rings and deep-fried until it develops a golden, crispy exterior.

Maakouda are traditional potato fritters that are popular throughout the Maghreb, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The fritters are usually prepared plain, but they can also be stuffed with meat, tuna, or cheese, although not that often.

Tamina is an ancient Algerian sweet treat consisting of toasted ground semolina, butter, and honey. It is typically decorated with cinnamon or sugared almonds. Traditionally, it is served when celebrating the birth of a child, but it can be prepared any day of the year.

Merguez is a spicy, flavorful sausage that originates from North Africa, particularly Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. It is traditionally made from ground lamb or beef, or a combination of both. Merguez is known for its distinctive red color, which comes from the addition of spices such as paprika, chili pepper, and harissa (a hot chili paste).

M'semen is a traditional Maghrebi flatbread made with a combination of flour, semolina, sugar, salt, yeast, warm water, oil, and clarified butter. The dough is kneaded until it becomes smooth, and pieces of it are then flattened and shaped into squares.

Baghrir is a soft and spongy Moroccan and Algerian pancake made with semolina flour. It is characterized by numerous holes on its surface, a result of yeast-produced bubbles in the batter that form and break as the pancake cooks. The pancake is cooked on one side only.

Shakshouka is a delicious combination of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. Although it has an unusual name, the dish is straightforward and easy to make. It is usually made in a skillet in which onions, tomatoes, and spices are cooked until they form a delicious tomato sauce.