[RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK] Bella Tunisia delights with authentic North African flavors

[restaurant Of The Week] Bella Tunisia Delights With Authentic North African Flavors

Food at Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

Meals at Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

By Eddie Tam

Simply outdoors the gates of Sungkyunkwan College’s Pure Sciences Campus in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, lies a hidden gem within the type of Bella Tunisia, a quaint basement restaurant that brings the colourful flavors of North Africa to Korea. Tunisia, the northernmost nation in Africa, boasts a various culinary heritage influenced by Arab, Berber, Turkish and Italian traditions. Its Mediterranean location has resulted in a pleasant mixture of flavors, with dishes closely primarily based on seafood, meats, tomatoes, olive oil and a big selection of spices akin to cumin, cardamom, coriander and paprika.

Upon getting into Bella Tunisia, one is straight away struck by the eclectic décor that evokes the comfortable ambiance of a standard Tunisian villa. The restaurant attracts a various crowd, together with worldwide college students and curious Korean {couples}. The institution is run by a younger Tunisian man who not solely prepares the meals but additionally serves it to the patrons. The laid-back ambiance is enhanced by the open-concept kitchen, the place diners place their orders and choose up their meals immediately from the window.

The interior of Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

The inside of Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

Throughout our go to, we had the pleasure of sampling quite a lot of dishes. We began with the plain hummus (6,000 gained), a traditional alternative among the many a number of hummus variations provided, akin to pesto, harissa (Tunisian chili sauce), beef, rooster and lamb. The hummus was creamy, easy and stuffed with wealthy chickpea taste, making it a must-try dish that pairs completely with the restaurant’s tortillas. Subsequent, we tried the falafel (10,000 gained), which got here as six completely crispy, puck-shaped items. The falafel had a pleasant crunch on the skin whereas remaining moist and flavorful on the within. This dish was a beautiful introduction to the flavors of Tunisian delicacies. The spotlight of our meal was the rooster tagine (8,500 gained), a dish that really showcased the culinary experience at Bella Tunisia. The half-chicken was roasted to perfection, with a light-weight layer of spices that enhanced the pure flavors of the meat. The rooster tagine was served with a aspect of aromatic rice and a small combined salad, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Chicken tagine at Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

Hen tagine at Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

The entrance to Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

The doorway to Bella Tunisia in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 22 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

Along with these dishes, we additionally loved the combined kebab (15,000 gained) and the french fries (2,500 gained), each of which have been scrumptious and well-prepared. The tortillas (1,000 gained) have been an ideal accompaniment to the hummus, including a satisfying texture to the meal.

The actual fact that there’s a Tunisian restaurant in Suwon is an excellent shock for these fascinated about exploring numerous culinary traditions. Bella Tunisia, with its cozy ambiance and scrumptious meals, has been a beloved spot for Suwonites for about six years. It caters to the appetites of each worldwide college students and locals, providing genuine Northern African delicacies at affordable costs. With only one devoted worker, the restaurant ensures that everybody can benefit from the tastes of Tunisia with out breaking the financial institution. For anybody interested in Tunisian delicacies or searching for a brand new eating expertise, Bella Tunisia is a must-visit vacation spot. The restaurant’s distinctive choices and welcoming ambiance make it a standout alternative in Suwon’s numerous culinary panorama.

Bella Tunisia welcomes visitors from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (closed on Sunday). Comply with @bella_tunisia on Instagram for extra info.

Eddie Tam is an assistant professor in Suwon and runs the Fb foodie teams Hidden Gems Korea and Hidden Gems Suwon, Korea.

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