National Dish Mauritania: Brik (Recipe)
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Meet Brik, a crisp, golden pastry parcel that ranks among Mauritania’s most moreish street foods. Thin sheets of dough are wrapped around a savoury filling of tuna, capers and egg, then fried until shatteringly crisp. Popular on the busy streets of Nouakchott and beyond, it makes a brilliant snack or starter and carries the flavours of North Africa in every bite. Bring a taste of the Mauritanian coast straight to your own kitchen.
About Brik
Brik is a savoury national dish of Mauritania that wins people over with its contrast of crunchy pastry and fragrant filling. This speciality is especially popular on the streets of Nouakchott and other Mauritanian towns, where it is sold in a range of variations. The core ingredients are usually tuna, capers and egg, and the dish has made a name for itself well beyond Mauritania — across North Africa it is prized as a favourite snack or starter. It is a small parcel that delivers a big burst of flavour.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 sheets of pastry (such as filo or yufka)
- 100 g tinned tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for brik, it is well worth paying attention to quality. The tuna should be as fresh or as good a grade as possible, while the capers contribute an essential savoury tang. Filo or yufka pastry is available in most supermarkets or Turkish grocery shops. Fresh parsley offers the best aroma and can easily be grown yourself in the garden or on a windowsill.
Preparing the dish
Preparing brik begins with gathering all your ingredients. The pastry needs to be handled carefully, as it tears easily. To make the filling, mix the tuna with the capers and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper. The egg can either be worked into the filling or, for a special version, added as a fried egg tucked inside the parcel.
Step-by-step instructions
- Spread the pastry sheets out on a clean surface and brush lightly with oil.
- Spoon the tuna, caper and parsley mixture into the centre of each sheet.
- Carefully set an egg on top of the filling.
- Fold the edges of the pastry in towards the middle and seal well.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the briks until golden brown.
- Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Brik can just as easily be made for anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance. In place of ordinary pastry, use gluten-free sheets, often found in health-food shops or specialist online stores. For the filling, reach for lactose-free products, while egg-free alternatives such as tofu or a mix of ground flaxseed and water can stand in for the egg. That way the delicious flavour stays intact without upsetting any intolerances.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, brik lends itself to creative reinvention. Instead of tuna, use fried aubergine, courgette or spinach. These vegetables can be combined with capers and spices in the same way to underline the savoury character. Adding a plant-based egg replacer makes it possible to create a fully vegan version that is every bit as tasty. These tweaks let everyone enjoy the distinctive flavour of this Mauritanian snack.
More tips and tricks
To get the perfect result, keep a few tips and tricks in mind. Take care to heat the oil properly so you achieve that ideal crispness. Another useful tip is to rest the briks on kitchen paper after frying to draw off any excess oil. Experimenting with different fillings can also help you tailor the dish to your own taste and discover new flavour combinations. Depending on your preference, spices such as cumin or paprika can be added for an extra kick.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting the recipe to your own preferences lets you shape brik exactly as you like it. Use seasonal vegetables or experiment with different fillings such as feta cheese, olives or sweetcorn. The spices can be varied too, to give the dish a personal signature. Consider whether you fancy a spicier note by adding chilli or hot sauces to lift the seasoning.
Ingredient substitutions
When looking for substitutes for particular ingredients, you can get creative. Instead of tuna, for example, you might use chickpeas for a protein-rich vegetarian option — the same pulse that shines in a bowl of Loubia. The capers can be swapped for olives if you prefer that flavour. If you cannot find filo or yufka, tortillas or even pancakes can serve as a base for the brik. This flexibility makes it easy to adjust the recipe to whatever ingredients are available.
Drink pairing ideas
For the perfect enjoyment of brik, the right drinks make all the difference. A refreshing mint tea is a popular choice that pairs well with the savoury character of the dish. Alternatively, a light, sparkling drink such as lemonade or a cool beer works nicely. For an alcohol-free option, fruity juices or sparkling water with lemon complement the flavours of brik and round off the meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can enhance the whole brik experience. Serve the parcels on a colourful plate, garnished with fresh herbs or a special dipping sauce. An appealing mix of different fillings can also boost the visual charm. For festive occasions, the briks can be served in small portions as finger food, which encourages sharing and enjoyment in good company.
A bit of history
The history of brik reaches back into Mauritanian culture, where it is treasured as a traditional street food. The dish reflects the influences of various regional cuisines, particularly North African and Mediterranean Mauritanian cuisine. Brik is often served on special occasions to delight guests and to show hospitality. Its preparation has developed over generations, yet it stays true to the original, flavour-packed concept.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Brik
In short, brik is a simple yet delicious dish that reflects the flavours and traditions of Mauritania. With its crisp pastry shell and savoury filling, it works wonderfully as a snack or starter. It is easily adapted to different dietary needs and offers endless room for variation. Brik is not only a treat for the palate but also a piece of Mauritanian culture that everyone should try at least once.
