Job Discussion Forums

yamina · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

Asalaam alaikum and hi!

I'm very interested in hearing from people working in Algeria - mahdiyyah and Muslim expat, how's it going?! I'm married to an Algerian and visit the country every year, and alhamdulilah I always have a great time! I'm teaching English in a private language school in the UK, but my husband and I may relocate to Algeria, inshallah within the next year or two. I'd love to hear all about your experiences in English schools/universities there. It's an amazing country with great food, wonderful people and very confusing infrastructure - it really helps you appreciate life and see things in a new way!

Take care,

Yamina

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

I spent a few months in Algiers in 1990 and had appalling food. Even the so-called best restaurants offered poor quality food and service. I can't think of any memorable meals. If you want decent food then head west to Morocco.

yamina · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

Greetings Longton!

I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience of food in Algeria! I don't know what the food was like back then, but these days it's great - chwerma, pizza, mincemeat sandwiches, mahajeb, chorba, couscous...............

If I'm out, I always eat at little local places which are cheap with little choice - I love the food (mincemeat and eggs in french bread etc!!!!), but it's certainly not like the restaurants and eateries in Morocco or Tunisia, as the tourist trade isn't the same.

I would say though that, like many places in the world, you get far better treats if you stay with Algerian families!! With my in-laws I've learnt to cook couscous, chorba (soup), lots of different breads and stews and things. I now cook this kind of food a lot at home in sunny England. Unfortunately the fruit, veg and herbs aren't quite as good as they are in Algeria, where most food is seasonal and tastes great!

Anyway, I hope you have more luck with food in your travels these days, and if you're ever in Algeria again, I'm sure you'll find the food has improved!!

Happy travels!

yamina · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

Sorry Longton, I was in such a dream world thinking about food, I forgot to ask you if you enjoyed Algeria, what you thought of it, whether you were working etc etc!!!!

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

I was in Algeria for about 4 months in late 1990. I did a lot of travelling including a wonderful weekend in Tamanrasset in the deep south. The shops were poorly stocked with food items and shortages occurred all the time, even of basic items. I used to go to the Carthage restaurant a lot which had OK ish food and service. Later I spent some time in Morocco which I enjoyed a lot. My house was in Hydra.