Kamoun & Kanoun
By Tunez Magazine ·
In the winding streets of Sousse’s old Medina, the scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the aroma of spices. Here, Jamel Ben Hmida is working to preserve and celebrate Tunisia’s culinary heritage. A self-taught chef, he founded Kamoun & Kanoun to share the richness of Tunisian cuisine with visitors and food lovers.
For Jamel, cooking is more than combining ingredients. It is a form of memory, a heritage passed down through generations. Each dish tells a story shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Tunisian cuisine reflects Amazigh, Turkish, Phoenician, and Mediterranean influences, bringing together different traditions and flavors.
Through Kamoun & Kanoun, Jamel aims to highlight the value of Tunisian gastronomy. He prioritizes local, natural, and organic products, linking good food to authenticity and sustainability. This philosophy guides every experience he offers, from cooking classes and catering services to his signature food tour of the Medina of Sousse. Each experience invites visitors to discover Tunisia through its ingredients, recipes, and culinary traditions.
The food tour offers an immersion into the soul of Sousse. First, Jamel guides guests through the UNESCO-listed Medina, where vendors bring the Central Market to life and historic walls reflect centuries of history. Along the way, visitors discover traditional drinks, savory bites, and sweet delicacies in hidden cafés and family-run eateries. In addition, each stop reveals another aspect of the city’s culinary identity. Eventually, the journey ends at a traditional restaurant, where fresh ingredients purchased at the market become authentic Tunisian dishes. As a result, guests experience more than a simple tasting. Instead, they discover the story of Sousse through its food, recipes, and culinary traditions.
Beyond tourism, Kamoun & Kanoun also offers catering for private gatherings and professional events. For this purpose, Jamel creates menus that celebrate the diversity of Tunisian cuisine while responding to modern dietary preferences. Moreover, his cooking classes invite participants to prepare emblematic dishes such as couscous and mlokhiya. During these sessions, guests learn traditional techniques and discover the stories behind local recipes. In this way, cooking becomes both an educational activity and a shared cultural experience. Furthermore, the project collaborates with local brands and artisans. Through these partnerships, Kamoun & Kanoun showcases Tunisia’s culinary treasures while giving greater visibility to the people who preserve its food traditions. Consequently, the project builds connections between local producers, cultural heritage, and contemporary audiences.
Ultimately, Jamel Ben Hmida has become more than a chef. Through Kamoun & Kanoun, he acts as an ambassador for Tunisian culinary culture. In doing so, he invites visitors to discover Tunisia beyond its landscapes and historic landmarks. Rather, he presents the country as a living culture shaped by heritage, generosity, and flavor. Indeed, every dish carries memories of the people and traditions that created it. Moreover, traditional recipes connect generations and preserve collective memory. For this reason, Jamel believes that food offers a meaningful way to understand a culture. Above all, his work reminds us that the table is a place where stories are shared, traditions endure, and people come together. In the end, discovering Tunisia can begin with a single bite.