Top Algerian Resturants You Want to Try

Algeria is an Arabic nation in the northern half of Africa. Lately, popular culture has become fascinated with Algerian food, and Algerian restaurants that have not only Algerian food, but the Algerian theme/look as well. Here is a list of the top Algerian restaurants you will want to try should you get the chance:

  • Queen Pita in Toronto, Canada is a family owned restaurant with fantastic reviews about its falafel and its pitas. The chef used to cook for Saudi royalty.
  • The Sultan’s Tent and Café Moroc also in Toronto is an intimate middle eastern experience, with plush divans and belly dancing entertainment.

Looking for more Algerian and middle eastern cuisine? Check out Canada 411 for more restaurants.

  • The King Shwarama is another Toronto restaurant with bragging rights as the best Shwarama in town.
  • The Jerusalem Restaurant is located in York, Ontario and has patio seating with fantastic breads and yogurt for hot days, and wonderfully authentic Meza plates with falafel and humus.
  • The Pomegranate Chai is a Toronto restaurant that boasts of an authentic decor with fantastical middle eastern Arabic colors and divans for its patrons.
  • Ali Baba’s restaurant is also in Toronto and is a low-key family owned restaurant that has great music and offers a bar and take out.

 

Whatever restaurant you choose, and whatever type of Algerian food you do choose, the people are friendly and the food is great!

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: , ,

Some facts about Algeria

The coast of Algiers (Algeria), as seen from t...

Image via Wikipedia

Algeria is a North African country. It lies between Morocco and Tunisia. The capital of Algeria is Algiers. The climate of Algeria is dry weather mainly. The winters are humid, and the summers are searing hot.

The majority of people in Algeria are of Arab-Berber origin. There is also a small European population of about one percent. Berber is an indigenous tribe. Berbers maintain that they are not Arabs. For long, there has been a lot of violence with the Berbers asking for autonomy.

Algeria is primarily a Sunni Muslim country. Christian and Jews make up for less than one percent. Most Algerians speak Arabic. But spoken Arabic is not consistent with what is written. Arabic written in Algeria has a much simple system of vowels as compared to the Arabic written in other countries.

Algeria is an Islamic state. The way of life and culture in Algeria is that of an Islamist state. It governs the political and economic system in Algeria and the legal system too.

Algerians are family people. They place a high regard to the value of family in their lives. Their social relations are very much based on strong bonds. Family always comes first. No individual is above the family. Algerians maintain a hierarchy in the family system. The elder people get a place of prominence for making decisions and approving them.

Algerians are gregarious people. When they meet they speak at length. They ask on one another’s family, job, house and other general things.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: , ,

Algeria: Living Life to the Fullest

No matter where a person is, it’s always important to live life to its fullest. Create fun, take advantage of every opportunity and travel as much as possible. Having an active, full life is important to our mental and physical well being, and for the well being of entire families.

Holidays are great opportunities to travel since many people have time off from their jobs and schools. Try taking the family on ski holidays 2012-style by going to Algiers in North Africa. Many of the ski resorts offer group prices, which can help those with several children.

Here are a few of the extras that some of the ski resorts offer for groups:

  • Free name changes on charter flights
  • Pre-booked specially priced ski passes and ski packs
  • Free lift passes for group leaders
  • Free ski hire or carriage hire for group leaders
  • Flexibility on airport departures
  • Low deposits
  • Free gifts, such as a case of Virgin Wines with reservations made before July 11, 2011 for ten or more at certain resorts.
  • Two for one lift packs

Most ski deals offer on-site ski instructors and schools, equipment rentals and sales, and ski apparel, such as hats, coveralls, boots and sun goggles. Easily found everywhere are both the four-star and family restaurants, so there‘s something for everyone.

Hotels are plenty, but so are the houses for rent. Live life to the fullest in a real home with laundry facilities, a fireplace and a full pantry. Many of them have several roomy bedrooms and they’re close to restaurants, clubs, one-of-a-kind boutique shopping and fitness facilities.

Filed Under: Algeria, Living Tagged With: , ,

The Algerian Legal System

Flag map of Algeria

Image via Wikipedia

Algeria’s history has been tumultuous and the country’s legal system is a reflection of its past as well as the present. Rome occupied what is now Algeria for 600 years and implanted Roman law as the law of the land.  France established rule over Algeria as a French colony in 1830 and maintained power until the French were forced to leave the country. As a result, the Algerian legal system contains elements of Roman, French and Algerian law. Islamic law also has a strong influence on the legal system in Algeria and is the country’s official religion under the constitution.

Under the Algerian legal system there are three branches of government involved in creating and administering legal matters. The president and his administration implement the law. The Parliment provides civil and criminal legislation for the president’s approval.  The country’s courts make up the third branch and render decisions on legal issues.

The courts system contains three levels of judiciary. The Daria tribunal courts hear all civil matters and some criminal cases. Each of the country’s 48 provinces has Wilaya court composed of four chambers with three judge panels to hear lower court appeals and criminal cases. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country’s legal system.

Two noteworthy elements of Algeria’s constitution and rule of law are the Code of the Family and the Law of Associations. The Code of the Family was first introduced in 1984 and integrates Islamic law into the legal system. The Law of Associations was first enacted in 1987 to restrict associations activities, with severe penalties. It has been amended several times to provide greater freedom.

 

Filed Under: General, Law Tagged With: , ,

Simple Guide on Algerian Food and Drinks

Algeria is the home for cork oak, olive tree, and large evergreen forests. Most part of this land is desert. Algerian foods have its roots to several countries that traded, visited, or ruled this country. Traditional foods show the influence of Arab, French, Berber, and Turkish taste. Algerian foods contain different types of flavorings and it can be mild or very spicy. Restaurants in Algeria mostly serve Italian or French-style foods along with their traditional foods.

Fresh couscous with vegetables and chickpeas 

Image via Wikipedia

Fish dishes are very popular in Algeria. There are certain things that should be known while in Algeria. Alcohol is not available for sale in the country and it can be found only in the expensive hotels and restaurants. The hotel bars remain open as long as there is custom. Though the country is famous for its good wines, only few are served in the own country.

Some of the special food items in this country are brochettes, couscous, stews, and traditional diet. Normally, brochettes are sold in French bread with spicy sauce. Couscous is a type of pasta and it looks like semolina, this is prepared from cracked wheat and this food is normally consumed by most people in this country as well as in most of the North African countries.

Most popular stews are shakshuka and tajine. Shakshuka is served with vegetables whereas tajine is served with chicken or lamb. This is also another everyday dish. The desert people in the country prefer pressed figs, dates, and hard cheese during their travel. The most popular drinks are sweet coffee and golden colored mint tea.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Culture, General, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: , ,

Customs in Algeria

Algeria important customs includes the concept of honor. Honor is an important building block of the culture. Any behavior of someone in the family is attributed to the entire family. The population in Algeria firmly believes that an individual can bring shame on the family.

During travel to Algeria, it is important to not insult the people. Criticizing or insulting the person can quickly spoil the relationship. Greetings are important in Algeria, and this has been true throughout history. The greeting can be quite lengthy.

A handshake can last quite a while to show affection and hospitality. During a greeting, it is customary to ask about the person’s family, job, weather, and other relevant things to their life.

Meeting women in Algeria follows traditional customs. A person should avoid excessive eye contact with a woman. The initial act should be a nod. It is customary to wait to see if a hand will be extended to you. The majority of the population in Algeria speak French and Arabic.

Gift giving is important in Algeria. This custom is used to firmly establish the relationship, and the gesture of giving the gift supersedes the actual gift given. It is the gesture that really matters.

Children in Algeria truly enjoy sweets. Also, the gift will not likely be opened in your presence. It is customary to open the gift later. If invited to the home of an Algerian, the host will most commonly be Muslim.

It is important to observe certain rules of etiquette. For example, it is not a good idea to bring alcohol. The shoes of the guest should be removed before entering the home, and men and women will most likely be seated separately.

In conclusion, the eldest guest should be acknowledged first. Next, greet every person individually. These are just a few tips that will help a person be successful when traveling to their land.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: , , ,

The Conflict in Algeria and the Middle East

Algeria is experiencing conflict that is related to the constant power struggle. Recently, the violence is escalating in this nation. The government uses oppressive measures to operate the country.

The conflict in Algeria affects future oil and gas prices for Europe, so Europeans are particularly concerned about what happens in Algeria. The Europeans follow the events in Algeria because they know that the turmoil in the population can result in consequences for European countries.

What happens in the land of Algeria will have an impact on the neighboring countries surrounding this nation. Tunisia and Morocco will both be impacted by any changes in law in Algeria. This nation already has a brutal past. The fight for independence was particularly bloody and long.

Many lives were lost in an effort to secure their freedom from France. Prior to French occupation, Algeria was invaded by other nations. For instance, Rome occupied this region for more than 600 years.

The more Europe becomes concerned with the conflict in the Middle East, Europe will be less sensitive to the U.S. Europe understands the impact that Middle Eastern nations can have on Europe.

The nations in the United Nations have to come to some conclusions regarding the conflict in Algeria. It is important to understand the root causes of the conflict. Does the turmoil stem from customs and social issues?, or is the problem the result of politics and the economy?

The root of the problem will determine the nature of the remedy. World leaders must truly understand the nature of the problems in Algeria to offer leaders in Algeria advice or assistance.

The future of Algeria is uncertain right now. There is much work to be done to create a stable society and economy. The people in this nation want what most other people want. They want to be able to earn an honest living and provide for their families. They want to be free from oppression. The population in Algeria wants to be able to travel freely without consequences.

Filed Under: Algeria, General Tagged With: , ,

The Past and Future of Algeria

The population of Algeria is approximately 34,895,000. At least 99% of this population is classified as Berber or Arab. More than 90% of Algerians live in the costal northern region of Algeria.

The climate in the Sahara is hot and humid. The temperatures get very high. Temperatures past 100 degrees is common in the Saharan desert. The costal region has more moderate temperatures. In addition, there is a substantial amount of rain all through the year.

A minority of the population live in the oases in the Sahara. Approximately 1.5 million of the Algerian people are either nomadic or partly nomadic. Also, the fertility rate in this nation is low. More than 30 percent of the population is age 15 or below.

The majority of Algerians speak Algerian Arabic. More than 83% speak this language. Approximately 15% speak the dialect of the Berbers. French is understood by most of the population of Algeria. In addition, Arabic is also taught to most youth in this nation.

Europeans only make up 1% of the population in the land. They inhabit the metropolitan areas of the nation. This is different than in the prior history of the country. During the colonial periods of Algeria, the percentage of Europeans was about 15.2. The European inhabitants were concentrated on the costal regions of Algeria.

When Algeria became independent from France, almost all of the European residents migrated to other areas. Many returned to Europe after the liberation of Algeria.

The turmoil in Algeria is not over. Presently, the people of this nation are protesting the government law and rule. They are frustrated with some of the oppressive conditions in the nation. Unemployment rates are about 30% and poverty is rampant. The people of this nation long for rule that truly looks out for the best interest of all Algerians.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: , ,

The Nature of the Nation of Algeria

Algeria lies in the northern portion of Africa mostly between latitudes 19 degrees and 37 degrees north. The coastal part of Algeria is hilly and mountainous. The climate in this land can be extremely hot all year.

The climate does feel more cool at night when the sun sets. There are great variations in daily temperatures in Algeria. There is abundant rainfall along the northern area of eastern Algeria. When it is necessary to travel further inland, the rainfall level is not as high. The climate in Algeria brings different changes, and the government also brings varied changes in the law.

The government in Algeria is run by a president that serves a five year term. The president can serve more than one five year term. The law used to limit the president to two five year terms, but the limitation was taken away in 2008.

The president serves as the head of the Council of Ministers and High Security Council in Algeria. The national age of voting is 18 in Algeria. In addition, the Parliament is composed of an upper and lower chamber.

Currently, Algeria has more than 40 political parties that are active in the land. Algeria has come a long way from its rough history of being invaded by several nations. It took many years for Algeria to gain its freedom from France. Before France, other countries had ruled Algeria.

The liberation from French law involved much blood shed among the population of Algeria. Men, women, and children shed their blood. Most of those killed were those in the military.

The nation of Algeria still has struggles in today’s modern culture. There are high rates of unemployment, poverty, and oppression. The people of Algeria are calling for more equal treatment from the government. They are demanding a change in how their country is run.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: , ,

Algeria Under the Rule of Early Presidents

Algeria has a rich history of different governmental rules. This nation had to fight very hard to gain their independence from the nation of France.

The first president of the independent government of Algeria was Ahmed Ben Bella. The law of Ben Bella was not popular, and in 1965, the government of Ahmed Ben Bella was overthrown by Houari Boumédienne. Algeria law reflected more authoritarian and socialist rhetoric during the reign of both of these presidents.

In contrast to Ahmed Ben Bella, Boumedienne used a heavy military presence to keep the population in order. This was totally different than his predecessor. Agriculture and industrialization were launched full fledged. Also, there was a mass extraction of natural resources like oil and gas.

Algeria’s economy became extremely dependent on oil. This became a problem during the 1980’s when there was a oil crisis during this time. Modernization was prevalent during this time in Algeria’s history. Village customs changed tremendously. A great urbanization began to take place in the land.

One big change was education. There was a move to educate more people in the population, so the rate of literacy rose from 10% to 60%. Also, female fertility seemed to increase substantially. Each mother was having an average of 7-8 kids per family.

The 1980’s was a time in which the youth tried to come to terms with the nations obsession with the prior war years. During this time, there was an extreme housing crisis brought on by certain government law.

Algerian Civil War broke out after 1991. There was mass conflict among the political entities. All political parties that were founded on religion were banned. This war killed nearly 160,000 people during this time. The war started to burn out around 1998. The country began to establish some semblance of order again.

Filed Under: Algeria, General Tagged With: , ,
«Older Posts