[Mediterranean Food] Affordable & Delicious: Sardines Grilled, Fried, and Canned

Sardines are known worldwide as one of the most affordable fish

While Mediterranean cuisine is full of seafood, eating fresh fish every day is not always easy for locals

In Algeria, where I currently live, limited catches and distribution challenges make seafood even more expensive

That’s why sardines stand out: they are cheap, accessible, and loved by many 👍

Today, let me share some of the sardine dishes I’ve tried here in Algeria

Sardine Dish 1. Grilled

The first (and probably the most popular) way to enjoy sardines is grilling

I had this in Tipaza, a coastal town in Algeria, but you can find grilled sardines almost anywhere

They’re usually cooked directly over charcoal fire 😋

You simply remove the head and tail, and whether or not you eat the bones is up to you

In Spain and Portugal, sardines are also grilled over charcoal and enjoyed during summer festivals

I paired mine with an octopus salad — absolutely delicious!

Plus, the seaside restaurant view was just unbeatable

The second style is fried sardines

I’ve tried them in several spots across Algeria

They’re lightly battered, deep-fried, and served with a squeeze of lemon

Again, just remove the head and tail before eating.

For the perfect combo, I highly recommend trying them with Hamoud, Algeria’s signature lemon soda

Canned sardines are probably the easiest and cheapest way to enjoy them

As shown in Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express, they’re also widely consumed in Asia

In Europe and Africa, people often pair them with bread, while in Asia, they’re added to rice or noodles

When I tried Algerian canned sardines, I found the texture (a bit slippery with scales) wasn’t quite my style

But if you enjoy canned mackerel or similar fish, you’ll likely appreciate it.

Interestingly, in Algeria, a packed bus is compared to a “sardine can”

Makes sense when you look at a tin of sardines, right? 😂

In Portugal, canned sardines are even sold as souvenirs

You can buy a tin labeled with your birth year — a fun travel gift idea!

✔️ Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids → Supports heart health

✔️ Great source of protein → Helps muscle growth and maintenance

✔️ Vitamin D & Calcium → Strengthens bones (especially if you eat the bones)

✔️Vitamin B12 → Prevents anemia and boosts energy

✔️ Eco-friendly → Smaller fish like sardines have less environmental impact compared to larger species

If you ever visit the Mediterranean, don’t miss the chance to try sardine dishes

Affordable, tasty, and healthy — truly the “people’s fish.” 🐟