It has similarities to pies, pancakes, and flans and consists of a chickpea batter topped with beaten egg and baked, and is served with harissa and cumin either hot on bread as a sandwich, or sliced into squares.

It originated in and remains a specialty of Oran, where it was first introduced by Spanish invaders in the 16th century, and was spread throughout Algeria during the French occupation of the country.

[4] The dish is referred to in Algeria as "the protector", a play on words in the Western Algerian dialect.

[2] The dish is of Hispanic-Oran origin and can also be found in France, Spain and other European countries with large Algerian populations.

[1][2][4][b] The dish is present throughout the country as a street food sold by vendors and is also made in homes and restaurants.