Verified Facts
When visiting Jordan, be sure to try the local cuisine, which is a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, with popular dishes including Mansaf, Maqluba, and Kunafeh.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Jordan's cuisine is defined by its rich history and strategic location at the crossroads of the Middle East, with influences from Arabic, Mediterranean, and Ottoman traditions. The country's unique cultural heritage is reflected in its food, with a focus on hospitality and generosity. Jordanian cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs, as well as staples like bulgur, olive oil, and lamb. Regional variations exist, with different areas of the country having their own specialties and cooking styles.
The cuisine in Jordan is also shaped by the country's Islamic heritage, with many dishes being halal and prepared in accordance with Islamic traditions. The use of yogurt and lamb is particularly prevalent, with many popular dishes featuring these ingredients. The country's cuisine has also been influenced by its Ottoman and Arab neighbors, with dishes like Shawarma and Falafel being popular street foods.
Jordanian cuisine is not just about the food itself, but also about the social and cultural context in which it is consumed. Mealtimes are often seen as opportunities to bring people together and strengthen social bonds, with hospitality and generosity being highly valued. Visitors to Jordan can experience this firsthand by sharing a meal with a local family or trying traditional dishes at a local restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mansaf | Main Course | Lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce and served with rice and flatbread | Traditional restaurants in Amman and Petra |
| Maqluba | Main Course | Upside-down rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and spices | Local restaurants in Aqaba and Wadi Rum |
| Kunafeh | Dessert | Shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese and syrup | Sweet shops in Amman and Irbid |
| Shawarma | Street Food | Grilled meat sandwich made with lamb or chicken and served in a pita bread | Street food stalls in Amman and Aqaba |
| Falafel | Street Food | Crispy fried chickpea patties served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce | Street food stalls in Amman and Irbid |
| Musakhan | Main Course | Roasted chicken dish made with onions, sumac, and olive oil | Local restaurants in Jerash and Ajloun |
| Gormeh Sabzi | Stew | Herb-based stew made with lamb, parsley, and dried lime | Traditional restaurants in Amman and Petra |
| Knafeh Bil Jebn | Dessert | Shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese and syrup, topped with pistachios | Sweet shops in Amman and Irbid |
| Fattoush | Salad | Mixed green salad made with toasted bread, vegetables, and feta cheese | Local restaurants in Aqaba and Wadi Rum |
| Zarb | Barbecue | Traditional Bedouin barbecue made with meat and vegetables cooked in a hole in the ground | Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum and Petra |
Street Food & Snacks
- Shawarma: a grilled meat sandwich made with lamb or chicken, priced around $2-$3 USD
- Falafel: crispy fried chickpea patties served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce, priced around $1-$2 USD
- Ka'ak: a crispy bread ring topped with sesame seeds and za'atar, priced around $0.50-$1 USD
- Lahm Bi Aajin: a thin crust topped with minced meat and spices, priced around $2-$3 USD
- Spinach Fatayer: a spinach and feta cheese pastry, priced around $1-$2 USD
- Kunafeh: shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese and syrup, priced around $3-$5 USD
- Fresh Fruit: seasonal fruits such as oranges, grapes, and watermelon, priced around $1-$2 USD
- Roasted Nuts: roasted nuts such as almonds and pistachios, priced around $2-$3 USD
Drinks
- Ahwa: a strong Arabic coffee made with cardamom and sugar, priced around $1-$2 USD
- Shay Bil Na'ana: a mint tea made with fresh mint leaves and sugar, priced around $1-$2 USD
- Jallab: a sweet drink made with date syrup and molasses, priced around $2-$3 USD
- Sharbat: a fruit syrup made with rose water and lemon juice, priced around $2-$3 USD
- Arak: a strong anise-flavored liquor, priced around $10-$20 USD
- Jordanian Wine: a variety of wines made from grapes grown in the Jordan Valley, priced around $10-$20 USD
Dining Customs
- Respect for Elders: it is customary to show respect to older individuals, especially when dining with a local family
- Right Hand Only: it is considered impolite to eat with the left hand, as the left hand is associated with personal hygiene
- Sharing Food: sharing food is a common practice in Jordanian culture, and visitors are often encouraged to try a variety of dishes
- Tipping: 10% is customary, but not always expected
- Dress Code: modest dress is recommended when dining in traditional restaurants or with local families
- Reservation: reservations are not always necessary, but it is recommended to book in advance for popular restaurants
Where to Eat
- Traditional Restaurants: try traditional Jordanian cuisine at restaurants like Abu Jbara in Amman or Al-Qantarah in Petra
- Street Food Stalls: try street food like shawarma and falafel at stalls in Amman and Aqaba
- Markets: visit markets like the Amman Souk or the Aqaba Market to try local fruits, vegetables, and nuts
- Food Courts: try a variety of international and local cuisine at food courts like the Abdali Mall in Amman
- Local Cafes: try traditional Arabic coffee and tea at local cafes like the Cafe Abu Ali in Amman
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Amman Souk: a traditional market in the heart of Amman, offering a variety of local fruits, vegetables, and nuts
- Aqaba Market: a bustling market in Aqaba, offering a variety of local seafood and spices
- Petra Kitchen: a cooking school in Petra, offering cooking classes and workshops on traditional Jordanian cuisine
- Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp: a traditional Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, offering a unique dining experience with traditional Bedouin barbecue
- Jerash Food Festival: an annual food festival in Jerash, showcasing traditional Jordanian cuisine and local products