Hummus
The origin of hummus may be much debated, but it has its roots in the Middle East. The taste of hummus in Jordan is totally different from anywhere else in the world. It is made from simple ingredients: chickpeas, lemon, garlic, tahini and delicious olive oil.
The creamy and aromatic hummus is one of Jordanian basic dishes. So you will find it on the menu of any restaurant. We shared at least one serving with every meal.
📌 Where to eat: Hashem Restaurant Down Town, King Faisal Street Amman, ʿAmman, Jordan
Moutabel
Moutabel is a delicious appetizer of ripe eggplants. In addition to eggplant, it is added sesame paste (tahini), yoghurt, olive oil and lemon. We assure you that the taste is totally different and distinct from everything you have eaten, and is worth a try.
📌 Where to eat: Hashem Restaurant Down Town, King Faisal Street Amman, ʿAmman, Jordan
Falafel
I had heard that the best falafel would be in the Middle East. But when we first ate falafel in Jordan, we could not believe how different it is from the one we were used to. Light and airy on the inside, crunchy on the outside and an explosion of flavours: cumin, garlic, parsley.
📌 Where to eat: Try the amazing falafel sandwich in Amman at Falafel Al-Quds; Al-Rainbow Street, Amman; Open 10 am – 9:30 pm daily.
Shawarma
Although Shawarma is a food that you find everywhere in Europe and the Middle East, each country will have different tastes and ingredients. If you are a meat lover you must definitely try a Shawarma in Jordan.
📌 Where to eat: Shawarma. Anwar Albalad, K. Faysal Sq., Amman, Jordan
Zarb
Bedouins have developed the perfect way to cook in the desert. Zarb is a healthy dish made from marinated meat and vegetables, cooked in a pit filled with hot coals and covered with sand.
The food is left in the pit to cook for several hours, so when it is finished the meat is incredibly tender.
📌 Where to eat: Wadi Rum Desert
Shish Kebabs
Meat lovers will have plenty of Jordanian dishes to enjoy. Especially, lamb.
A popular food in the Middle East, Shish Kebabs are made in Jordan from minced lamb meat mixed with parsley and salt. It is shaped in the form of a sausage and cooked on the grill above the coals.
📌 Where to eat: Reem Beladi Restaurant, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Mansaf
One of the national Jordanian dishes is this one. Mansaf is a simple dish, but so full of flavours and unique. And there are only three main ingredients: rice, lamb and a rehydrated goat yoghurt sauce. This yoghurt/sauce is called jameed, and it is the ingredient that highlights the flavour of this dish.
📌 Where to eat: Al Wadi Restaurant, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Maqluba
If you do not like lamb then you can try Maqluba. This food is cooked in a single pot. Chicken meat at the base, spices and rice. The rice is cooked together with the meat it will absorb all its aromas. And the chicken is so tender that it falls on its own. Garnished with parsley, toasted pine nuts and slices of lemon. While I’m writing this post, I just want to eat it again :))
📌 Where to eat: Al Wadi Restaurant, Wadi Musa, Jordan
What can you visit in Jordan? Find out! 🧭
Jordanian Desserts
Ice cream
Of an incredible creaminess and covered with pistachios, you simply can not miss this ice cream. Although it is originally from Syria, this traditional method of making ice cream has also made it’ way in Jordan. It is a true show for your eyes and taste buds.
📌 Where to eat: Bekdash IceCream, K. Ghazi St. 25-11, Amman, Jordan
Kunafa
The most popular dessert in Palestine and Jordan is definitely Kunafa. This is also the most famous desert in Amman.
A soft cheese covered with noodles or semolina, soaked in rose syrup. AND of course pistachio topping. The cheese is very similar to mozzarella, and the “crust” is crunchy and sticky.
📌 Where to eat: Habibah Sweets, Marwan Madi Complex ، ش. الأزهر 2, Amman, Jordan
Coffee and Tea in Jordan
When it comes to drinks, you can’t miss the Turkis Coffee and Bedouin Tea. The gastronomic journey through Jordan would be incomplete without them.
Coffee in Iornania is creamy and spiced with cardamon. You will find it absolutely everywhere.
Tea is also part of the Jordanian culture, perfectly matching with the heavy rice and meat dishes. You will find the tea in Jordan in many flavours. But in essence, it is black tea with mint, sage, cinnamon or other spices.
📌 We enjoyed our favourite tea at one of the stops in Wadi Rum.
Lime juice and mint
A very common drink in Jordan is lime juice with mint, ice and syrup. Although it seems very simple, it is perfect to be enjoyed on a hot day.
The best lime juice we enjoyed at a resort in the Dead Sea.
📌 Where to eat: Dead Sea Spa Resort, Dead Sea Rd., Jordan
