Jordan’s food is a feast for the senses - aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats, and warm hospitality make every meal memorable.
Get ready to indulge in rich mezze spreads, tender grilled meats, and sweet, syrupy desserts.
Mansaf - Jordan’s National Dish
A symbol of Bedouin hospitality, Mansaf features lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce (jameed), served over rice and flatbread. Traditionally eaten with the hands, it’s both hearty and deeply flavorful.
Where to Try:
Maqluba
Meaning “upside down,” this dish layers rice, meat, and vegetables cooked together, then flipped dramatically before serving. Expect tender chicken or lamb, fried eggplant, and a hint of allspice.
Where to Try:
Falafel & Hummus
A staple of everyday Jordanian life - crisp falafel balls paired with creamy hummus and warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack.
Where to Try:
Zarb - Bedouin Barbecue
In Wadi Rum, food meets tradition. Zarb is meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in a sand oven. The smoky aroma and tender flavor are unforgettable - best enjoyed under desert stars.
Where to Try:
- Bedouin desert camps (Wadi Rum)
Kunafa
A sweet end to any Jordanian meal - shredded pastry filled with gooey cheese or cream, soaked in orange blossom syrup. Crispy, sweet, and addictive.
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Dining Tips:
- Share everything. Jordanian meals are communal. Mezze, mains, and desserts are meant to be enjoyed together.
- Tea or Arabic coffee will likely be offered after meals.
- Street food is safe and delicious, especially in Amman’s downtown areas.
- Dress modestly when dining in local restaurants, especially outside tourist zones.
- Try local fruits and dates, they’re some of the best in the Middle East.