Where to Eat in Jordan

Cuisine of Jordan

Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is a kingdom renowned for its ancient wonders, dramatic desert landscapes, and world-famous hospitality. Beyond the rose-red facades of Petra and the salt-crusted shores of the Dead Sea, I discovered that this country offers an equally enchanting culinary experience. The gastronomic scene here is a beautiful tapestry of Bedouin traditions and Levantine flavors, deeply rooted in the region's rich agricultural heritage.

✨ In this guide, we’ll first explore the must-try dishes like Mansaf and Maqluba that define Jordanian food culture, and then I’ll share my personal recommendations for the most authentic places to taste them

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Savory Dishes

Mansaf

This isn't just a meal; it’s a cultural icon. It consists of tender lamb cooked in a broth of fermented, dried yogurt called Jameed, served on a large platter of rice and thin flatbread, then topped with toasted pine nuts and almonds.
Zarb (The Bedouin Barbecue): Directly from the heart of Wadi Rum, Zarb is the Bedouin answer to a BBQ. Meat and vegetables are placed on a tiered rack and buried in a hole in the sand filled with hot coals. The result is incredibly smoky and fall-off-the-bone delicious.

Maqluba

Maqluba literally translates to "upside-down." It’s a fragrant pot filled with meat, rice, and fried vegetables (cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes) that is flipped over onto a large plate just before serving.

Pita (Khubz)

In Jordan, bread is the essential tool for eating. This soft, fluffy flatbread is baked in scorching stone ovens and used to scoop up hummus or wrap around falafel. Pro tip: Buy a stack fresh from a neighborhood bakery while they are still steaming!

Manakish

This is a beloved flatbread topped with savory ingredients before being baked. The most iconic version is topped with Za’atar (thyme, sumac, and sesame) and olive oil, though salty Nabulsi cheese is another favorite. It’s the perfect breakfast on the go.

Hummus

Elevated to an art form in Jordan, it is impossibly creamy, served with a pool of local olive oil and often a zesty tatbila (green chili and lemon sauce).

Moutabal

Often confused with Baba Ganoush, this is the richer version. Charred eggplants are blended with tahini and yogurt for a velvety, smoky, and sophisticated dip.

Falafel

These golden chickpea delights are light and fluffy inside with a crisp exterior. Look for versions stuffed with onions and sumac for an extra flavor kick!

Sweets

• Kunafa: Warm, melted white cheese topped with crunchy semolina or shredded phyllo, soaked in fragrant syrup. It is best eaten hot for that perfect "cheese pull."
• Baklava: Delicate bite-sized pastries with paper-thin phyllo layers stuffed with premium pistachios or walnuts and lightly sweetened with honey.
• Umm Ali: A warm Middle Eastern bread pudding made of pastry soaked in sweetened milk and cream, topped with raisins, coconut, and nuts.

Restaurant Recommendations

Below are some excellent restaurants to try in Jordan. 

• Beit Al-Barakah restaurant🔗, Wadi Musa: Nestled close to Petra, this charming eatery boasts authentic Jordanian cuisine served with warmth and hospitality. With a knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through the menu and a friendly owner offering enticing recommendations, Beit Al-Barakah promises a delightful dining experience.

• Al Shami Restaurant🔗, Aqaba: Experience genuine Jordanian hospitality at this cozy restaurant, a favorite among locals for its inviting atmosphere and flavorful dishes. Let the owner navigate you through the menu and indulge in a culinary journey through Jordanian cuisine. 
• Star Walk Camp & Tours🔗, Wadi Rum Desert: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Wadi Rum with a visit to this desert camp, where the traditional dish Zarb is prepared nightly underground in the sand. Delight your taste buds with the rich flavors of this authentic Jordanian specialty.
• Hashem Restaurant Down Town🔗, Amman: Step into this rustic eatery in the heart of Amman for a budget-friendly feast of Jordanian delights. Loved by both locals and tourists, Hashem Restaurant offers a diverse menu at unbeatable prices, promising an excellent quality-to-price ratio.
• AlQuds Restaurant🔗, Amman: Indulge your sweet tooth at this dessert haven in central Amman, showcasing Jordan's rich dessert tradition. From delectable treats to witnessing the art of Pita bread making at Bakar & Sweets World Al janob🔗 in Aqaba, savor the sweetness of Jordan's culinary heritage.

• Rainbow Restaurant, Dana: We stumbled upon this restaurant randomly, very basic but it turned out to be pretty good. Each dish bursts with authentic flavors and showcases the culinary richness of the region. The menu offers a variety of options, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians.

⚠️ This one is not present in Google Maps, and is closed to Dana Tower Hotel🔗 

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