What to Eat in Jordan: Top Must-Try Local Dishes

What to Eat in Jordan: Top Must-Try Local Dishes for Tourists
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering local flavors, and if you’re wondering what to eat in Jordan, you’re in for a treat. Jordan’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Bedouin traditions, Levantine influence, and family hospitality. Here’s your guide to the top dishes you must try during your visit.

1. Mansaf – Jordan’s National Dish
Mansaf is more than a meal — it’s a cultural experience. This traditional Bedouin dish is made of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt (jameed), served over rice and thin flatbread, and often eaten with the hands during celebrations. You’ll find it in restaurants and homes, especially on Fridays.

2. Falafel & Hummus – Jordan’s Everyday Favorite
Crispy, golden falafel made from ground chickpeas is a must-try street food in Jordan. Often served with creamy hummus, pickles, and fresh bread, it makes for a perfect light breakfast or lunch. Head to local spots like Al Quds or Hashem Restaurant in Amman for the best experience.

3. Shawarma – Middle Eastern Classic
Available on almost every corner, Jordanian shawarma is juicy and flavorful, wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, onions, and fries. Choose between beef or chicken, and pair it with a fresh lemon-mint drink.

4. Maqluba – “Upside Down” Rice Dish
Maqluba literally means “upside down” in Arabic. It’s a layered dish of rice, eggplant, potatoes, and chicken or lamb, flipped upside down when served. Comforting and hearty, it’s often made for family meals and found in traditional restaurants.

5. Kebab & Kofta – Grilled Meat Lovers’ Choice
Jordan is known for its tender grilled meats, including lamb kebabs and spiced kofta. They’re usually served with tahini sauce, grilled veggies, and fresh bread.

6. Zarb – Bedouin BBQ from the Desert
If you’re visiting Вади-Рам, don’t miss Zarb, a Bedouin barbecue cooked underground. Chicken, lamb, and vegetables are slow-cooked in a sand oven, giving them a smoky and tender flavor. It’s usually served with rice, salads, and tea under the stars.

7. Kunafa – The Sweet Finale
A dessert made of shredded pastry soaked in syrup and filled with cheese or cream, Kunafa is the ultimate way to end a meal in Jordan. Try it fresh and hot at famous dessert shops in Amman.

Where to Eat These Dishes?

At local restaurants in Amman, Petra, and Aqaba
Inside Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum
During YOLO Jordan private or group tours that include authentic food experiences

Final Tips for Food-Loving Travelers

Try local bakeries for fresh bread, manaqeesh, and sweets
Don’t miss street food, especially in downtown Amman
Ask locals what’s good — Jordanians love to share food
Always say “Sahtein!” before eating (means “Bon appétit!” in Arabic)

Jordanian cuisine is as welcoming and warm as its people. From savory stews to sweet bites, don’t leave without tasting your way through this flavorful country.

What to eat in Jordan

YOLO Jordan

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