Jordan’s national dish, Mansaf, is a hearty meal made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served over a bed of rice or bulgur. It’s typically garnished with almonds and pine nuts and often accompanied by flatbread. Serving: Traditionally served on a large platter and eaten communally, Mansaf is a dish that symbolizes hospitality and is often reserved for special occasions and celebrations.
Maqluba, meaning “upside down” in Arabic, is a layered dish that usually includes meat (chicken or lamb), rice, and vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes. The dish is cooked in a pot and then flipped upside down when served, revealing the layered presentation. Serving: It’s often accompanied by a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
Popular throughout the Middle East, Falafel consists of deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices. They’re usually served in pita bread with salad, pickles, and tahini sauce. Falafel is a common street food and can also be found in restaurants as part of a larger meal.
A staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, hummus is a creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s typically served with warm pita bread. Often served as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter.
Tabbouleh is a fresh and vibrant salad made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onions, and bulgur, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s commonly part of a mezze platter or served as a refreshing side dish.
A Lebanese-inspired salad popular in Jordan, Fattoush features mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pieces of pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac dressing. It’s a vibrant and crunchy salad often served as part of a mezze.
Kubbeh consists of a spiced meat mixture (usually lamb or beef) encased in a shell made from bulgur or semolina. It can be baked, fried, or cooked in a stew. It’s commonly served as an appetizer or part of a main meal.
Popular Street Foods
Shawarma is a popular street food made from marinated meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s sliced thin and served in a pita or flatbread with vegetables and sauces like tahini or garlic sauce. Often enjoyed as a quick and flavorful meal on the go.
These are savory pastries filled with a mixture of spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables, then deep-fried or baked. Often served as a snack or appetizer.
Sweets and Desserts
Kanafeh is a sweet and rich dessert made from thin noodle-like pastry soaked in a sugar syrup and layered with cheese or other fillings. It’s often topped with crushed pistachios. Served warm and often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
This popular dessert consists of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s crisp and sweet with a delightful texture. Usually enjoyed with coffee or as a treat after a meal.
A creamy milk pudding flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, often garnished with nuts or dried fruit. Served chilled, it’s a light and refreshing dessert.
Beverages
Tea in Jordan is often served strong and sweetened with sugar. Mint tea is also popular, where fresh mint leaves are added for extra flavor. Typically enjoyed throughout the day, especially during social gatherings.
Traditional Jordanian coffee is often prepared with cardamom and served in small cups. It’s a common part of hospitality and social gatherings. Coffee is typically served strong and without milk, accompanied by dates or sweets.
A refreshing drink made from fresh mint, lemon juice, and sugar, often served chilled. It’s a popular choice for cooling down in the hot weather and complements many meals.
Jordanian wines, are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a range of flavors from fruity whites to robust reds. Wine is enjoyed with meals or on its own as part of a social occasion.
A traditional apricot juice made from dried apricots. It’s especially popular during Ramadan. Served chilled, it’s a refreshing and fruity drink.
A traditional drink made from dates, tamarind, and rose water, sometimes garnished with pine nuts. Served chilled, it’s both sweet and tangy.