Best Street Food in Amman and Where to Find It

One of the best ways to experience Amman's vibrant culture is through its street food scene. From generations-old falafel stands to modern food trucks, the city offers a wealth of delicious, affordable options that showcase Jordan's culinary heritage. This guide will take you on a flavorful journey through Amman's best street food, highlighting iconic dishes, where to find them, and how to eat like a local.

Iconic Jordanian Street Foods

Falafel

These crispy, deep-fried chickpea patties are perhaps the most beloved street food in Amman. Jordanian falafel is distinguished by its vibrant green interior (from fresh herbs) and perfectly crisp exterior.

Where to try it:

• Hashem Restaurant (Downtown) - A legendary establishment that has served falafel to everyone from locals to royalty since 1952. Their recipe hasn't changed in decades, and the restaurant's no-frills atmosphere is part of its charm.
• Al-Quds Falafel (Downtown) - Another institution known for exceptionally crispy falafel served with fresh-baked bread, tomatoes, and mint.
• Falafel Al-Quds (Jabal Al-Hussein) - Not to be confused with the above, this spot is famous for its "special sandwich" that includes fried eggplant and boiled egg with the falafel.

How to eat it: Falafel is typically served in pita bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, pickles, and sometimes fresh mint. You can also order it as part of a mezze platter with hummus and other dips.

Shawarma

Thinly sliced meat (typically chicken or beef) that has been marinated and stacked on a vertical rotisserie, then shaved off and served in bread with vegetables and sauces.

Where to try it:

• Reem Shawarma (2nd Circle) - Operating since 1976, Reem is an Amman institution known for its beef shawarma. The simple sandwich comes with tahini sauce and onions, wrapped in thin shrak bread.
• Shawarma Reem (Gardens Street) - Not affiliated with the above but equally delicious, specializing in chicken shawarma with garlic sauce.
• Ibrahim Iraqi Shawarma (Sweifieh) - Offers a unique Iraqi-style shawarma with distinctive spices and preparation methods.

How to eat it: Shawarma is typically eaten as a sandwich wrapped in thin bread or stuffed in pita. Some vendors also offer shawarma plates with rice or fries for a more substantial meal.

Manakish (Za'atar Bread)

A flatbread topped with za'atar (a thyme and sesame seed mixture), cheese, or ground meat, then baked in a hot oven. It's a popular breakfast item but available throughout the day.

Where to try it:

• Salaheddin Bakery (Jabal Amman) - A neighborhood bakery known for its variety of manakish, including the classic za'atar and cheese options.
• Abu Jbarah (Multiple locations) - A chain that specializes in manakish with various toppings, including the popular cheese and za'atar combination.
• Street vendors in Downtown - Look for small bakeries with wood-fired ovens, particularly in the morning hours.

How to eat it: Manakish is typically folded in half or rolled up and eaten by hand. Some people add fresh vegetables like tomatoes and mint inside before rolling.

Knafeh

While technically a dessert, knafeh is often enjoyed as a street food in Amman. This sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios is a Middle Eastern favorite.

Where to try it:

• Habibah Sweets (Downtown) - The undisputed king of knafeh in Amman, serving this dessert since 1951. Their Downtown branch always has a line, which moves quickly.
• Al-Quds Sweets (Sweifieh) - Offers a slightly different style with a thicker cheese layer.
• Abu Zaghleh (Jabal Amman) - A small shop with a loyal following who claim it has the perfect balance of sweetness and cheese.

How to eat it: Knafeh is served hot, cut into squares or rectangles, and often placed between two pieces of bread to make it easier to eat on the go. The contrast between the sweet, warm knafeh and the plain bread is part of the experience.

Other Must-Try Street Foods

Hummus

While often considered a side dish, hummus in Amman can be a meal in itself, especially when served with fresh-baked bread for breakfast.

Where to try it:

• Hashem Restaurant (Downtown) - Also famous for their creamy hummus served with hot bread and raw onions.
• Abu Jbarah (Multiple locations) - Offers hummus topped with whole chickpeas, olive oil, and pine nuts.
• Kalha (Downtown) - A breakfast institution serving simple but perfect hummus since 1947.

Ful Medames

A hearty dish of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. It's a popular breakfast option that keeps you full for hours.

Where to try it:

• Hashem Restaurant (Downtown) - Their ful is mashed and served with tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil.
• Al-Quds Restaurant (Downtown) - Serves a chunkier version with whole beans and a distinctive spice blend.
• Street carts in Downtown - Look for vendors with large metal pots in the morning hours.

Kaek

A sesame-crusted bread ring that's typically filled with za'atar, cheese, or eggs. It's a popular on-the-go breakfast or snack.

Where to try it:

• Kaek stands near Al-Husseini Mosque (Downtown) - Several vendors compete for the title of best kaek in this area.
• Mobile kaek carts - Look for vendors pushing distinctive wooden carts throughout Downtown and other neighborhoods.

Arayes

Grilled pita bread stuffed with seasoned minced meat, herbs, and sometimes cheese. The bread absorbs the juices from the meat as it grills, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Where to try it:

• Fakhr El-Din (Jabal Amman) - While primarily a sit-down restaurant, they offer takeaway arayes that are worth the splurge.
• Abu Zaghleh (Jabal Amman) - Known for their cheese arayes with a perfect crisp exterior.
• Street vendors near Rainbow Street - Several small grills offer excellent arayes, especially in the evening hours.

Street Food Neighborhoods

Downtown (Al-Balad)

The heart of Amman's street food scene, Downtown offers the highest concentration of traditional vendors:

• Hashem Restaurant area - The streets surrounding this famous eatery are filled with food vendors
• King Talal Street - Lined with falafel stands, shawarma shops, and juice vendors
• Near Al-Husseini Mosque - Particularly good for breakfast foods like kaek, ful, and hummus

Best time to visit: Morning for breakfast specialties, midday for lunch options, and early evening for dinner. Many places close relatively early compared to other neighborhoods.

Jabal Amman (Rainbow Street area)

This trendy area offers both traditional street food and more contemporary options:

• Rainbow Street - Home to both traditional eateries and modern food concepts
• Al-Weibdeh Street - Several small food stalls and casual eateries
• Paris Circle - Food trucks and modern street food concepts

Best time to visit: Afternoon through evening, when the area comes alive with locals and visitors. Many places stay open later here than in Downtown.

Sweifieh

This commercial district offers a mix of traditional and international street food options:

• Wakalat Street - Food carts and quick-service restaurants
• Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street - Several shawarma and falafel shops
• Sweifieh Circle - Food trucks and modern street food concepts

Best time to visit: Evening hours when the area is busiest with shoppers and diners.

Modern Street Food Trends

Food Trucks

Amman has seen a surge in food trucks offering both traditional Jordanian flavors and international concepts:

• Shams El Balad Truck - Organic, locally-sourced Jordanian street food with a modern twist
• BurgerMaker - Gourmet burgers with Middle Eastern influences
• Azkadenya Food Truck - Traditional Levantine street food with contemporary presentations

Food trucks can often be found at events, near universities, and in commercial districts like Abdali and Sweifieh. Check social media for current locations as they sometimes move.

Fusion Street Food

Innovative vendors are combining Jordanian flavors with international cuisines:

• Falafel Tacos - Traditional falafel served in taco form with fusion toppings
• Shawarma Bao - Shawarma meat and toppings in steamed Asian bao buns
• Za'atar Fries - French fries seasoned with za'atar spice blend

Look for these creative options in Jabal Amman, Jabal Al-Weibdeh, and at weekend food markets and festivals.

Practical Tips for Street Food Exploration

Food Safety

Street food in Amman is generally safe, but these precautions can help ensure a positive experience:

• Look for busy stalls with high turnover - this ensures food is fresh and popular with locals
• Watch for vendors who handle food and money separately or wear gloves
• For meat dishes like shawarma, ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and served hot
• Be cautious with raw vegetables and salads if you have a sensitive stomach
• Bottled water is recommended for visitors

Timing Your Street Food Adventures

• Breakfast (7-10 AM): Best for ful, hummus, kaek, and manakish
• Lunch (12-3 PM): Prime time for falafel and shawarma
• Afternoon snack (4-6 PM): Perfect for knafeh and other sweets
• Dinner (7-10 PM): Many street food vendors are still open, particularly in busier areas
• Ramadan timing: During the holy month, street food vendors often open only after iftar (breaking of the fast at sunset) and may stay open much later than usual

Language Tips

While many vendors in tourist areas speak some English, knowing a few Arabic food terms can enhance your experience:

• Bidoon (بدون): Without
• Ziyada (زيادة): Extra
• Haar (حار): Spicy
• Tayeb (طيب): Delicious
• Kam? (كم؟): How much?

Exploring Amman's street food scene is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Jordanian culture. From traditional favorites that have stood the test of time to innovative new concepts, the city's culinary landscape offers something for every palate. So grab a falafel sandwich, join the locals at a busy downtown eatery, and discover why Amman is becoming a destination for food lovers from around the world.