The Best Traditional Jordanian Food to Try in Amman

Jordanian cuisine is a delicious reflection of the country's history, geography, and cultural influences. In Amman, you'll find everything from street food stalls to upscale restaurants serving traditional dishes that have been perfected over generations. This guide will introduce you to the must-try foods and the best places to find them in Jordan's capital city.

Mansaf: Jordan's National Dish

No culinary exploration of Jordan would be complete without trying mansaf, the country's beloved national dish. This celebratory meal consists of tender lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed, served over a bed of aromatic rice and topped with toasted almonds and pine nuts.

Traditionally eaten communally with the right hand, mansaf is more than just food—it's a cultural experience that represents Jordanian hospitality and generosity. While it's typically prepared for special occasions and gatherings, many restaurants in Amman serve excellent versions daily.

Where to try it: Al-Quds Restaurant on Rainbow Street offers one of the most authentic versions in the city, while Sufra Restaurant provides a more upscale dining experience with their perfectly executed mansaf.

Mezze: The Art of Small Dishes

Mezze is the Middle Eastern tradition of serving multiple small dishes at the beginning of a meal. In Amman, a typical mezze spread might include:

• Hummus - Creamy chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, and olive oil
• Moutabel - Smoky eggplant dip similar to baba ghanoush
• Tabbouleh - Fresh parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, and mint
• Fattoush - Garden salad with toasted pita bread and sumac
• Labneh - Strained yogurt spread often topped with olive oil and za'atar
• Kibbeh - Fried bulgur shells stuffed with spiced minced meat and pine nuts
• Warak Enab - Stuffed vine leaves with rice and herbs

Where to try it: Hashem Restaurant in Downtown Amman is a legendary establishment known for its exceptional mezze. For a more extensive selection, visit Fakhr El-Din in the Abdoun neighborhood.

Falafel: The Perfect Street Food

These deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices are a staple of Jordanian street food. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, falafel is typically served in pita bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, and pickles.

Where to try it: Al-Quds Falafel in Downtown Amman has been serving some of the city's best falafel for decades. Hashem Restaurant is another popular spot known for its consistently excellent falafel.

Knafeh: The King of Desserts

This iconic Middle Eastern dessert consists of shredded phyllo dough or semolina dough layered with soft white cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and typically topped with crushed pistachios. The contrast between the sweet syrup, slightly salty cheese, and crunchy dough creates an irresistible combination.

Where to try it: Habibah Sweets in Downtown Amman is the undisputed king of knafeh in the city. Join the queue of locals at this institution that has been perfecting this dessert since 1951.

Maqluba: The Upside-Down Dish

Maqluba (which means "upside-down" in Arabic) is a traditional dish made with layers of rice, vegetables, and meat (usually chicken or lamb). The ingredients are cooked together in a pot, which is then flipped upside down onto a serving plate, creating a dramatic presentation.

Where to try it: Tawaheen Al-Hawa offers an excellent version of this home-style dish in a comfortable setting.

Zarb: Bedouin Barbecue

While traditionally associated with Wadi Rum, several restaurants in Amman now offer zarb, a Bedouin cooking method where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground pit. The result is incredibly tender meat with a unique, smoky flavor.

Where to try it: Beit Sitti offers zarb as part of their cooking classes and special dinners, providing both the delicious food and cultural context.

Arabic Sweets and Desserts

Beyond knafeh, Amman offers a wide variety of traditional sweets and desserts:

• Baklava - Layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey
• Qatayef - Stuffed pancakes filled with cheese or nuts, especially popular during Ramadan
• Halva - Sweet confection made from tahini (sesame paste)
• Basbousa - Semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup
• Umm Ali - A bread pudding dessert with nuts, raisins, and coconut

Where to try them: Zalatimo Sweets has been making traditional Arabic sweets since 1860, while Al-Baghdadi Café offers a wide selection of desserts alongside Arabic coffee.

Traditional Drinks

Complete your culinary journey with these traditional Jordanian beverages:

• Arabic Coffee (Qahwa) - Served in small cups, often flavored with cardamom
• Mint Tea - Fresh mint leaves steeped with black tea and plenty of sugar
• Tamarind Juice - Sweet and tangy refreshment, especially popular in summer
• Fresh Fruit Juices - Particularly sugar cane, pomegranate, and orange
• Sahlab - A warm, thick, sweet drink topped with cinnamon and nuts

Where to try them: Rumi Café offers excellent Arabic coffee in a traditional setting, while street vendors throughout Downtown Amman serve fresh juices year-round.

Dining Etiquette in Amman

To enhance your dining experience in Amman, keep these cultural tips in mind:

• It's customary to eat with your right hand, particularly when sharing communal dishes
• Expect generous portions—Jordanian hospitality means no one leaves hungry
• Don't rush your meal; dining is a social experience meant to be savored
• It's polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show you've had enough
• Tipping (around 10%) is expected at restaurants unless a service charge is included

Food Tours and Cooking Classes

For a deeper dive into Jordanian cuisine, consider these experiences:

• Beit Sitti Cooking Classes - Learn to prepare traditional dishes in a family home
• Taste of Amman Food Tour - Guided tours of the city's best culinary spots
• Downtown Food Walking Tour - Explore the street food scene with a knowledgeable guide

Amman's food scene offers a delicious window into Jordanian culture and history. From ancient Bedouin recipes to dishes influenced by neighboring countries, the city's restaurants and street food vendors provide countless opportunities to experience the rich flavors of this region. Whether you're dining at an upscale restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor, the warmth of Jordanian hospitality and the quality of the cuisine will leave a lasting impression.