The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Jordanian Foods. If you manage to be in an Jordanian restaurant or you are visiting Jordan, I recommend the following:
1. Zaarb
This is an authentic Bedouin barbecue made in an oven, which is a hole dug in the sand, where the charcoal is lit, the food is put in and covered with a mat to keep the heat in. Typically, a multi-storey metal structure is used, which is placed in the ground filled with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and different types of meat, especially chicken and lamb.
2. Shawarma
A street food typical of Middle Eastern countries that is prepared by cutting thin slices of meat, stacked in a cone shape and roasted on a vertical rotating spit. Originally made with lamb, it is now also made with chicken, turkey or beef. The slices of meat are mixed with onion, fresh tomato, lettuce and yogurt sauce inside a loaf of bread. It is therefore a fast food dish that is usually quite economical.
3. Fattet Hummus
Also called fatteh, it is one of the most typical recipes in Jordanian cuisine. However, it is also typical of Egyptian cuisine. In fact, all its ingredients are of Egyptian origin. It is eaten on special occasions and after Ramadan, due to the high calorie content of the dish. It consists of rice, bread and flavored meat that is cooked with garlic, vinegar and tomato. Yogurt can be added as a dip. However, hummus fatteh is the vegetarian version with chickpeas instead of meat.
4. Falafel
This is one of the most consumed preparations of typical Jordanian food. As you may know, falafel is of Arab origin in general. Although it is best known as chickpea falafel, in Jordan falafels are also made with mashed beans. It has ingredients such as garlic, onion, cumin, parsley, pepper and coriander to spice it up for a really delicious end result. One of the ways to eat it is inside pita bread. Don’t forget to serve it with any sauces you see on the table, especially those made with yogurt.
5. Maqluba
Popularly known as Arabic paella. It is a pyramid or rice cake made with cardamom, sultanas and cauliflower, served with meat, onion, aubergine and fresh herbs on top. Its name means “to overturn”, and refers to the way it is cooked. The meat is put together with the onion and aubergine in the bottom of a casserole dish, with the rice, sultanas and cauliflower on top, and then everything is poured into the dish once it is cooked. Thus forming this kind of pie. And it is, without a doubt, one of the most typical Jordanian lunch dishes. Especially on Fridays, the Islamic holiday.
6. Kunafa
Also called kanafeh, knafa, knafeh, kunafeh or kunafe is a typical Middle Eastern dessert, which will become your sweet addiction on this trip. We are talking about a dessert made from semolina and a fresh cheese such as cottage cheese or mozzarella, simmered with syrup and finished with a sprinkling of pistachio on top. Bear in mind that you can find it in both traditional sweet shops and restaurants. And it is usually served hot, which is the best way to make it.
7. Roasted Nuts
These popular snacks have a sweet and salty taste and are baked in metal cups. Large metal cups are heated with hot spices, sugar and salt and then filled with a variety of nuts and seeds, from almonds to chickpeas. Choose from a sweet and savory variety or simply opt for freshly roasted delights. Combine the nuts with some juicy dates: most nut suppliers also import the sweet fruit from the Jordan Valley, where farmers grow three-quarters of the world’s medjool dates, soft fruits that are surprisingly sweet.
8. Mansaf
The traditional Jordanian dish par excellence is Mansaf, of Bedouin origin, which is prepared on special occasions or celebrations, and is a dish that symbolizes brotherhood, as it is served on a single central tray, from which each diner eats with the right hand. Sharing it was certainly the best way for us to end our trip in Amman, Jordan’s hospitable capital. The recipe consists of lamb meat that is fried with onion and cooked with liquid yogurt, salt, nutmeg, pepper and curry until the meat is tender. The lamb is served on a platter with cooked rice and pine nuts, and the rest of the liquid yogurt to be added.
9. Fresh Juice
Called “aseer” in Jordanian and very easy to find throughout the country. Especially lemon, orange, grapefruit, melon and banana. They are very refreshing, especially in a country where temperatures are quite high. The lemon juice is a bit distinctive, as it is flavored with mint leaves.
10. Bedouin Tea and Coffee
Coffee is also a major player in Jordanian drinks, and among the Bedouin. It is a coffee spiced with cardamom and cloves, and boiled over a wood fire. This gives it a unique aroma and flavor. In addition, Bedouins follow several “rules” when serving coffee: stopping for coffee is a moment of relaxation and leisure. Rushing is not welcome. It is always served with the right hand and in order from left to right, regardless of the relationship and importance of the guests. Coffee is always served hot. The tea on the other hand is also exquisite flavored with cloves and mint leaves.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Asian Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.
The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Jordanian Foods. If you manage to be in an Jordanian restaurant or you are visiting Jordan, I recommend the following: