Overview of Must Try Food in Jordan
Amman, the capital of Jordan and a vibrant hub in the heart of the Levant, is a city where food is deeply woven into everyday life, so that there some food considered as “Must Try Food in Jordan” presented bellow to make the travellers excited to connect with Simsem so they share Jordanian food with local guide Jordan. Jordan shares many of its culinary traditions with its neighbors—Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and even parts of Iraq—creating a rich blend of flavors and dishes.
In Jordan, you’ll find everything from authentic eateries serving traditional Arabic meals to modern restaurants with international menus. Sharing food is a big part of Arab culture, and when you’re invited to a Jordanian home, expect to be served more than just one dish—often three to five! And yes, it’s polite to taste them all. So, sharing dining experiences with local guide middle east is very amazing!
Arabic cuisine offers an incredible variety, starting with small plates of mezze, moving to grilled meats known as mashawi, and ending with irresistible sweets like kunafeh and baklawa. Drinks are also part of the experience: Jordanians love their tea and coffee, and on hot summer days, nothing beats a refreshing lemon juice with mint.
In this article, we will cover the following:
- Best Jordanian Food You Have to Try During Your Visit
- Your Visit Will Not Be Complete Without Tasting These Dishes
- Don’t Miss the Most Must Try Food in Jordan
- FAQ: Your Questions about Must Try Food in Jordan
Ready to taste the Must try food in Jordan ? Book your adventure now through Simsem app.
Best Jordanian Food You Have to Try During Your Visit
1. Mansaf
If you ask any Jordanian which dish you absolutely must try, chances are they’ll say mansaf. This national dish of Jordan is made with rice, lamb, and a unique yogurt-based sauce called jameed. Beyond its rich flavor, mansaf carries deep cultural significance—it’s a meal that symbolizes Jordan itself.
Traditionally served at family gatherings, celebrations, and festivals, mansaf is more than just food; it’s a symbol of unity. In fact, it has even been used to resolve disputes and bring peace among tribes. A traditional platter features rice, lamb, jameed sauce, and often includes nuts and shrak, a type of thin bread. When you take your first bite, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re tasting a piece of Jordan’s heritage.
2. Zarb
For an unforgettable experience of Bedouin culture in a Must Try Food in Jordan, try zarb, also known as the Bedouin barbecue. This centuries-old cooking method involves roasting meat and vegetables in underground pits filled with hot coals. The food—often chicken, goat, or lamb, along with carrots, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes—is placed on metal racks, sealed underground, and slowly cooked to perfection.
Once ready, zarb is brought to the table on large communal platters, accompanied by rice, salads, and dips. What makes this dish so special is not only its smoky, tender flavor but also the way it reflects the Bedouin way of life. With little equipment and a nomadic lifestyle, Bedouins mastered this simple yet ingenious method of cooking as they traveled across the desert.
3. Makmoura
In northern Jordan, particularly in Irbid, you’ll find a lesser-known but equally important dish called makmoura, which translates to “buried”, and considered a Must Try Food in Jordan. True to its name, this dish layers dough with meat—usually lamb or chicken—caramelized onions, and spices like cumin and sumac, before being slow-cooked until golden and fragrant.
The result is a savory pie with a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful filling. Makmoura is often sliced into neat triangular pieces, resembling cake, and shared among family and friends. It’s more than just a comforting meal—it represents patience, hospitality, and the culinary traditions of Irbid, Jerash, and the surrounding countryside. Eating makmoura is like sharing in the warmth of Jordanian home cooking and community spirit.
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Your Visit Will Not Be Complete Without Tasting These Dishes
1. Shawarma
No trip to Jordan is complete without trying shawarma, one of the most popular street foods across the Middle East. Similar to doner or gyro but with its own distinct twist, Jordanian shawarma is typically wrapped in thin bread and generously slathered with sauces—most famously garlic sauce (thoum), which takes the flavor to another level.
Traditionally, shawarma is made by stacking spiced meats on a vertical rotisserie and shaving off thin slices as it cooks. In Jordan, you’ll find it made with chicken, lamb, or beef, and it can be served either in wraps or on plates with sides like rice, fries, and salads. Affordable, quick, and full of flavor, it’s a staple of daily life. For one of the best shawarma experiences in Amman, make sure to visit Shawarma Reem, famous for both chicken and beef shawarma.
2. Hummus and Falafel
Two of Jordan’s most iconic dishes are hummus and falafel—and together, they form the heart of Jordanian street food.
Falafel, made from ground chickpeas mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried into golden patties, is a favorite snack or light meal. Jordanian falafel is particularly renowned for being crisp on the outside yet soft and airy inside, bursting with flavors of cumin, garlic, and parsley.
Hummus, on the other hand, is creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. Made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, it’s often served fresh in bowls, topped with olive oil, chickpeas, herbs, or even meat. In Jordan, hummus is not just a dip—it’s a meal, shared with warm pita bread or raw onions, often as part of a mezze spread.
For a truly authentic experience, try Falafel Al-Quds on Rainbow Street, or head downtown to the legendary Hashem Restaurant, where locals and visitors alike gather for plates of hummus and falafel that never disappoint.
3. Mujaddara
A humble yet deeply flavorful dish as one of must try food in Jordan, mujaddara is a lentil-based meal beloved across the Levant, with versions found in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt. In Jordan, what makes mujaddara unique is the use of bulgur wheat instead of rice, giving it a distinct texture and earthy flavor.
The dish combines lentils with sautéed onions, olive oil, and a variety of spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. Often topped with caramelized onions, and sometimes even enhanced with raisins or pine nuts, mujaddara manages to be both simple and comforting. Historically considered a staple of humble kitchens, it’s a dish that transcends backgrounds, enjoyed by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
Nutritious, aromatic, and filling, mujaddara remains a true taste of Jordan’s culinary soul—proof that even the simplest ingredients can create a memorable meal.
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Don’t Miss the Most Must Try Food in Jordan
1. Koufta
Simple yet packed with flavor, koufta (also spelled kofta or kafta) is a comforting dish beloved across Jordan. The word itself comes from the Persian kufta, meaning “pounded meat,” and recipes for this dish date back to some of the earliest Arab cookbooks. Traditionally made from minced meat—often beef, lamb, or a mixture of both—Jordanian koufta is blended with herbs, spices, and finely chopped onions.
There are several delicious variations. In “suneyet koufta”, the meat mixture is flattened in a tray, sometimes layered with potatoes or vegetables, and baked in the oven. Another favorite, koufta bi batata, combines thinly sliced potatoes with the minced meat for a hearty tray-baked dish. The koufta may also be simmered in flavorful sauces such as tomato, tahini, tamarind, or pomegranate syrup. Served with fresh bread or plain rice, it’s a versatile meal that showcases Jordan’s home-style cooking at its best, so that it’s considered one of must try food in Jordan.
2. Sayadiah
From the coastal city of Aqaba comes one of the must try food in Jordan which is “sayadiah”, a fragrant fish and rice dish that holds a special place in Jordanian cuisine. It’s especially popular among visitors who often remember it as one of the highlights of their culinary journey. Versions of sayadiah can also be found in Lebanon and Egypt, but Aqaba’s style stands out for its bold spices and distinctive preparation.
The dish begins with fresh local fish—commonly grouper, swordfish, or sea bream—which is cooked with rice, caramelized onions, tomato paste, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The rice absorbs the rich flavors, taking on a golden color, while the fish is layered on top and garnished with nuts, fried onions, or parsley. Served with tahini-based salads or spicy sides, sayadiah is a true taste of Aqaba’s seaside heritage.
Wherever you’re coming from, let Simsem app help you to know the ingredients of any Jordanian dish.
FAQ: Your Questions About must try food in Jordan
- What is the national dish of Jordan?
The national dish of Jordan is mansaf, a meal made with lamb, rice, and a unique yogurt sauce called “jameed”. More than just food, it represents Jordanian culture and hospitality, and it’s traditionally served during celebrations and gatherings.
- Is Jordanian food vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! While many iconic dishes feature meat, Jordan has plenty of vegetarian options. Falafel, hummus, mujaddara (lentils with bulgur), and a variety of mezze dishes like baba ghanoush, fattoush, and tabbouleh are staples that vegetarians will love.
- Where can I try the best street food in Amman?
For authentic street food in Amman, head to Hashem Restaurant downtown for hummus and falafel, or stop by Falafel Al-Quds on Rainbow Street. For shawarma, Shawarma Reem is a local favorite.
- What are some traditional Bedouin foods I should try?
If you want to experience Bedouin heritage, try zarb, a traditional barbecue cooked underground in desert sand pits. It’s common in Wadi Rum and usually served with rice, salads, and dips.
- What desserts are popular in Jordan?
Jordan is famous for kunafeh, a sweet made of shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup. You’ll also find baklava and other nut-filled treats in bakeries across the country. A visit to Amman isn’t complete without tasting warm kunafeh from Habibah Sweets, one of the city’s most famous dessert spots.
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