Food & Cuisine in Jordan

Food info sections | Eating locally | Other dining options

Food is a central part of life in Jordan and throughout the whole of the Middle East. Whilst being unique in some ways, Jordan's cuisine is part of the distinctive Middle East culinary heritage, widely regarded as one of the world's most elaborate, sophisticated and finest cuisines.

Jordanian cuisine is a food lover's dream, and satisfies even the most demanding gourmet!

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This Jordan Restaurant Guide gives information on Jordanian cuisine and popular dishes, as well as listing some recommended Jordanian restaurants. If you haven't yet booked your Jordan or Jordan tours, be sure to check out what we have on offer. Our Jordan Shopping Guide is also a useful information page on some of the great souvenirs and gifts available to purchase on your trip.

Jordanian cuisine, as with all Middle Eastern cuisine, has its roots in traditional Bedouin cooking. Many of the dishes have been passed down from one generation to the next, and each different clan usually has its own secret recipes. Although tending to be reasonably heavy, dishes are still quite healthy, with yoghurt, grains and numerous fresh and dried vegetables used in cooking.

Meals usually start with meze (hors d'oeuvres), a number of small plates of various types of starters. Salads are also quite common, and bread is usually eaten with every meal. Dessert or fresh fruit follows the meal, which is completed by the famous Arabic coffee. Below we've listed some of the popular dishes you may come across while in Jordan, and which all come highly recommended!

Popular Dishes
- Mensaf: this is the national dish of Jordan. It consists of stewed lamb which has been seasoned with aromatic herbs, and then cooked in a yoghurt sauce, served with rice.
- Meze: small starters such as tabouleh, humus and kube
- Kebabs
- Mahshi Waraq 'inab: minced meat, rice and various spices wrapped in vine leaves.
- Musakhan: chicken roasted in olive oil and onion sauce on Arab bread.
- Stuffed Baby Lamb: roasted baby lamb stuffed with rice, nuts, raisins and diced onions.
- Baklawa: pastry filled with nuts and honey.
- Kanafa: nuts and goats cheese encased in pastry.
- Ataif: traditionally eaten during Ramadan, these small pancakes are fried and filled with nuts or cheese.

Popular Drinks
- Coffee: one of the most popular rituals in Jordan is drinking Arabic coffee. Usually served very strong, it is served in small cups.
- Alcohol: local beer, wine and other types of alcohol are served in many restaurants and bars, except during Ramadan.
- Araq: a local liquor, Araq is similar to Greek Ouzo, and it is usually mixed with water and ice.

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Reem Al Bawadi Restaurant

Reem al-Bawadi is a fine restaurant complex popular with tour groups and Jordanian families.

It's a bit far from the city centre but is a good choice if you want to try some Jordanian and Lebanese food.

Menu includes a wide range of mezza and grills. You can eat on brass tables in main halls or in Bedouin tents.

Tawaheen al-Hawa Restaurant

Located in Tlaa'a Al Ali .

look for the windmill symbol on the wall as there's no English sign.

A nice setting for a quite lunch or dinner with famliy and friends. The menu includes fresh sea food, traditional arabic Mezza and BBQ.

In summer time you can enjoy dinning in a traditional Bedouin tent.

Ward Restaurant

Located in Tlaa'a Al Ali .

Ward Restaurant is a fine deluxe restaurant complex popular with Jordanian families.

Menu includes a wide range of mezza and grills in a spacious wide area with great service.

Needs Reservations

Jana Restaurant

A popular Arabic restaurant offering Lebanese cuisine , it has an enjoyable outdoor seating area and a bar area which is opened all year round.

It also has a friendly service with relaxing dining experience.

The menu includes Lebanese ranging from cold to hot mezza, fresh seafood and international dishes.

The bar has all types of alcoholic beverages.

It is located in Jabal Amman at the third circle.

Beit Shocair Restaurant

It is Located in Jabal Amman

A Lebanese restaurant, offers Arabic food, BBQ and oven hot meat tray (sawani).

Guest can see collections of unique crafts, antiques and watch beautiful views of the old city and down town area.

Fakhr El Din Restaurant

It’s located at the 2nd circle in Jabal Amman

The menu include various oriental mezza, meats, fresh fish and several delicious desserts

You can also select from a variety of Arak (a Lebanese alcoholic drink) along with a range of spirits, beers and non-alcoholic beverages are also offered

Mais Al Reem Restaurant

A nice setting for lunch or dinner with famliy and friends. The menu includes traditional Arabic Mezza, Middle Eastern and Oriental cuisine.

It is located in Um uthainah street opposite to Fouad Saloon.

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