Food in Jordan

Jordan, a country renowned for its ancient monuments, hospitable people, and awe-inspiring landscapes, is also a destination for culinary adventurers seeking to indulge in authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Jordanian cuisine, often overshadowed by its regional neighbors, offers an array of dishes that reflect the country's diverse cultural heritage and history. From the fragrant spices that season the food to the communal style of dining, a journey through Jordan's culinary offerings is as enriching as it is delicious. This article guides tourists through the must-try dishes and food experiences in Jordan, ensuring a feast for the senses and a deeper connection with the local culture.

Jordanian Dishes

Mansaf

Mansaf is considered the national dish of Jordan and is a must-try for any visitor. This hearty meal consists of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur. It is traditionally eaten with the hands from a large communal platter and is often garnished with nuts and parsley, symbolizing hospitality and generosity.

Maqluba

Maqluba, which literally means "upside down," is a savory casserole that includes rice, vegetables, and meat, such as chicken or lamb. Once cooked, the pot is flipped upside down onto a serving dish, revealing a layered tower of fragrant, spiced ingredients. It's commonly served with a side of yogurt or a simple salad.

Fatteh

Fatteh is a versatile dish that can be found in many variations across Jordan. It typically consists of layers of toasted or fried bread, rice, and meat, all smothered in a garlicky yogurt sauce. Chickpeas are often included, and pine nuts or almonds are sprinkled on top for added texture.

Musakhan

Musakhan is a popular and flavorful dish composed of roasted chicken with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts atop a bed of flatbread. The juices from the chicken soak into the bread, creating a delicious combination that's often enjoyed as a communal meal.

Shawarma

While shawarma is found throughout the Middle East, Jordanian shawarma has its own unique flavors. Thin slices of marinated chicken, lamb, or beef are stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted. The meat is shaved off and served in a wrap or sandwich with tahini, hummus, pickles, and vegetables.

Kebabs

Grilled meats are a staple in Jordan, and kebabs are particularly beloved. They can be made from beef, lamb, or chicken and are often seasoned with a mixture of spices before being grilled to perfection. Kebabs are typically served with grilled vegetables, rice, or bread.

Mujaddara

Mujaddara is a simple yet satisfying vegetarian dish made from lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions. It's seasoned with cumin and served with a side of yogurt or salad. This dish is a staple for many Jordanian families and offers comforting flavors.

Galayet Bandora

This traditional Jordanian stew features tomatoes cooked down into a thick sauce with garlic, olive oil, and hot peppers. It is typically served with meat, often beef or lamb, and eaten with flatbread, making for a warming and homely dish.

Warak Enab and Kousa Mahshi

Stuffed vegetables are common in Jordanian cuisine, with warak enab (stuffed grape leaves) and kousa mahshi (stuffed zucchini) being particularly popular. These are usually filled with a mixture of rice and ground meat, seasoned with mint, lemon juice, and other herbs, and then cooked in a tomato sauce.

Magloubeh

Magloubeh, meaning "upside down" like maqluba, features layers of fried vegetables, meat, and rice, which are then inverted onto a serving platter. It's a dish that combines the flavors of cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, and chicken or lamb, seasoned with aromatic spices.

Jordanian Desserts

Knafeh

Knafeh is a sweet cheese pastry soaked in a sugar-based syrup, often flavored with rose water or orange blossom. It is made with a layer of thin noodle-like pastry or semolina dough, filled with a soft cheese such as Nabulsi, and topped with crushed pistachios. It's a popular dessert throughout Jordan and is especially enjoyed during festive occasions.

Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey. It's a dessert that can be found in many cafes and bakeries and comes in various shapes and sizes, with each region having its own variation.

Hariseh

Hariseh, also known as basbousa in some regions, is a semolina cake soaked in syrup. It's often flavored with coconut or orange flower water and garnished with almonds. The cake is sweet, dense, and has a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of Arabic coffee.

Halva

Halva is a dense, sweet confection typically made from tahini (sesame paste) mixed with sugar or honey and various nuts or seeds. It can be flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or other ingredients and is a common sweet treat enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Luqaimat

Luqaimat are small, round dumplings that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, often drizzled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. These sweet bites are a traditional dessert, particularly during the month of Ramadan.