Jordan's Delicious Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Jordanian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and unique culinary traditions. Influenced by its location in the heart of the Middle East, Jordanian dishes offer a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Arabic flavors. Let's explore some of the delicious local cuisine you must try during your visit to Jordan.

1. Mansaf: A Traditional Jordanian Delight

Mansaf is considered the national dish of Jordan and holds a special place in Jordanian hearts. This traditional Bedouin dish is made with tender lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt, called jameed. The flavorsome meat is then served over a bed of rice and garnished with almonds and pine nuts. Mansaf is often enjoyed on special occasions and is a true symbol of Jordanian hospitality.

2. Zarb: The Bedouin Barbecue Experience

Zarb is a unique cooking method that originated among the Bedouin tribes in Jordan. The dish consists of marinated meat, usually lamb or chicken, along with vegetables and spices, placed in an underground pit lined with hot coals. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and succulent flavors. Many Bedouin camps across Jordan offer Zarb feasts where you can witness this traditional cooking technique.

3. Falafel: A Jordanian Street Food Favorite

Falafel is a widely popular street food in Jordan and throughout the Middle East. These crispy deep-fried balls are made from a mixture of ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Typically served in a pita bread with tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh mint, falafel makes for a delicious and satisfying meal on the go. You can find excellent falafel stands in local markets and bustling city streets.

4. Jordanian Salads: Fresh and Flavorful

Jordanian cuisine is known for its wide variety of fresh and vibrant salads. Tabbouleh, a popular salad made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon juice, is a refreshing side dish that complements many Jordanian meals. Another traditional salad is fattoush, made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, crisp pita bread, and a zesty dressing. These salads add a burst of flavors and textures to any Jordanian feast.

5. Jordanian Sweets: A Sweet Ending

No Jordanian meal is complete without indulging in some mouthwatering sweets. Kunafa is a beloved dessert made with layers of shredded phyllo dough, stuffed with sweet cheese, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. Another popular sweet treat is baklava, a delicate pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. These delightful sweets will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more!

Best Restaurants to Savor Jordanian Cuisine

While Jordanian cuisine is best experienced in local homes, there are several excellent restaurants across the country where you can enjoy a wide variety of traditional dishes:

1. Haret Jdoudna: Located in the heart of Madaba, this charming restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and serves authentic Jordanian cuisine, including Mansaf and Zarb.
2. Hashem Restaurant: Situated in downtown Amman, Hashem Restaurant is famous for its delicious falafel and Middle Eastern specialties.
3. Tawaheen Al Hawa: This restaurant in Aqaba offers a fantastic dining experience with its fresh seafood dishes and traditional Jordanian recipes.
4. Kan Zaman: Nestled within an old stone house in Amman, Kan Zaman provides a unique setting to enjoy Jordanian cuisine, accompanied by live traditional music and dancing.

These are just a few of the many wonderful restaurants where you can savor the delicious flavors of Jordanian cuisine. Exploring local markets and street food stalls will also provide you with a truly authentic and immersive culinary experience in Jordan.

Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Jordanian cuisine in your own kitchen, here are two traditional recipes you can try:

Mansaf Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• - 2 pounds of lamb shoulder, cut into pieces
• - 2 cups of jameed (fermented dried yogurt)
• - 6 cups of water
• - 3 cups of basmati rice
• - Almonds and pine nuts for garnish
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - Arabian spices (such as baharat) for flavoring
• - Olive oil for cooking
• - Fresh parsley for garnish
• - Flatbread for serving
• Instructions:
• 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the lamb pieces until golden. Season with salt, pepper, and Arabian spices.
• 2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the jameed in water and add it to the pot with the lamb. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
• 3. In another pot, cook the rice according to package instructions.
• 4. To serve, place a mound of rice on a platter, arrange the lamb pieces on top, and pour the jameed sauce over the meat. Garnish with almonds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley. Serve with flatbread on the side.

Falafel Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• - 2 cups of dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• - 1 onion, roughly chopped
• - 4 cloves of garlic
• - 1 cup of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• - 1 cup of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• - 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• - 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• - 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
• 1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them under cold water.
• 2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until a coarse paste is formed.
• 3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
• 4. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, pressing firmly to hold their shape.
• 5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan and fry the falafel until they are golden brown and crispy.
• 6. Remove the falafel from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel. Serve hot with tahini sauce, pita bread, and your favorite toppings.

Explore Jordanian Cuisine