Feast like a local: 7 Iconic dishes you must try in Jordan

Mumbai: Perched along the shores of the Red Sea, Jordan is a captivating country steeped in history, rich culture, and a culinary scene that’s as diverse as it is delicious. Its food landscape is a harmonious blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, drawing flavours and techniques from neighbouring regions such as Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. The result? A cuisine that is both deeply rooted in tradition and alive with bold, fresh flavours.

Rana Abu Alhala, CEO of Plan B Travel & Tourism, highlights that Jordan’s culinary identity is inseparable from its cultural heritage. From ancient Bedouin recipes passed down through generations to street food that tells a story with every bite, food in Jordan isn’t just sustenance—it’s a powerful expression of identity.

Expect aromatic spices, generous use of herbs like mint and parsley, sun-ripened vegetables, and slow-cooked meats that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re dining in Amman’s bustling markets or sharing a traditional meal in a desert camp, every dish is a sensory gateway into the heart of Jordanian life.

Food lover’s guide to Jordan: 7 Authentic bites to savour

Here’s your ultimate guide to the seven essential dishes you must experience on your culinary adventure through this warm and welcoming land. Each one is a tribute to Jordan’s rich flavours, storytelling traditions, and the generous spirit of its people.

1. Falafel

Falafel

Falafel is one of the most beloved street foods in Jordan. Made from finely ground chickpeas (or sometimes fava beans), mixed with herbs and spices, and deep-fried to golden perfection, falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Often served in a grilled flatbread sandwich, it’s filled with creamy tahini sauce, crisp vegetables, and tangy pickles. Nutritious, affordable, and widely available, it’s a must-try dish that showcases the simplicity and brilliance of Jordanian street food.

2. Mansef

Mansef

No culinary journey through Jordan is complete without tasting Mansef, the country’s national dish. A hearty and ceremonial meal, Mansaf is made with tender lamb cooked in a rich, tangy sauce made from Jameed, a type of fermented yoghurt, and served over yellow rice.

This iconic dish is deeply rooted in Jordanian hospitality and tradition, often prepared for special occasions, weddings, and cultural celebrations. Mansaf not only satisfies the palate—it tells the story of Jordan’s heritage with every bite.

3. Shish Kebab

Shish Kebabs are a staple across Jordan, particularly popular in family gatherings and outdoor grills. Made from minced lamb or chicken, seasoned with local spices and fresh herbs, the meat is shaped onto large skewers and grilled over open charcoal.

Served with warm flatbreads, fresh salads, and flavorful dips like hummus or garlic sauce, Jordanian Shish Kebab delivers a smoky, spiced richness that makes it stand out from versions found elsewhere.

4. Shawarma

A street food favourite across the Middle East, Shawarma is widely loved in Jordan, especially in lively cities like Amman. Prepared with marinated meat—be it chicken, lamb, or beef—stacked on a vertical rotisserie, it’s shaved off in thin slices and tucked into pita bread or wraps.

Topped with tahini sauce, pickled cucumbers or turnips, and fresh vegetables, this delicious handheld meal is perfect as a midday snack or a late-night bite.

5. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup, or Shorbat Adas, is a comforting and nourishing dish, especially popular during the colder months or Ramadan. Made from red lentils, onions, garlic, herbs, and sometimes tomatoes, the soup is simple yet deeply flavorful.

It’s typically served with warm pita bread and a wedge of lemon for that extra zing. Light yet hearty, it’s a perfect start to any Jordanian meal.

6. Manakish

Manakish

Often referred to as the Levantine pizza, Manakish is a beloved Jordanian breakfast item. It’s a soft flatbread topped with a blend of za’atar (a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds), high-quality olive oil, and sometimes cheese or minced meat.

Baked in traditional ovens, the bread is warm, chewy, and bursting with flavour. Whether you prefer it plain or loaded with toppings, Manakish is a staple of Jordanian mornings.

7. Knafeh

No food tour in Jordan is complete without Knafeh, a luscious dessert that’s adored across the Middle East. Often called the ‘cheesecake of the Middle East,’ it features a base of stretchy, gooey cheese topped with crispy, shredded pastry (similar to vermicelli), drenched in citrus- or rose-scented sugar syrup.

Garnished with crushed nuts and sometimes fruit, Knafeh is both indulgent and memorable—an irresistible end to your Jordanian feast.

From aromatic street food to celebratory feasts, Jordan’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of its heritage and hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, the flavours of Jordan promise to linger long after your journey ends.

 From sizzling street food to time-honoured traditional feasts, Jordan’s cuisine is a flavourful reflection of its rich culture and hospitality. Whether it’s the tangy depth of Mansaf or the crispy comfort of falafel, these seven iconic dishes offer a true taste of Jordan that no food lover should miss.  Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips