Food & Drink

Jordanian food is a feast for the senses, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. Mansaf is considered the national dish and is a hearty and aromatic feast. A traditional Bedouin meal, it features tender lamb cooked in fermented, dried yogurt, served over a bed of rice and flatbread. Mansaf is often enjoyed during festive occasions, embodying Jordanian hospitality.

Mezze is a delightful array of appetizers that kickstart any Jordanian meal. From creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush to stuffed grape leaves (warak enab) and crispy falafel, mezze offers a symphony of flavours.

Grilled meat is a culinary art in Jordan. Kebabs, whether made with succulent lamb, beef, or chicken, are seasoned with aromatic spices and served with fragrant rice or flatbread.

Jordanians take pride in their tea and coffee traditions. Enjoy a cup of sweet mint tea, a popular choice, or savour the strong and cardamom-infused Arabic coffee (gahwa) served in small cups with a side of dates.

Arak is an anise-flavoured alcoholic beverage that is a traditional choice for those seeking a taste of Jordanian spirits. Diluted with water and often enjoyed with mezze, arak adds a unique touch to social gatherings.

End your meal on a sweet note with Jordan's delectable desserts. Kunafa, a pastry filled with sweetened cheese or nuts, and baklava, layers of phyllo dough with honey and nuts, are irresistible treats.

What is Jordan’s traditional cuisine?

There’s no dish more Jordanian than mansaf, a delicious platter of lamb, rice and fermented yoghurt often topped with parsley, nuts and lemon. Ka’ak is a sesame covered bread that will ruin you for all other pita, and it’s worth persevering with makmoura to get at the meaty goodness inside that crisp pastry. For delicious and authentic barbecue, look no further than the tender meats falling off the bone at a Bedouin zarb. Kanafeh offers a cheesy sweet treat at any time of day, and of course you’ll find regional staples like hummus, labeneh, and baklava.

What is the dining etiquette in Jordan?

At a traditional Jordanian table, people sit alongside either a member of the same sex or their spouse. Dining etiquette can range from breaking off bread to scoop up dishes to using modern western style cutlery. Follow your host’s lead, or see what others in the restaurant are doing. It’s considered a sign of friendship and acceptance to pass food by hand in Jordan, but be sure to only touch the food with your right hand. After the meal, you may hear the phrase Al Hamdu Li Lah, which is simply thanking God for the meal. Use it yourself if you’re comfortable doing so.

What is the drinking etiquette in Jordan?

Alcohol is accepted in modern-day Jordan, but drinking on the street or showing public signs of drunkenness are certainly not. Many Jordanians abstain from alcohol, and it can be hard to find in smaller villages. The easiest places to find a drink are at your hotel, or in bars or restaurants in tourism-ready cities like Amman and Aqaba. Be sure to sample arak while you’re in Jordan (be warned, it’s an acquired taste), and if you’re invited to participate in a coffee ceremony, do not refuse unless you absolutely must. Not only is it quite rude to do so, but you’ll miss out on participating in one of Jordan’s most important social traditions.

Does Jordan cater to dietary restrictions?

Jordan isn’t the easiest destination for coeliacs. While you can purchase a variety of bread, cross-contamination with wheat-based products is common. Consider bringing your own snacks just in case. Jordanian cuisine also tends to be heavily meat-based. Larger international hotels are more used to catering to dietary restrictions. Religious dietary restrictions are more easily accommodated.

What do meals typically cost in Jordan?

Meals in Jordan are quite affordable, averaging less than US $10 for a simple meal, and about US $50 for a three-course dinner for two at a local restaurant.