Photo by: Falasteeni Foodie
Introduction While most people think of Middle Eastern food, they think of hummus, falafel, and shawarma. But Jordan has a world of culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. Jordan is at the crossroads of Africa and Asia, and the food culture here is vibrant, blending the best of Levantine and Arabian flavors. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Jordanian cuisine is worth savoring.1. Mansaf, the heart of Jordanian culinary tradition.Mansaf is a national dish from Jordan, far more than food, but also a symbol of hospitality and a cultural pride for the people of Jordan. Cooked in tender lamb in jameed—a rich yogurt sauce—served over a fragrant bed of rice, topped with almonds and pine nuts, mansaf personifies the generosity and warmth that Jordanian culture embodies. Its popularity is well known during marriages, family events, and even special occasions that are held, making it at the center of Jordanian life.Mansaf is a comfort food for those from across the Middle East, but its Jordanian version with jameed is a flavor unlike any other and unforgettable. Try it if you haven't; this is a meal you will not want to miss.2. Falafel: A Middle Eastern Delight with a Jordanian TwistFalafel is the street food enjoyed throughout the Middle East, and Jordan is no different. Falafel is also a crispy gold ball made up of ground chickpeas or herbs, presented in a crispy pita wrap with fresh crunchy vegetables and creamed tahini sauce. Different regions have an exclusive spice used in Jordan's falafel. The mixture of the two textures, both crispy on the outside and very soft on the inside, does make every taste a perfect mouthful of delicious savory goodness.For a real experience of Jordanian falafel, go any street food fair in Amman or Petra-just look to see where any local vendors frying fresh batches can be found, right before you.3. Maqluba: The Upside-Down FeastMaqluba is a one-pot dish that's as much a visual feast as it's a culinary one. The name of the dish translates to "upside down," and it's easy to see why. The dish consists of layers of rice, vegetables, and your preference of meat-of-choice (often chicken or lamb). The ingredients cook together in a single pot then flip over to reveal a perfectly stacked dish. The blend of spices, such as cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, makes maqluba taste so savory, while the tender meat is perfectly balanced with the crispy rice.Hummus is one of the most popular dishes in Jordanian households and is served during special family meals. It symbolizes a meal that's as much about sharing as it is about flavor.4. Hummus: Creamy, Dreamy, and Always FreshWhile hummus is consumed all over the Middle East, Jordanian hummus takes the prize for being super duper creamy, with olive oil lavishly splattered on top. This basic, yet high-quality, combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and olive oil somehow makes this hummus anything but non-addictive. Served with fresh-baked pita, this is one snack that never goes out of style.Hummus is typically enjoyed with other mezze such as baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and fattoush, making a lovely spread for any occasion.5. Knafeh: The Sweet IndulgenceNo discussion about Jordanian cuisine is complete without knafeh, the favorite sweet of Jordanians. The heavenly dessert is prepared with shredded layers of phyllo dough dipped in sweet syrup and stuffed with gooey cheese or semolina. Crispy, creamy, and syrupy are all combined into one bite of knafeh. While it's popular all over the Levant, its most famous incarnation comes from the city of Nablus, in Jordan, as a favorite local tradition.Enjoyed with a cup of Arabic coffee, knafeh is the perfect solution for finishing a hearty meal or simply indulging in something sweet at any hour of the day.6. Arabic Coffee: The Heart of Jordanian HospitalityNo journey through Jordan would be complete without a taste of Arabic coffee, or qahwa. Strong and pungent in flavor with its specific method of preparation, qahwa is an integral part of the Jordanian culture. Most often it is served in small cups with dates or sweets and is a connotation of hospitality and friendship.The preparation of Arabic coffee involves boiling finely ground coffee beans with cardamom and sometimes saffron, creating a rich and aromatic beverage. Drinking Arabic coffee is a social experience in Jordan, and it's common to be offered a cup when visiting someone's home or a local café.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Adventure Awaits in JordanJordan's culinary delights provide the authentic Middle East taste, with all the incredibly rich flavors for its hospitality, varied culture, and history. From savoring Mansaf at a family gathering to having a crispy falafel sandwich from a street corner, or enjoying a warm slice of knafeh served with Arabic coffee, food from Jordan is certain to leave a lasting impression.A journey through Jordan’s culinary landscape is more than just a chance to sample delicious dishes—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and history of this incredible country. So, if you’re planning a trip to Jordan, make sure to explore its culinary delights, and don’t forget to bring your appetite!
While most people think of Middle Eastern food, they think of hummus, falafel, and shawarma. But Jordan has a world of culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. Jordan is at the crossroads of Africa and Asia, and the food culture here is vibrant, blending the best of Levantine and Arabian flavors. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Jordanian cuisine is worth savoring.
1. Mansaf, the heart of Jordanian culinary tradition.
Mansaf is a national dish from Jordan, far more than food, but also a symbol of hospitality and a cultural pride for the people of Jordan. Cooked in tender lamb in jameed—a rich yogurt sauce—served over a fragrant bed of rice, topped with almonds and pine nuts, mansaf personifies the generosity and warmth that Jordanian culture embodies. Its popularity is well known during marriages, family events, and even special occasions that are held, making it at the center of Jordanian life.
Mansaf is a comfort food for those from across the Middle East, but its Jordanian version with jameed is a flavor unlike any other and unforgettable. Try it if you haven't; this is a meal you will not want to miss.
2. Falafel: A Middle Eastern Delight with a Jordanian Twist
Falafel is the street food enjoyed throughout the Middle East, and Jordan is no different. Falafel is also a crispy gold ball made up of ground chickpeas or herbs, presented in a crispy pita wrap with fresh crunchy vegetables and creamed tahini sauce. Different regions have an exclusive spice used in Jordan's falafel. The mixture of the two textures, both crispy on the outside and very soft on the inside, does make every taste a perfect mouthful of delicious savory goodness.
For a real experience of Jordanian falafel, go any street food fair in Amman or Petra-just look to see where any local vendors frying fresh batches can be found, right before you.
3. Maqluba: The Upside-Down Feast
Maqluba is a one-pot dish that's as much a visual feast as it's a culinary one. The name of the dish translates to "upside down," and it's easy to see why. The dish consists of layers of rice, vegetables, and your preference of meat-of-choice (often chicken or lamb). The ingredients cook together in a single pot then flip over to reveal a perfectly stacked dish. The blend of spices, such as cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, makes maqluba taste so savory, while the tender meat is perfectly balanced with the crispy rice.
Hummus is one of the most popular dishes in Jordanian households and is served during special family meals. It symbolizes a meal that's as much about sharing as it is about flavor.
4. Hummus: Creamy, Dreamy, and Always Fresh
While hummus is consumed all over the Middle East, Jordanian hummus takes the prize for being super duper creamy, with olive oil lavishly splattered on top. This basic, yet high-quality, combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and olive oil somehow makes this hummus anything but non-addictive. Served with fresh-baked pita, this is one snack that never goes out of style.
Hummus is typically enjoyed with other mezze such as baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and fattoush, making a lovely spread for any occasion.
5. Knafeh: The Sweet Indulgence
No discussion about Jordanian cuisine is complete without knafeh, the favorite sweet of Jordanians. The heavenly dessert is prepared with shredded layers of phyllo dough dipped in sweet syrup and stuffed with gooey cheese or semolina. Crispy, creamy, and syrupy are all combined into one bite of knafeh. While it's popular all over the Levant, its most famous incarnation comes from the city of Nablus, in Jordan, as a favorite local tradition.
Enjoyed with a cup of Arabic coffee, knafeh is the perfect solution for finishing a hearty meal or simply indulging in something sweet at any hour of the day.
6. Arabic Coffee: The Heart of Jordanian Hospitality
No journey through Jordan would be complete without a taste of Arabic coffee, or qahwa. Strong and pungent in flavor with its specific method of preparation, qahwa is an integral part of the Jordanian culture. Most often it is served in small cups with dates or sweets and is a connotation of hospitality and friendship.
The preparation of Arabic coffee involves boiling finely ground coffee beans with cardamom and sometimes saffron, creating a rich and aromatic beverage. Drinking Arabic coffee is a social experience in Jordan, and it's common to be offered a cup when visiting someone's home or a local café.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Adventure Awaits in Jordan
Jordan's culinary delights provide the authentic Middle East taste, with all the incredibly rich flavors for its hospitality, varied culture, and history. From savoring Mansaf at a family gathering to having a crispy falafel sandwich from a street corner, or enjoying a warm slice of knafeh served with Arabic coffee, food from Jordan is certain to leave a lasting impression.
A journey through Jordan’s culinary landscape is more than just a chance to sample delicious dishes—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and history of this incredible country. So, if you’re planning a trip to Jordan, make sure to explore its culinary delights, and don’t forget to bring your appetite!
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