Read any must try Jordan dishes post and Makloubeh will undoubtedly be on the list. This dish which contains rice, salad and usually chicken is a home and restaurant speciality.
We were to try it in our slightly empty hotel in what was largely a rather empty Petra on our way to SOFEX.
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What the Makloubeh?
Makloubeh is more than just a dish; it’s a piece of history from Palestine and Jordan. The name means “upside down,” which makes sense once you see it served. This hearty meal has been around for centuries, becoming a symbol of hospitality in the region.
Originally from Palestine, it spread to Jordan, where it’s just as loved today. What started as a simple, humble dish became a staple at gatherings, representing the rich culture and traditions of these lands. In every bite, you taste a story that’s been passed down through generations.
What’s in Makloubeh?
Makloubeh, features a straightforward yet satisfying combination of ingredients. It typically includes layers of rice, meat (such as chicken or lamb), and vegetables like potatoes, eggplant, and cauliflower.
The dish is seasoned with spices like cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper. The cooking process involves layering these ingredients in a pot, simmering them together, and then flipping the pot upside down to serve. The result is a visually impressive and flavorful dish.
And the taste?
Part of the journey here with Makloubeh is without doubt the showmanship, with many YouTube videos (my own TikTok video) and after the flipping the chance for everyone to drum. For us this was to be quite literally the highlight of our night.
Alas after visiting an Empty Petra, we were to not only go to a hotel that had quite literally opened just for us, but a dry one at that.
I personally found the chicken they served to be not only to die for, but also straight off of the bone – unlike the chicken salumi I had recently tasted in Japan. For me it was not too spicy, with the various veg inside complementing the dish.
Yet when all was actually said and done it was once again chicken with yellow rice, a meal that we had been having since day 1. I personally OK with this, but alas the Americans were bracing McDonalds at this point. Luckily for them Jordan is one of those countries that has Ronald McDonalds – unlike Cambodia.