Jordanian food is an exciting mix of Levantine, Bedouin, and regional influences, creating a rich culinary landscape that’s distinct yet shares threads with its neighbors.
From hearty stews to refreshing salads and perfectly spiced grilled meats, Jordanian cuisine is all about balance and bold flavors.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling food scene of Amman or enjoying a meal in a Bedouin tent in Wadi Rum, these 25 dishes will give you a taste of Jordan’s gastronomic identity.
Table of Contents
1. Mansaf
The national dish of Jordan, Mansaf is a must-try. It consists of tender lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce called jameed and served over a bed of rice. Traditionally eaten with the hands, it’s the ultimate dish for celebrations. This savory masterpiece is all about communal eating and hospitality.
Photo Credit: hekayet_tabaq
2. Musakhan
A Palestinian import that’s become a Jordanian favorite, Musakhan is roast chicken seasoned with sumac, pine nuts, and onions, served on a flatbread called taboon. The unique tang of sumac makes this dish stand out in the Jordanian food scene.
Photo Credit: kitchen_diaries_by_zubda
3. Maqluba
Maqluba, which translates to “upside-down,” is a pot of layered meat (chicken or lamb), rice, and vegetables like eggplant, all cooked together and flipped onto a plate before serving. The result is a savory, aromatic tower of deliciousness.
4. Shish Tawook
These skewered and grilled chicken chunks are marinated in yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice. Often served with flatbread, they’re a popular street food option.
5. Kibbeh
Kibbeh are deep-fried bulgur and minced meat croquettes, sometimes served raw. The crispy shell and flavorful filling make them a beloved part of Jordanian cuisine. Perfectly portable, they’re ideal for snacks or a main dish.
6. Hummus
No list of Jordanian food is complete without Hummus—a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. In Jordan, hummus is more than a dip; it’s served as a main dish, often topped with olive oil and whole chickpeas.
Beetroot Humus (Photo: Ranveer Brar)
7. Fatteh
A breakfast favorite, Fatteh is made of layered bread soaked in yogurt, chickpeas, and sometimes meat, all topped with nuts and herbs. It’s a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for starting your day.
8. Labneh
Labneh is a tangy yogurt cheese, typically served as a dip or spread. It’s garnished with olive oil and za’atar, and pairs well with almost any Jordanian meal.
9. Warak Enab
Stuffed grape leaves, or Warak Enab, are a classic across the Levant. Filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, they’re often served as an appetizer or side dish.
10. Kofta Bi Tahini
Kofta Bi Tahini features spiced ground meat baked in a tahini sauce and topped with onions and tomatoes. The creamy tahini adds a delicious, nutty flavor to this meat-lover’s delight.
11. Bamia
Bamia is a hearty okra stew with chunks of tender lamb, tomatoes, and onions. Best enjoyed with fresh bread to soak up the rich sauce, it’s a comforting dish popular in homes across Jordan.
12. Mujadara
This simple yet filling dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions is a vegetarian favorite. Often served with yogurt or salad, Mujadara is a humble yet tasty dish you’ll find in many Jordanian homes.
Photo: Spice Up Recipes
13. Sayadieh
A seafood delight, Sayadieh is a fish and rice dish seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander. It’s often served with tahini sauce and salad.
14. Falafel
Falafel are deep-fried chickpea balls seasoned with herbs and spices. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re a popular street food, usually wrapped in a pita with salad and tahini sauce.
15. Zarb
This Bedouin barbecue is cooked in an underground pit. Meat and vegetables are marinated and then buried to slow-cook for hours, resulting in tender, smoky flavors.
16. Kousa Mahshi
Kousa Mahshi are stuffed zucchinis filled with a mix of rice, meat, and spices. It’s a labor-intensive dish often served at family gatherings.
17. Shakshuka
A breakfast staple, Shakshuka is made of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. It’s best enjoyed with fresh bread to mop up the sauce.
18. Makdous
Pickled baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts, garlic, and red pepper, Makdous is a tangy treat often enjoyed as part of a mezze platter.
19. Fasoulya
A bean stew with tomatoes and meat, Fasoulya is served over rice or with bread, and it’s popular in Jordanian households.
20. Sfiha
Sfiha is a type of open-faced meat pie topped with ground lamb, pine nuts, and a mix of spices. A popular snack, it’s perfect on the go.
21. Mutabbal
Similar to baba ganoush, Mutabbal is a smoky eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon. It’s often served as part of a mezze spread.
22. Knafeh
This famous dessert is a sweet cheese pastry topped with syrup and crushed pistachios. Served warm, Knafeh is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
23. Basbousa
Basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in syrup and sometimes topped with almonds. Its moist, sweet texture is the perfect way to end a meal.
24. Ma’amoul
A holiday treat, Ma’amoul are shortbread cookies filled with dates, walnuts, or pistachios, often enjoyed during Eid.
25. Baklava
Layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and soaked in honey, Baklava is a rich dessert shared across the Middle East but popular in Jordan.
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10 Best Drinks in Jordan
And yes you can drink in Jordan, which you can read about here, as well as their very own firewater.
In the interests of this article though I have concentrated on non-alcoholic.
Photo: Daily Tea Time, Aminah Jarouche, Hani Nissan
- Mint Tea – Found everywhere, this refreshing tea is often served as a welcoming gesture.
- Arabic Coffee (Qahwa) – Served in small cups, it’s a strong and spiced drink best enjoyed slowly.
- Jallab – A sweet mix of grape molasses and rose water topped with pine nuts.
- Limonana – Lemon and mint blended together into the ultimate thirst-quencher.
- Arak – An anise-flavored spirit enjoyed during meals.
- Tamarind Juice – Sour, sweet, and perfect for hot days.
- Sahlab – A creamy hot milk drink with rose water, topped with cinnamon.
- Karak Chai – A spiced milk tea that’s popular across the region.
- Sugarcane Juice – Freshly pressed sugarcane, ideal for a quick energy boost.
- Barley Water – Light and hydrating, it’s made from boiled barley.
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