What to Eat in Jordan: A Guide for Adventurous Palates (and Less Adventurous Ones)

Are you thinking about taking a trip to Jordan? Maybe you found this article because you’re starting to panic and wondering, “What do people eat in Jordan?!” Needless to say, if you want to travel to Jordan, you’ll have to make peace with the idea of giving up your beloved plate of pasta for a little while.
If you truly want to immerse yourself in Jordanian culture, the first step is to let go of the idea of eating “Western-style.”

Here’s a list of dishes you will definitely eat in Jordan...

What Do People Eat in Jordan? A Guide for Adventurous Eaters (and Less Adventurous Ones)

1. Hummus

Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Hummus? But I already eat that at home!” But trust me, Jordanian hummus has that “je ne sais quoi” that makes you forget every other hummus you’ve tried before.

2. Mansaf

Considered Jordan’s national dish, mansaf is a kind of “party on a plate.” Stewed lamb, rice, and a special fermented yogurt sauce. And yes, it takes a little courage to dive in, but once you do, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

3. Falafel

You may know them as those little crispy patties that make every vegetarian buffet worth noticing. But in Jordan, falafel is elevated to an art form. Fried to perfection and seasoned just right, they might have you considering moving to Jordan just for them.

4. Maqluba

Maqluba is the culinary equivalent of a magic trick. Meat, rice, and vegetables are cooked together in a large pot, which is then “magically” flipped upside down to reveal a layered masterpiece worthy of a standing ovation. And if you fall under its spell, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

5. Shawarma

It’s not exactly exclusive to Jordan, but if you’ve never had shawarma in Jordan, have you really had shawarma? The answer is no.

6. Knafeh

For dessert lovers, get ready to dream about knafeh for months to come. A delicious treat made with sweet shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup, all served warm. Mmm, sweetness.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve taken a look at a great selection of Jordanian dishes, just to give you an idea of what people eat in Jordan—a country that offers not only breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders, but also an incredible cuisine. We’re sure it will win you over, and we’re just as sure that if you haven’t already booked a ticket to Jordan, there’s still time to travel with people who know it best...
Here is the program for our 8-day Jordan travel itinerary. Take a look!