What to Eat and Drink in Jordan – A Food Lover’s Guide to Jordanian Cuisine
What to Eat in Jordan – Must-Try Dishes, Drinks & Local Dining Tips
One of the questions we get at Petra Moon is: “What’s the food like in Jordan?” And the answer is simple — delicious, diverse, and full of soul. Jordanian cuisine reflects the heart of its people: warm, welcoming, and full of flavor.
Let’s take you on a guided food journey — from traditional Bedouin meals in Wadi Rum to cozy dishes in Petra and high-end restaurants in Amman.
Must-Try Traditional Jordanian Dishes
🥘 Mansaf – Jordan’s National Dish
If you try only one dish, make it mansaf. This rich lamb-and-rice dish is served with fermented yoghurt sauce (jameed) and often eaten communally. It’s deeply tied to Bedouin hospitality.
🥙 Falafel & Hummus
A classic, especially for breakfast or a quick lunch. Try Al Quds in Amman for some of the best falafel in the country.
🍚 Maqluba – The Upside-Down Dish
Literally means "upside-down" – a pot layered with rice, chicken or lamb, eggplant, cauliflower, and tomatoes. Flipped on a tray before serving.
🥗 Tabbouleh & Fattoush
Fresh, herby, crunchy salads that accompany almost every meal.
🍢 Shish Taouk & Kebab
Grilled meats seasoned with spices and served with dips, pickles, and bread.
What About Vegetarian & Vegan Options?
You’re in luck — Jordan has plenty of plant-based dishes like lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves (waraq enab), and mujadara (rice with lentils and caramelized onions).
Just let your guide or server know — vegetarian food is part of the local tradition.
What to Drink in Jordan
☕ Arabic Coffee
Strong, cardamom-spiced, and symbolic of Jordanian hospitality. Sip, don’t gulp.
🍵 Mint Tea
Served almost everywhere, often with lots of sugar.
🍷 Jordanian Wine & Arak
Yes, Jordan makes wine — and some of it is excellent. Try wines from Saint George (Zumot Winery) or Jordan River Winery.
Arak is a traditional anise-flavored spirit — often served with mezze.
⚠️ Alcohol is available in restaurants and liquor shops, though limited during Ramadan.
Cooking Classes & Food Experiences
In Petra, don’t miss a chance to cook your own Jordanian dinner at Petra Kitchen — it’s one of our most requested experiences.
In Amman, you can enjoy food walking tours through downtown, sampling everything from kanafeh (sweet cheese dessert) to grilled meats.
Where to Eat – Travel Consultant Tips
- Amman: Fakhr El-Din (fine dining), Hashem (legendary falafel), Sufra (authentic meals)
- Petra: Petra Kitchen, Basin Restaurant inside Petra site
- Wadi Rum: Bedouin barbecue (Zarb) in a desert camp
- Madaba: Haret Jdoudna – restaurant meets handicraft market
Final Thoughts from Our Team
Food in Jordan isn’t just something you eat — it’s how we welcome you. If you'd like your trip to include cooking classes, wine tasting, or Bedouin dining under the stars, we’ll build that right into your itinerary.
At Petra Moon, we don’t just plan travel. We design experiences you’ll taste, remember, and talk about forever.