Traditional Dishes Of Jordan

1. Moutabel

If you’ve tried Mediterranean cuisine, you’d know Baba ghanoush – the roasted eggplant dip. Very similar to that yet distinctly unique in its flavour is the Jordanian Moutabel, a yoghurt-based eggplant dip that makes for a stunning accompaniment to dishes. It is made by roasting eggplant – giving it its smoky and yummy flavour – which is then mixed with yoghurt, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice.

2. Falafel

While in Jordan, trying these deep-fried patties with a filling of chickpeas mixed in a medley of spices is a must. They give out out a luscious aroma of fresh garlic, parsley, and cumin and are too hard to resist. Deservedly, it is among the most loved snack items in the country, the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Grab a bite on the go or enjoy one as a sit-down meal, it’s entirely up to you. They can be paired with bread, had as a sandwich filling, or can even be savoured as nuggets.

3. Shawarma

Another equally popular meat snack is the Shawarma – wrap mince-like pieces of lamb, chicken, or beef wrapped in a sauce-smeared bread. These wraps are usually paired with tahini, garlic sauce, or modern variants like mayonnaise. What gives this delectable snack its robust flavour is the method in which the meat is cooked – slow cooked on a spit fire. The spit fire-method of cooking ensures the meat’s succulence and gives it a unique taste of charry goodness. You’ll find people binging on these at street-side stalls and top-notch restaurants alike.

4. Chicken liver

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A wholesome chunk of meat, sauteed in olive oil and seasoned with simple herbs, such as parsley, garlic, and salt, along with a drizzle of lemon juice on top – what’s not to love about that? Mostly served as a mezze dish along with hummus and moutabel, chicken liver is the ideal, bite-sized snack to be savoured before the full fare begins. Pair it with some bread and a dash of hummus and you’ll know why it’s landed on this list.

5. Warak Enab (Stuffed grape leaves)

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Much like cigar rolls (sans the frying) is Warak Enab, a combination of ground meat, onions, and fresh seasonings mixed in rice, which are rolled and stuffed into pickled grape leaves. These are usually served as a mezze dish and are supposed to be had cold. Bite into these stuffed rolls and you’d be left with an absolutely exquisite sour and wholesome flavour in your mouth. You’ll find it served along with Kousa Mahshi, or stuffed zucchinis at many eateries.

6. Mansaf

Much like turkey at Thanksgiving and Yule Cake at Christmas is the Jordanian counterpart, Mansaf, a celebratory preparation in Jordan. Such is the popularity of the dish that it’s almost reckoned as the national dish of the country. Primarily a dry preparation, Mansaf is a delectable combination of lamb and rice, enjoyed with a hearty pour of jameed – fermented goat’s milk yoghurt, which is cooked into a gravy. The rice and lamb make for an amazing pair, but it is the sweet-salty jameed that takes Mansaf’s flavour up a notch.

7. Manakish

Think Italy’s pizzas and you’d be quite close to the Levantine Manakish. Eaten freshly baked out of a brick oven, Manakish has a dough bread base, making it crunchy on the outside, and a topping of za'atar (a herb-thyme spice mix) and olive oil, making it fluffy on the inside. While za'atar remains as the most-loved topping with Manakish, newer varieties also have it garnished with halloumi (white cheese), eggs, meat, or just about any other topping you ask for.

8. Sayadieh (Lebanese rice and fish)

A delicate yet bombastic seafood preparation, Sayadieh is generous pieces of fried or baked fish hidden within aromatic rice, topped with a delectable sauce of caramelized onions, saffron, pine nuts, almonds, and lemon juice. Fish stock is used as a medium to cook the dish, which gives it a subtle yet supremely punchy flavour. Although originally a Lebanese delight, Sayadieh is hugely popular in Jordan as well. You’ll find many Jordanian families enjoying it as festival fare.

9. Ara’yes

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Quite similar in appearance to Mexican quesadillas is Ara’yes, a mixture of spiced, minced lamb, parsley, onions, and fresh herb seasoning sandwiched in pita bread. While you may think that this entirely crispy dish has got to be deep fried, it’s not! Ara’yes is brushed generously with olive oil and grilled over burning charcoal, which gives it tons of flavour as well as crunch. Have a bite and let the oozing flavours engulf you in a state of food coma!

10. Hareeseh

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Just like a meal can’t be complete without a sweet ending, a foods’ list is also not. Desserts are a large part of Jordanian cuisine and making for a perfect fit therein is Hareeseh, a stunning combination of semolina, cream, coconut, sugar, yoghurt, and almonds. All ingredients are carefully mixed together and shaped in bars, then baked until a glimmering golden brown. You’ll find them garnished with pistachio crumb, whole almonds (sometimes shavings), desiccated coconut, cashew nuts, and a host of other items amplifying the flavour and texture. Place a bite in your mouth and experience this Jordanian brownie-like dessert melt, leaving behind a party of flavours!

The land of wonders

If Jordan’s landed on your travel bucket list, a trip to its primary attraction, the well-preserved remains of the ancient city of Petra, is likely to be very high on your list. Not just Petra, the country is also home to some of the most beautiful castles and churches as well. While you pack your itinerary with these, also don’t forget to keep the amazing food the country has to offer on your list. Try these traditional dishes in Jordan and come back to thank us later!