Jordanian cuisine
Jordan Food
Main Dishes
A Flavor-Filled Journey Through Jordanian Cuisine
Main Course
Mansaf
Jordan prides itself with the famous national dish of Mansaf. Mansaf is basically a meal of rice, lamb and aged yogurt that is made into balls and kept all year long called Jameed. Although Mansaf is a meal that is still prepared in the Bedouin culture, it has crossed the borders and became the national dish for Jordan. Mansaf is served on special occasions such as weddings and births, or to honor a guest, and of course on main holidays.
Main Course
Maqluba
Inspired by the Arabic word called 'Maqluba,' which translates to 'upside down.' When the meal has finished cooking, you take the pot and flip it upside down onto a large serving platter, and everybody helps themselves. The basic method is this: a large cooking pot is layered with meat or chicken, vegetables and rice; it’s cooked on the stove and flipped upside-down onto a large platter and served with yogurt on the side.
Main Course
Kofta
Kofta is a food which is made by grinding beef or lamb and mixing it with an assortment of spices such as garlic, onions, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and turmeric. The resulting seasoned meat can be shaped into meatballs or cylinders of meat which can be cooked in a wide variety of ways. The two most common kofta dishes are kofta b'tahhini baked in a sea of tahini, or kofta b'bandoora baked in tomato sauce.
Main Course
Dolma/ Dawali
In Western countries, it’s equivalent to stuffed cabbage roll. Traditionally, it is made from soft grape leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat and spices and then wrapped up tight in into a pouch. Perfect for popping into your mouth.. When it has meat, the dolma is served warm. When it is purely for herbivores, the dolma is served cold. Either way, it’s great with yogurt.
Main Course
Zarb (Bedouin BBQ)
Meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground pit until succulent. A typical zarb consists of chicken pieces blackened to crispy perfection with juice-dribbling perfect meat, baked potatoes, and whole onions cooked in their skins so that they’re melt-in-the-mouth creamy inside. It’s as much an experience to watch the barbecue rack being exhumed from the ground as it is to eat its contents!
Main Course
Shawarma
Another dish that will make you fall in love with Jordanian food is Shawarma. It is Jordan's beloved street food, features thinly sliced meat—chicken, beef, or lamb—marinated in aromatic spices like cumin and garlic, then slow-roasted for tender perfection. Served in warm pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, it's a worldwide favorite for its juicy texture and bold flavors.
Side Dishes and Appetizers
Small Bites, Big Flavor
Sweets
Deserts
Jordanian desserts offer a rich variety of sweet indulgences, including knafeh, baklava, ma'amoul, halva, qatayef, basbousa, and zalabia. These treats, featuring delicate pastries, sweet fillings, and syrupy coatings, encapsulate the essence of Jordanian culinary traditions, providing a satisfying conclusion to any meal or celebration.
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Side Dishes
Appetizers
Jordanian appetizers present an enticing variety of tastes and sensations, ranging from the velvety smoothness of hummus to the satisfying crunch of sambousek. Each morsel serves as a tribute to the country's abundant culinary legacy, encouraging diners to indulge in the intricate blend of ingredients and careful craftsmanship that characterize Jordanian gastronomy.
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Beverage
Drinks
Jordan's rich array of beverages reflects its lively culinary tradition. From soothing teas and aromatic Arabic coffee to tangy choices like ayran and tamarind juice, there's something to please every taste. Traditional favorites such as Jallab and sahlab pay homage to culinary heritage, while a selection of popular soft drinks and fruit juices ensures that everyone can find a refreshing option among Jordan's diverse and flavorful offerings.
