Jordanian Cuisine: Discover the flavors of Jordan through traditional dishes and drinks. From Mansaf to Falafel, explore the best places to try them and indulge in a culinary journey.

Exploring Jordan’s Local Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Drinks to Try and Where to Find Them

Jordan is a country that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. One of the best ways to experience the local culture is through its cuisine. Jordanian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold spices. In this article, we will explore some of the traditional dishes and drinks that you must try when visiting Jordan, as well as the best places to find them.

Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. It is a hearty dish that consists of lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce and served on a bed of rice. Mansaf is traditionally eaten with the hands, and it is a communal dish that is shared among family and friends. The best place to try Mansaf is in a local home, where you can experience the true Jordanian hospitality.

Another popular dish in Jordan is Makloubeh, which means “upside down” in Arabic. It is a one-pot dish that is made with rice, vegetables, and meat, and it is cooked in a way that the pot is flipped over onto a serving platter, hence the name. Makloubeh is a comforting and filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. You can find Makloubeh in most local restaurants and cafes in Jordan.

If you are a fan of grilled meat, then you must try Shish Tawook. It is a popular street food in Jordan that consists of marinated chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection. Shish Tawook is usually served with pita bread, hummus, and a side salad. You can find Shish Tawook in most local restaurants and street food vendors in Jordan.

Jordan is also known for its delicious sweets and desserts. One of the most popular desserts in Jordan is Knafeh, which is a sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup. Knafeh is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. You can find Knafeh in most local bakeries and sweet shops in Jordan.

When it comes to drinks, Jordan has a lot to offer. One of the most popular drinks in Jordan is tea, which is usually served with fresh mint leaves and sugar. Jordanian tea is a refreshing and soothing drink that is perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. You can find tea in most local cafes and restaurants in Jordan.

Another popular drink in Jordan is Jallab, which is a sweet and refreshing drink made with dates, grape molasses, and rose water. Jallab is usually served with ice and topped with pine nuts and raisins. It is a perfect drink for hot summer days and can be found in most local cafes and juice bars in Jordan.

If you are looking for something stronger, then you must try Arak, which is a traditional alcoholic drink in Jordan. Arak is made from aniseed and is usually served with water and ice. It is a strong drink that is perfect for a night out with friends. You can find Arak in most local bars and restaurants in Jordan.

Now that we have explored some of the traditional dishes and drinks in Jordan, let’s talk about the best places to find them. If you want to try Mansaf, then the best place to go is to a local home. Jordanians are known for their hospitality, and they love to share their food with guests. You can also find Mansaf in most local restaurants in Jordan.

If you are looking for Makloubeh, then you can find it in most local restaurants and cafes in Jordan. Some of the best places to try Makloubeh are Hashem Restaurant in Amman and Al Quds Restaurant in Madaba.

For Shish Tawook, you can find it in most local restaurants and street food vendors in Jordan. Some of the best places to try Shish Tawook are Abu Jbara in Amman and Al Quds Restaurant in Madaba.

When it comes to sweets and desserts, you can find Knafeh in most local bakeries and sweet shops in Jordan. Some of the best places to try Knafeh are Habibah Sweets in Amman and Al Quds Sweets in Madaba.

For drinks, you can find tea in most local cafes and restaurants in Jordan. Some of the best places to try tea are Al Quds Restaurant in Madaba and Cafe Jafra in Amman.

Jallab can be found in most local cafes and juice bars in Jordan. Some of the best places to try Jallab are Cafe Jafra in Amman and Al Quds Restaurant in Madaba.

Arak can be found in most local bars and restaurants in Jordan. Some of the best places to try Arak are Fakhr El-Din in Amman and Al Quds Restaurant in Madaba.

In conclusion, Jordanian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold spices. Mansaf, Makloubeh, Shish Tawook, Knafeh, tea, Jallab, and Arak are some of the traditional dishes and drinks that you must try when visiting Jordan. You can find these dishes and drinks in most local restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors in Jordan. So, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine when you visit Jordan, and experience the true flavors of this beautiful country.