Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Al Mafraq, Al Mafraq, Jordan
1. Mansaf (King's Dish)
Traditional Bedouin dish made with tender lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt sauce served over rice and garnished with almonds and pine nuts. Try it at Al Quds Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Mansaf is a traditional dish that offers an authentic taste of Jordanian cuisine.
- Cultural Significance: This dish holds great cultural significance as it was traditionally prepared for the King and his guests.
- Taste and Texture: The rich flavor and unique texture of Mansaf make it a memorable dining experience.
2. Mansaf Bi Za'tar (Thyme Mansaf)
A variation of Mansaf flavored with thyme, offering a unique and aromatic twist. Taste it at Hikmat Al Falah Restaurant.
- Unique Flavor: Mansaf Bi Za'tar offers a distinct thyme flavor that sets it apart from traditional Mansaf.
- Local Ingredient: Thyme is a locally grown herb, adding to the authenticity of this dish.
- Culinary Creativity: This variation showcases the culinary creativity of Jordanian cooks.
3. Maqluba (Upside Down Rice)
A popular dish where rice, meat, and vegetables are layered and cooked upside down resulting in a beautiful presentation. Try it at Al Mafraq Palace Restaurant.
- Presentation: The unique upside-down presentation of Maqluba makes for an impressive and memorable meal.
- Local Ingredients: Traditional Jordanian vegetables such as eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes are used in this dish.
- Cooking Technique: The cooking technique of layering and flipping the dish upside down adds to its charm.
4. Kunafa (Syrian Cheese Pastry)
A sweet pastry made with crispy vermicelli noodles, syrupy cheese filling, and crushed nuts. Enjoy it at Al Sadeem Restaurant.
- Middle Eastern Influence: Kunafa originates from Syria but is popular in Jordan as well.
- Texture and Flavor: The crispy texture of the vermicelli and sweet, cheesy filling make Kunafa a delightful dessert.
- Customization: Kunafa can be customized with various fillings such as cheese, cream, or nuts.
5. Shawarma (Lebanese Sandwich)
A popular Middle Eastern sandwich made with thinly sliced meat, pickled vegetables, and garlic sauce wrapped in a flatbread. Try it at Al Mafraq Shawarma.
- Middle Eastern Influence: Shawarma is a popular dish across the Middle East, each region having its unique twist.
- Portability: The wrap format makes Shawarma a convenient and portable meal option.
- Flavor Combinations: The combination of flavors in Shawarma, from the tender meat to the tangy pickles, creates a harmonious taste.
6. Fattet Hummus Bi Tahina
A traditional Jordanian dish made with chickpeas mashed into hummus, topped with fried pine nuts and yogurt sauce. Savor it at Al Mafraq Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Fattet Hummus Bi Tahina is a classic Jordanian dish that offers an authentic taste of the region.
- Texture and Flavor: The combination of creamy hummus, crunchy pine nuts, and tangy yogurt sauce create a delightful texture and flavor profile.
- Local Ingredients: Chickpeas, pine nuts, and tahini are all locally sourced ingredients in this dish.
7. Kabab Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)
Vegetables such as zucchini and peppers are hollowed out, filled with rice, minced meat, and spices, then grilled. Taste it at Al Fakhfahan Restaurant.
- Healthy Option: Kabab Mahshi is a healthy vegetable-based dish that offers a unique flavor profile.
- Cultural Significance: This dish reflects the culinary customs and traditions of Jordanian cuisine.
- Texture and Flavor: The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful rice, and juicy minced meat make Kabab Mahshi a delightful meal.
8. Foul Mudammas (Mashed Fava Beans)
A popular breakfast dish made with mashed fava beans, cooked until tender and seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and cumin. Try it at Al Sadeem Restaurant.
- Traditional Breakfast Option: Foul Mudammas is a traditional Jordanian breakfast dish that offers a hearty and filling start to the day.
- Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and cumin gives Foul Mudammas a unique and flavorful taste.
- Local Ingredients: Fava beans are locally sourced and a common ingredient in Jordanian cuisine.
9. Makloubeh (Upside Down Rice Dish)
A beautiful dish where rice, vegetables, and meat are layered and cooked upside down resulting in a colorful presentation. Try it at Al Quds Restaurant.
- Presentation: The unique upside-down presentation of Makloubeh makes for an impressive and memorable meal.
- Local Ingredients: Traditional Jordanian vegetables such as eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes are used in this dish.
- Cooking Technique: The cooking technique of layering and flipping the dish upside down adds to its charm.
10. Kunafa Bil Atteh (Kunafa with Nuts)
A sweet pastry made with crispy vermicelli noodles, syrupy cheese filling, and crushed nuts. Enjoy it at Al Sadeem Restaurant.
- Unique Flavor: The addition of nuts to Kunafa gives it a unique flavor profile.
- Local Ingredients: Nuts are locally sourced and add a crunchy texture to this dessert.
- Customization: Kunafa can be customized with various fillings such as cheese, cream, or nuts.
11. Musakhan (Chicken with Onions and Sumac)
A popular dish made with chicken cooked in a mix of onions, sumac, and olive oil, served over flatbread. Try it at Al Mafraq Palace Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Musakhan is a classic Jordanian dish that offers an authentic taste of the region.
- Flavor Profile: The tangy flavor of sumac, combined with tender chicken and caramelized onions, creates a delightful taste experience.
- Local Ingredients: Sumac is a locally sourced ingredient that adds a unique flavor to this dish.
12. Mansaf Bi Lahm (Meat Mansaf)
A variation of Mansaf made with tender lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt sauce served over rice and garnished with almonds and pine nuts. Try it at Al Quds Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Mansaf Bi Lahm is a traditional Jordanian dish that offers an authentic taste of the region.
- Cultural Significance: This dish holds great cultural significance as it was traditionally prepared for the King and his guests.
- Taste and Texture: The rich flavor and unique texture of Mansaf Bi Lahm make it a memorable dining experience.
13. Hummus Beiruti (Beirut Hummus)
A popular Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas mashed into hummus, topped with olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Try it at Al Sadeem Restaurant.
- Middle Eastern Influence: Hummus Beiruti is a popular dish across the Middle East, each region having its unique twist.
- Texture and Flavor: The combination of creamy hummus, tangy lemon juice, and fresh parsley create a delightful texture and flavor profile.
- Local Ingredients: Olive oil and parsley are locally sourced ingredients in this dish.
14. Kabab Laban (Yogurt Kababs)
Grilled minced meat mixed with yogurt and spices, served with rice and vegetables. Try it at Al Mafraq Shawarma.
- Unique Flavor: The addition of yogurt to the minced meat gives Kabab Laban a unique flavor.
- Cultural Significance: This dish reflects the culinary customs and traditions of Jordanian cuisine.
- Texture and Flavor: The combination of tender, juicy minced meat and creamy yogurt create a delightful texture and flavor profile.
15. Shawarma Bi Tahina (Tahini Shawarma)
A variation of Shawarma served with a generous amount of tahini sauce. Try it at Al Mafraq Shawarma.
- Unique Flavor: The addition of tahini sauce gives Shawarma Bi Tahina a unique and creamy flavor.
- Middle Eastern Influence: Shawarma is a popular dish across the Middle East, each region having its unique twist.
- Flavor Combinations: The combination of tender meat, tangy pickles, and creamy tahini sauce create a harmonious taste experience.