Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Amman, Jordan
1. Mansaf
Traditional Jordanian dish made of rice, lamb, and fermented dried yogurt (jameed) served on a large platter. Try it at Al Quds Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Al Quds has been serving Mansaf for generations, preserving the traditional cooking method.
- Variety: They offer different versions of Mansaf, including a vegetarian option.
- Experience: Diners can enjoy the meal in an atmosphere filled with Jordanian hospitality.
2. Maqluba
Upside-down rice dish made with vegetables, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and served right-side-up. A popular choice at Abou Shahba Restaurant.
- Taste: Abou Shahba's Maqluba is known for its rich, flavorful taste.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming environment for a memorable dining experience.
- History: Abou Shahba has been serving Ammanites for over half a century.
3. Falafel from Al Quds Falafel
A street food classic made of ground chickpeas formed into balls or patties, deep-fried and served in a pita bread with salad. Al Quds Falafel stands out for its crispy falafels.
- Quality: Al Quds Falafel uses only fresh ingredients to ensure a high-quality falafel.
- Convenience: Located in the heart of downtown Amman, it's easy to find and grab a quick bite.
- Popularity: Al Quds Falafel has been a beloved street food destination for both locals and tourists.
4. Shawarma from Hashem Restaurant
A Middle Eastern wrap made with grilled meat (usually lamb, chicken or beef) stuffed in flatbread with salad and sauce. Try it at Hashem, known for its shawarmas.
- Taste: Hashem's Shawarma is famous for its unique blend of spices.
- Location: Located near the souk, it offers a chance to explore Amman while enjoying delicious food.
- Price: Hashem's Shawarma is affordable and filling, making it a popular choice among locals.
5. Kunafa from Sufra Al Umayyad
A traditional Jordanian dessert made with shredded kataifi (phyllo pastry), cheese, and sweet sugar syrup. Sufra Al Umayyad is a popular choice for Kunafa.
- Taste: Sufra Al Umayyad's Kunafa is known for its sweet and creamy taste.
- Presentation: The dish is beautifully presented, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed dining experience.
6. Ma'mool from Al-Ajloun
Traditional Jordanian cookie made with semolina dough filled with dates or nuts. Al-Ajloun is famous for its Ma'mool.
- Authenticity: Al-Ajloun uses traditional recipes and methods to make their Ma'mool.
- Variety: They offer different flavors, including dates, pistachios, and aniseed.
- Packaging: The cookies are beautifully packaged, making them perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
7. Hummus from Habiba Sweets & Restaurant
A popular Middle Eastern dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Habiba is known for its smooth hummus.
- Quality: Habiba uses only the finest ingredients to make their Hummus.
- Location: Located near the Citadel, it offers a great opportunity to combine sightseeing with food.
- Price: Habiba's Hummus is affordable and serves a generous portion.
8. Labaneh from Zumot Al Sultan
A traditional Jordanian yogurt dish made by straining yogurt to remove its whey. Try the fresh Labaneh at Zumot Al Sultan.
- Freshness: Zumot Al Sultan's Labaneh is made fresh daily.
- Taste: The Labaneh has a tangy and creamy taste that is hard to forget.
- Location: Located in the heart of downtown Amman, it's easy to find and grab a quick snack.
9. Kebab from Sufra Al Balad
Grilled skewered meat (usually lamb or chicken) served with rice and salad. Sufra Al Balad is popular for its kebabs.
- Taste: Sufra Al Balad's Kebab is famous for its tender, juicy meat.
- Location: Located in the old city of Amman, it offers a chance to explore the historic district while enjoying delicious food.
- Price: Sufra Al Balad's Kebab is affordable and filling, making it a popular choice among locals.
10. Shawarma Sandwich from Shawerma el Tarboush
A Middle Eastern wrap made with grilled meat (usually chicken or lamb), salad, and sauce. Shawerma el Tarboush is famous for its shawarmas.
- Taste: Shawerma el Tarboush's Shawarma Sandwich is known for its unique blend of spices.
- Convenience: Located near many tourist attractions, it offers a quick and delicious meal option.
- Price: Shawerma el Tarboush's Shawarma Sandwich is affordable, making it a popular choice among tourists.
11. Kunafa from Al-Quds Al-Shamali
A traditional Jordanian dessert made with shredded kataifi (phyllo pastry), cheese, and sweet sugar syrup. Al-Quds Al-Shamali is popular for its Kunafa.
- Taste: Al-Quds Al-Shamali's Kunafa is known for its sweet and creamy taste.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.
- Location: Located in the heart of downtown Amman, it's easy to find and grab a quick dessert.
12. Maftool from Al-Jebran
Traditional Jordanian dish made with bulgur wheat balls served with meat and vegetables. Try it at Al-Jebran.
- Taste: Al-Jebran's Maftool is known for its rich, flavorful taste.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.
- Variety: They offer different versions of Maftool, including vegetarian options.
13. Falafel from Falafel Al Quds
A street food classic made of ground chickpeas formed into balls or patties, deep-fried and served in a pita bread with salad. Falafel Al Quds stands out for its crispy falafels.
- Quality: Falafel Al Quds uses only fresh ingredients to ensure a high-quality falafel.
- Convenience: Located in the heart of downtown Amman, it's easy to find and grab a quick bite.
- Popularity: Falafel Al Quds has been a beloved street food destination for both locals and tourists.
14. Shawarma from Shawerma el Nimer
A Middle Eastern wrap made with grilled meat (usually chicken or lamb), salad, and sauce. Shawerma el Nimer is known for its shawarmas.
- Taste: Shawerma el Nimer's Shawarma is famous for its unique blend of spices.
- Location: Located near many tourist attractions, it offers a quick and delicious meal option.
- Price: Shawerma el Nimer's Shawarma is affordable, making it a popular choice among tourists.
15. Kunafa from Al-Sweifieh Kunafa
A traditional Jordanian dessert made with shredded kataifi (phyllo pastry), cheese, and sweet sugar syrup. Al-Sweifieh Kunafa is popular for its Kunafa.
- Taste: Al-Sweifieh Kunafa's Kunafa is known for its sweet and creamy taste.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.
- Location: Located in the Sweifieh district, it's easily accessible by public transportation.