Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ar Ruşayfah, Az Zarqā’, Jordan
1. Mansaf
Traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb, rice, and fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed. It's served on a large platter with almonds and pine nuts.
- Authentic Experience: Taste the dish as it's prepared in local homes or at Al Quds Restaurant
- Cultural Significance: Mansaf is a national symbol of Jordanian heritage and hospitality.
- Unique Ingredient: The use of jameed, a unique fermented yogurt sauce, sets Mansaf apart from other Middle Eastern dishes.
2. Maftoul
Roasted wheat semolina dish seasoned with various spices and served with meat or vegetables. It resembles rice but has a distinct texture.
- Local Flavor: Experience the taste of traditional Jordanian wheat semolina.
- Culinary Skill: The intricate process of preparing Maftoul showcases local culinary skills.
- Versatile Dish: Maftoul can be enjoyed with various meat or vegetable options, making it a versatile dish to try.
3. Kunafa
Sweet pastry dessert made from shredded wheat dough and soaked in sugar-based syrup. It's usually covered with cheese or cream.
- Traditional Sweets: Indulge in a classic Jordanian dessert that showcases local baking techniques.
- Unique Texture: The combination of crispy pastry and soft cheese or cream creates a unique texture.
- Versatile Dish: Kunafa can be found with various fillings, such as nuts or fruits, offering different flavor profiles.
4. Ma'amoul
Traditional Jordanian cookie filled with dates or nuts. They are made from semolina dough and shaped like small domes.
- Local Delicacy: Try a traditional dessert that is loved across Jordan.
- Delicate Ingredients: The careful combination of semolina dough, dates or nuts, and delicate shaping techniques make Ma'amoul unique.
- Seasonal Delight: Ma'amoul is a popular dessert during the Islamic holiday season, Ramadan.
5. Madfoun
A type of flatbread made from bulgur dough, filled with meat or cheese, and baked in an oven. It's commonly served with salads or pickles.
- Unique Bread: Experience a different type of bread made from bulgur dough.
- Versatile Dish: Madfoun can be found with various fillings, making it a versatile dish to try.
- Local Flavor: Taste the unique flavor of Madfoun at local restaurants like Al Sultan and Al Mamlouka.
6. Shawarma
Traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of meat (usually lamb, chicken or beef) placed on a spit and sliced off for serving, usually wrapped in flatbread with vegetables.
- Street Food: Enjoy Shawarma as a quick, tasty snack while exploring Ar Ruşayfah's streets.
- Versatile Dish: Shawarma can be found with various meat options and toppings, catering to different tastes.
- Popular Choice: Shawarma is a popular street food throughout the Middle East and easily found in Ar Ruşayfah.
7. Fatteh
Traditional Jordanian dish made with fried flatbread, chickpeas, yogurt, and various toppings such as meat or vegetables.
- Local Favorite: Fatteh is a popular dish enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Versatile Dish: Fatteh can be found with various toppings, catering to different tastes.
- Cultural Significance: Fatteh is considered a symbol of Jordanian hospitality and generosity.
8. Markab al-Sultan
Traditional Jordanian dessert made with semolina, butter, sugar, and rose water. It's often topped with nuts and served cold.
- Local Delicacy: Try a traditional Jordanian dessert that showcases local ingredients.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of semolina, butter, sugar, and rose water creates a unique flavor profile.
- Cooling Treat: Markab al-Sultan is a cooling dessert, perfect for hot summer days in Ar Ruşayfah.
9. Foul
Traditional dish made from fava beans cooked with onions, garlic, and spices. It's often served with flatbread, salad, and pickles.
- Local Flavor: Taste a popular dish that is loved by locals in Ar Ruşayfah.
- Affordable Option: Foul is an affordable meal option, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
- Versatile Dish: Foul can be found with various toppings and served in different ways, catering to different tastes.
10. Kibbeh Nayyeh
Raw kibbeh (a dish made from minced meat mixed with bulgur and onions) served with garlic and lemon. It's often eaten as a mezze or appetizer.
- Unconventional Dish: Experience an unconventional dish that is popular in Jordanian cuisine.
- Cultural Significance: Kibbeh Nayyeh is considered a traditional dish with deep cultural significance.
- Flavorful Appetizer: The combination of raw meat, garlic, and lemon creates a flavorful appetizer.
11. Hummus
Traditional Middle Eastern dip made from cooked chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Universal Snack: Hummus is a popular snack across the Middle East and easily found in Ar Ruşayfah.
- Versatile Dish: Hummus can be served as a standalone dish or with various toppings, such as falafel or vegetables.
- Healthy Option: Hummus is a healthy and filling snack option, perfect for travelers on the go.
12. Falafel
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas and various herbs and spices. They are often served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
- Street Food: Enjoy Falafel as a quick, tasty snack while exploring Ar Ruşayfah's streets.
- Versatile Dish: Falafel can be found in various forms, such as sandwiches or salads, catering to different tastes.
- Popular Choice: Falafel is a popular street food throughout the Middle East and easily found in Ar Ruşayfah.
13. Tabbouleh
Traditional Middle Eastern salad made from bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and garlic. It's often dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings.
- Healthy Option: Tabbouleh is a healthy and refreshing salad option, perfect for travelers seeking lighter meals.
- Versatile Dish: Tabbouleh can be served as a side dish or main component of a meal, depending on the portion size.
- Local Flavor: Taste the unique flavor profile of Tabbouleh, a popular dish in Ar Ruşayfah.
14. Maqluba
Traditional Jordanian dish made with rice, vegetables (such as eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes), and meat or chicken. The ingredients are layered in a pot and cooked upside down before serving.
- Local Flavor: Experience a unique cooking method with the traditional Jordanian dish, Maqluba.
- Versatile Dish: Maqluba can be found with various meat or vegetable options, catering to different tastes.
- Cultural Significance: Maqluba is considered a symbol of Jordanian hospitality and generosity.
15. Lahme Bi Ajeneh
Traditional Jordanian pizza-like dish made with a thin dough base, topped with ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, and pine nuts. It's usually baked in a clay oven.
- Local Flavor: Experience a unique take on pizza with Lahme Bi Ajeneh.
- Versatile Dish: Lahme Bi Ajeneh can be found with various meat options, catering to different tastes.
- Cultural Significance: Lahme Bi Ajeneh is considered a traditional dish with deep cultural significance in Jordan.