National Classics

• Mansaf (Mansaf): Jordan’s national dish, featuring lamb served with fermented yogurt sauce, rice, and flatbread. Usually shared in large portions, it’s a must for hosting guests.
• Maqluba (Maqluba): Meaning “upside down,” this dish layers rice, eggplant, cauliflower, and meat, which is then flipped upside down when served—both visually striking and flavorful.
• Shawarma (Shawarma): A wrap filled with grilled meat, vegetables, and sauces, it’s the most common type of street fast food.
• Falafel & Hummus: Fried chickpea balls and chickpea dip, served with flatbread and olive oil, making it vegetarian-friendly.
• Kofta & Kebabs: Seasoned minced lamb or beef, grilled and served with rice and roasted vegetables.

Snacks & Desserts

• Kunafa (Kunafa): A sweet dessert with a cheese-filled pastry crust, drizzled with syrup, best served hot.
• Baklava (Baklava): Nut-filled layered pastry, very sweet, nicely paired with unsweetened Arabic coffee.
• Arabic Coffee & Mint Tea: Essential for hospitality; coffee is light with cardamom notes, while the tea is strong and sweet.
• Pickles & Tahini: Common small side dishes, often seen at breakfast and kebab shops.

Where to Eat & Price Range

• Rainbow Street & Old City in Amman: Concentrated with cafes and local restaurants, great for casual, walk-around dining.
• Local Restaurants: A portion of mansaf or maqluba costs around 8–15 Jordanian Dinars, with generous servings.
• Street Fast Food: A shawarma or falafel wrap costs about 1–3 Jordanian Dinars.
• Tourist Areas (Petra, Wadi Rum): Prices are noticeably higher than in the city, though many camps include dinner.

Practical Tips

• Jordanian food is generally mild, focused on grilled meats and legumes, and is quite vegetarian-friendly.
• Alcohol is allowed in Jordan, and some restaurants serve local beer and arak, but respect local customs and avoid drinking in public.
• Portions are usually large, so sharing a main dish and sides between two people is typically enough.
• Restaurants generally don’t include service charges—you can tip around 5–10% if you wish.