When someone says, Jordan, we often end up picturing the majestic site of Petra. However, the local cuisine served in the country is equally fetching and quite rewarding for travelling foodies. While most of the popular Jordanian dishes comprise yoghurt, lamb, olives, and rice, these are infused with a myriad of herbs and spices. As a result, today the cuisine draws many influences from North African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Persian food. So, with an endless list of delicious Jordanian dishes to choose from, we are here to narrow it down for you. Yes, we have curated a list of six traditional dishes in Jordan that you must try when you visit the country!
Six Traditional Dishes In Jordan To Try
1. Mansaf
Also known as the national dish of Jordan, Mansaf should definitely be on every foodies’ radar when they travel to Jordan. With origins dating before the borders of Jordan even existed, today you will find this popular dish on almost every menu at Jordanian restaurants in the country. This rice-based dish is served with spiced pieces of lamb and gravy, which is made with a concoction of dry and salty yoghurt called Jameed. It’s safe to say that Jameed is the shining star of this dish!
2. Moutabel
Moutabel is pretty similar to Baba Ghanoush when talking about the basic ingredient and presentation. However, that’s exactly where the similarity ends! This is a roasted eggplant dip that uses yoghurt in its recipe. As a result, this makes the taste of the final result pretty different from its other middle eastern counterpart. So it’s hardly surprising that you will find this everywhere on the streets of this country!
3. Falafel
While falafel is a popular dish available throughout the Middle East, Jordan often enjoys recognition for serving some of the best falafel in the entire region. For those unaware, this is a combination of ground chickpeas mixed thoroughly with a melange of spices. It is then deep-fried into small ball-like shapes! As it happens, this is a popular street food snack on the streets of the country and can be enjoyed on its own. However, it also goes well with bread and sandwiches!
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4. Galayet Bandora
Galayet or Qalayet Bandora is a simplistic Jordanian dish, made using tomatoes, peppers, or garlic, onions, and salt. It is a popular Levantine dish that is quite common across the streets of Jordan, owing to its easy preparation and healthy ingredients. Not to mention, this can also be enjoyed with meat, which just adds a bit of an extra flavour to your choice of protein. When you do eat it, don’t forget to finish off the meal with a plate of steaming rice.
5. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, is also a Levantine dish that can take several forms, varying from country to country. In Jordan, this is served like a salad or even a starter! The preparation here is served with a mixture of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, garlic, and bulgar wheat, with a dressing of lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. The freshness and the crispiness of the parsley complement this mezze dish that can be scooped with a flatbread. However, it’s more common to enjoy this particular variant on its own!
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6. Fuul Medames
Fuul Medames is a pretty popular street food that you can find in Egypt and Jordan. A famous breakfast dish in the country, this hearty plate often comprises a bowl of hummus with some falafel. It is worth noting that the traditional preparation consists of sumac, some cumin, and warm fava beans, which are then eaten with a flatbread. However, some eateries may also add a few other toppings and seasonings, such as tomatoes, raw, onion, garlic, chillies, and lemon.
So, if you do plan to visit Jordan someday, don’t forget to start off with this list of dishes that you will easily find across the country!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons