Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Jordanian cuisine is a rich expression of Levantine Arab cooking traditions with strong Bedouin influences, built around lamb, rice, legumes, and an extraordinary range of mezze dishes. Meals are communal and generous — the national dish mansaf (lamb in fermented yogurt sauce over rice) epitomizes the cultural importance of food as hospitality. Amman has evolved a dynamic restaurant scene layered with Lebanese, Palestinian, and international influences.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Jordan.
Mansaf
Jordan's national dish of slow-cooked lamb in jameed (dried fermented yogurt sauce) served over a mountain of saffron rice with toasted almonds and pine nuts. Traditionally eaten communally with the right hand at celebrations.
Where to try: Sufra Restaurant, Tawaheen Al-Hawa, Beit Sitti
Price: $15-25
Maqluba
A dramatic 'upside-down' rice dish with layers of fried eggplant, cauliflower, and meat packed into a pot then flipped at the table to reveal a tower of fragrant rice. One of the most theatrical dishes in Levantine cooking.
Where to try: Sufra Restaurant, Fakhr El-Din, home cooking experiences
Price: $12-20
Falafel and Hummus Breakfast
The quintessential Jordanian breakfast of creamy hummus, crisp falafel, fresh fool (spiced fava beans), and warm pita bread. Hashem Restaurant in downtown Amman has served this unchanged since 1952.
Where to try: Hashem Restaurant (downtown Amman), Abu Jbara
Price: $3-6
Knafeh
The king of Levantine desserts — shredded pastry over soft white cheese, soaked in rose water and sugar syrup, topped with crushed pistachios. Best eaten hot straight from the oven in the morning.
Where to try: Habibah Sweets (multiple downtown locations)
Price: $2-4
Zarb
Traditional Bedouin underground barbecue where meat, chicken, and vegetables are slow-cooked in a sealed pit for several hours, emerging extraordinarily tender with a distinctive smoky flavor. The signature dish of Wadi Rum camps.
Where to try: Wadi Rum Bedouin camps, Petra Kitchen
Price: $20-35
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Sufra Restaurant
Housed in a beautiful 1920s villa in Rainbow Street area, Sufra serves authentic Jordanian cuisine in an elegant traditional setting. The menu features classic dishes like mansaf, maqluba, and mezze platters prepared with family recipes. The cozy atmosphere with traditional decor creates an intimate dining experience.
26 Rainbow Street, Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan
Hashem Restaurant
Legendary downtown Amman institution serving simple, delicious Jordanian street food since 1952. No menu - servers bring endless plates of hummus, falafel, and ful. Cash only, no reservations, often crowded but fast service. A must-visit Amman experience.
Al-Amir Mohamed Street, Downtown Amman, Jordan
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Casual American chain restaurant serving wings, burgers, and American comfort food. Popular with expats and locals wanting Western food. Multiple locations in Amman, sports bar atmosphere, and family-friendly. Good for a break from Middle Eastern cuisine.
Abdoun, Amman, Jordan
Al-Madina Street Food Stalls
Collection of street food vendors in downtown Amman serving shawarma, falafel, and fresh juices. Authentic local experience with rock-bottom prices. Open late serving post-nightlife crowds. Cash only, pointing and gestures work if Arabic is limited.
Al-Madina Street, Downtown Amman, Jordan
Wild Jordan Center Café
Stunning terrace café overlooking downtown Amman and the Roman Theater. Run by Royal Society for Conservation of Nature, serving organic local products. Excellent coffee, fresh juices, light meals, and nature-focused gift shop. Perfect afternoon stop.
Othman Bin Affan Street, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Fakhr El-Din
Upscale Lebanese restaurant in a stunning converted house with multiple dining rooms and a lovely garden terrace. Extensive menu of refined Lebanese dishes, excellent wine list, and impeccable service. One of Amman's most elegant dining experiences with live music on weekends.
Taha Hussein Street, Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan
Levant Restaurant
Charming restaurant in restored old house near Rainbow Street. Cozy atmosphere with stone walls, arched ceilings, and traditional decor. Menu features classic Jordanian dishes and mezze with modern presentation. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
Rainbow Street, Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan
Shams El Balad
Health-focused restaurant using organic local ingredients in traditional and modern Jordanian dishes. Vegetarian-friendly menu, fresh juices, and homemade bread. Cozy atmosphere in old Amman house. Popular for breakfast and lunch.
Rainbow Street, Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Jordanian
Sufra Restaurant
My Mom's Recipe Restaurant
Jordanian Traditional
Hashem Restaurant
Fakhreldin Restaurant - Madaba
American
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Jordanian Street Food
Al-Madina Street Food Stalls
Café with views
Wild Jordan Center Café
Lebanese Fine Dining
Fakhr El-Din
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma
Thinly sliced spiced lamb or chicken carved from a vertical spit and wrapped in thin bread with garlic sauce, tomatoes, and pickles. Amman's most popular fast food available on virtually every corner.
Find it at: Throughout Amman, concentrated near First and Third Circles
Falafel Wrap
Crisp fried chickpea and herb balls wrapped in fresh flatbread with tahini, tomatoes, and pickled vegetables — Jordan's definitive budget street food available from dawn to midnight.
Find it at: Downtown Amman, Rainbow Street, near universities
Ka'ak Bread
Traditional sesame-encrusted bread rings sold from carts and small bakeries throughout Jordan. The simplest and most ancient Jordanian street food, eaten as a snack or breakfast.
Find it at: Downtown Amman near Al-Husseini Mosque, traditional markets
Corn on the Cob (Dhura)
Roasted corn sold from charcoal grills on street carts throughout Amman, especially in evening hours. Simple, cheap, and delicious — a classic Amman street experience.
Find it at: Rainbow Street, First Circle, downtown Amman evening streets
Fresh Pomegranate Juice
Freshly pressed pomegranate juice served in plastic cups from street vendors — one of the most delightful and healthy street refreshments in Jordan, especially in autumn when pomegranates are in season.
Find it at: Downtown Amman markets, near Roman Theater
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Souq Al-Bukharia
Amman's most atmospheric traditional food market with stalls selling spices, dried fruits, nuts, and pantry staples in aromatic abundance. The za'atar, sumac, and dried herb blends here are far superior to supermarket alternatives.
Hours: 8AM-6PM Sat-Thu
Souq Jara Food Vendors
The Friday summer market on Rainbow Street includes excellent artisanal food vendors selling homemade jams, local honey, dried herbs, traditional sweets, and organic Jordanian olive oil. The best place for quality food souvenirs.
Hours: Fri 10AM-10PM (June-September)
Jordan Valley Organic Farmers Market
Monthly organic producers market in Amman's Darat al Funun garden bringing together small-scale Jordanian farmers selling seasonal vegetables, artisanal cheeses, local honey, and olive oil from the Jordan Valley.
Hours: Monthly Saturday morning — check local listings
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (1-3 PM) is the main meal of the day in Jordan — restaurants are busiest and many dishes are served fresh only at lunch, with reheated versions at dinner
Mezze (small plates for sharing) is the preferred way to eat — order multiple dishes and share communally rather than individual entrees
Many Jordanian restaurants don't have alcohol licenses — ask before ordering wine; reliable licensed options include Fakhr El-Din, Cantaloupe, and most hotel restaurants
Tipping 10% is appreciated but not always expected; upscale restaurants add 10-16% service charge automatically
Restaurants in Jordan are almost universally family-friendly and welcoming to children
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-12/meal | Street food, falafel wraps, hummus plates at traditional spots like Hashem |
| Mid-range | $15-35/meal | Sit-down traditional Jordanian restaurant with mezze and main course |
| Upscale | $50-100+/meal | Fine dining at Sufra, Fakhr El-Din, Cantaloupe with wine |