Jordanian Cuisine- A Delicious Taste of the Middle East
The Middle East is home to some of the most tantalizing and diverse cuisines in the world. From the exotic spices of India to the rich tastes of Africa, this region has something for every foodie. If you’re a fan of spicy, flavorful foods, you’ll love exploring the vibrant flavors offered by the cuisine of Middle Eastern countries. In addition to being home to some of the oldest civilizations in history, this geographic area also boasts some of the most delicious foods on earth. If you’ve never explored Jordanian cuisine before, prepare yourself – because it’s about to become your new favorite food.
What to Expect from Jordanian Cuisine
Jordanian cuisine has a lot to offer any adventurous foodie. From rich, spicy stews and soups to hearty lamb and chicken dishes, this delicious menu has something for everyone. Heavy use of herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric gives these dishes their unique flavors. Pulses like lentils and chickpeas are also very common in Jordan, as are vegetables like squash, peppers, and eggplant. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of options in Jordanian cuisine. If you’re more of a meat lover, you won’t be disappointed either. As one of the most popular cuisines in the Middle East, Jordan has countless delicious options for carnivores. You’ll find a wide array of meats like lamb, chicken, goat, and beef on the menu. Poultry is often marinated in spices like cumin, cardamom, and pepper, and then cooked in a large pot known as a tagine. The wide range of flavors and spices in Jordanian cuisine is sure to delight any adventurous foodie.
Falafel - A Delicious Introduction to Jordanian Cuisine
If you’re new to the Jordanian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with falafel. This popular Middle Eastern dish is made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It’s often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce. Although falafel is often eaten as a quick snack or side dish, it can also be served in a wrap or as a meal itself. If you’re exploring Jordanian cuisine, this is a great place to start.
Shish Kebab and other grilled foods
Shish kebab is an iconic dish in the Middle East and can be found on menus in almost every country in the region. This delicious meal is made from chunks of marinated meat (usually lamb) that are then grilled over hot coals. Shish kebab is often served with rice, salad, and crispy pita bread. This meal is a great introduction to the flavors and spices of Jordanian cuisine. Other common grilled meats in Jordan include kafta and shawarma. If you want to try some of these dishes but are unsure where to begin, simply ask your server for recommendations.
Stuffed vegetables and other vegetarian options
Although many meals in Jordan are made from meat, the cuisine does have many vegetarian options as well. One of the most common vegetarian dishes in this region is mujaddara, which is a delicious mix of rice, lentils, and caramelized onions. Muhammara is another popular vegetarian dish in Jordan. This tasty dip is made from roasted red peppers and walnuts, and is often served with pita bread. If you’re a vegetarian visiting Jordan, you won’t go hungry.
Lamb, One of Many Options in Jordanian Cuisine
Lamb is one of the most common meats in Jordan, and you’ll find it in many different dishes. You can expect to find lamb shanks, kebabs, and stews on menus throughout the country. If you’re a fan of rich, hearty flavors, lamb dishes are an excellent choice. Lamb is often served with rice, couscous, or other grain as a side dish. It can also be found in many soups and stews as well. For example, you can find lamb shank with prunes in Jordan.
Rice and Bread: The Staple of Most Meals
Rice and bread are the staples of most meals in Jordan. You can find dishes like Mujaddara (rice and lentils) served with bread and a side of vegetables. Rice is often served with stewed vegetables like okra and eggplant. If you’re a fan of simple, hearty meals, you’ll love eating rice and bread in Jordan. Bread is also served regularly in Jordan. You can find it served fresh at every meal, often alongside olive oil for dipping. In some regions, bread is even used to scoop up vegetables and stews.
Dessert is not to be missed!
Jordanian cuisine ends with the rich, creamy sweetness of dates. This popular Middle Eastern fruit is served fresh and dried in Jordan and is often used to sweeten desserts and drinks. You can find dates served with yogurt, drizzled in honey, mixed into oatmeal, and baked in cookies and other sweets. You can also try shawl, a sweet, milky drink made from dates and goat’s milk. If you’re a fan of rich, sweet desserts, you’ll love exploring the endless options in Jordanian cuisine.
Why You Should Explore Jordanian Cuisine
You’ve probably already heard that Jordanian cuisine is delicious, but there are plenty of other reasons to explore this cuisine. If you’re looking for a new cuisine to try, you can’t go wrong with Jordanian food. It’s full of rich, bold flavors that can satisfy every craving—and then some. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’re in luck. Many of the dishes in Jordan are made with heavy use of spices such as cumin and cardamom. If you’re a fan of rich, hearty dishes, you’ll love the variety of stews and soups in this region.
Where to eat Jordanian Cuisine
Visiting a restaurant that serves authentic Jordanian cuisine is the easiest way to try new dishes. However, if you want to make the most of your trip and see as much as possible, you’ll want to make reservations well in advance. There are several restaurants in Amman that serve Jordanian cuisine. For authentic, high-quality food, try Amman Restaurant, Al Shorouk Restaurant, or Queen of Sheba. If you’re in the mood for a more upscale experience, head to Date Restaurant or Camron Restaurant. If you want to eat ethically and sustainably, check out the Green Box Restaurant. You can also explore traditional Jordanian food at Souk al-Balad, the Souk al-Manakh, or the traditional market near the Citadel.
What to Avoid When Eating Jordanian Cuisine
You’ll find that most meals in Jordan are served with rice and bread. If you have a gluten intolerance, you’ll need to specify that you don’t want these items when ordering. Avoid ordering anything with dairy if you’re vegan. Many dishes are made with yogurt and milk, making them non-vegan.
Conclusion
There’s so much to love about Jordanian cuisine, and it’s not just the food that makes it special. This region is one of the oldest in the world, and its cuisine has evolved over thousands of years. If you’re a fan of exotic spices, hearty stews, and soups, or the rich history of the Middle East, you’ll want to travel to this region and explore its cuisine. If you’ve never explored Jordanian cuisine before, Put this guide to eating it on your bucket list. You won’t regret it.
