10 Must-Try Foods in Amman for Truly Enjoyable Experience

What if your taste buds could take a world tour without leaving the table? Sounds interesting? Then explore the food in Amman! This vibrant city is a hidden gem on the culinary map of Jordan, offering an eclectic mix of flavors that reflect both its rich heritage and modern influences. From traditional Jordanian dishes like Falafel and Majboos to international cuisines that span continents, Amman invites food lovers to embark on a delectable journey. With its bustling markets, charming cafés, and upscale restaurants, the food scene here is diverse and captivating, making it a must-visit destination for every foodie. Are you ready to discover the unforgettable tastes that await you? If your answer is ‘Yes’, then give this blog a read.

Food in Amman: Best Jordanian Cuisine to Relish Over

Food in Amman is more than just sustenance; it’s a communal experience that brings people together. Whether you are indulging in spicy falafel from a bustling street vendor or savoring an exquisite meal in a fine-dining restaurant, culinary offerings in Amman tantalize the taste buds with a delightful blend of Middle Eastern spices and fresh ingredients. The city features a diverse range of dining options, from cozy eateries serving traditional dishes to international kitchens presenting the best of global cuisine. The best time to visit Amman is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is nice for exploring the city and eating outside. Join us on this food tour of Amman that highlights the region’s unique flavors and ingredients.

Let's have a look at the top ten foods to try while exploring Amman's diverse cuisine scene.

• Zarb
• Falafel
• Mezze
• Maqluba
• Mansaf
• Moutabel
• Manakish
• Shish Kebabs
• Fattet Hummus
• Kousa Mahshi

1. Zarb

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to eat food cooked underground? Zarb is a unique Jordanian dish that reflects the culinary traditions of the Bedouin people. It involves marinating meat, usually lamb or chicken, and layering it with vegetables, then slow-cooking it underground in a sealed pit. The process gives the dish a distinctive, smoky flavor. Zarb is often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings. If you are looking to explore local food on an Amman food tour, experiencing Zarb is a must. You can easily find it at several restaurants in Amman that specialize in local cuisine.

Restaurants Serving Zarb

• Qasr Al Zarb

Location: Amman Al Nadeem Commercial Complex, Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq St 144, Amman 11623, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm

• Zarb Al Jabal

Location: Ibn Muklah St., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm

• Sheen restaurant

Location: Villa number 1, Second Circle, Abu Tamam St., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am

• Jameed & Zarb Restaurant

Location: Al-Urdon St., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am

2. Falafel

Is falafel really Jordan’s favorite snack? Absolutely! These golden, crispy balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans are the stars of street food in Amman. This can be served with pita, hummus, and tahini, falafel makes for a satisfying meal at any time of the day. Whether you grab it from a bustling market stall or enjoy it at a cozy cafe in Amman, it’s a perfect snack for anyone on the go.

Restaurants Serving Falafel

• Abu Jbara Restaurant

Location: Al-Madina Al-Monawara St 189, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 1 pm

• Shams El Balad

Location: Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street 69, Amman 11181, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 11:30 pm

• Levant Restaurant

Location: 3rd Cir., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:30 pm to 12 am

• Hashem Restaurant Down Town

Location: King Faisal Street Amman, ʿAmman, Jordan

Open Hours: Open 24 hours

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3. Mezze

Mezze refers to a spread of small dishes served as appetizers, offering a variety of flavors. Some common items include hummus, baba ganoush, moutabel, tabbouleh, and olives. It’s a great way to experience the diversity of Jordanian cuisine in a single meal. Mezze is commonly enjoyed with family or friends, encouraging sharing and conversation. For food lovers, trying mezze is one of the top recommendations in any guide on things to do in Amman.

Restaurants Serving Mezze

• Zuwwadeh Restaurant AMMAN

Location: Al-Hijaz St., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:30 am to 12 pm

• HIGH GARDEN Rooftop

Location: Riad Al-Mufleh St., Amman 11181, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am

• Ahwet Zaitouna Amman

Location: Pr. Ali St., Amman 11183, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 12 am

• Zajal Restaurant

Location: Complex No 11, Prince Muhammad St 11, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am

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4. Maqluba

Have you ever seen a dish flipped upside down before being served? That’s exactly how Maqluba is made! Maqluba is a hearty dish made from layers of rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and vegetables such as cauliflower, eggplant, or potatoes. Once cooked, it’s flipped onto a serving dish, revealing an appealing arrangement of ingredients. It is one of the best food in Amman and a must-try during special occasions or family gatherings.

Restaurants Serving Maqluba

• Adam’s Secrets Restaurant & Cafe

Location: Saed Abdo Shammout St., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm

• Ammani Restaurant

Location: Kindi St 18, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Thursday or Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 12 am

Friday: 8:12 am to 12 am

• Hazourah Restaurant

Location: Rafiq Al Hariri Ave, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am

• Sufra Restaurant

Location: Sufra Restaurant Al, Rainbow St. 26, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12:30 pm to 11 am

Friday and Saturday: 9:30 am to 11 am

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5. Mansaf

Mansaf is not only a dish but also a symbol of Jordanian culture and hospitality. It consists of lamb cooked in jameed (a type of fermented yogurt), served over a large platter of rice, and topped with pine nuts. Mansaf is typically eaten with one’s hands during communal meals, making it a truly immersive cultural experience. As Jordan’s national dish, Mansaf is highly recommended for those interested in food in Jordan.

Restaurants Serving Mansaf

• Mansaf Arab Restaurant

Location: Prince Rashid Suburb, Prs. Tharwat St. Box 67, Amman 11197, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am

• Al - Khather Mansaf

Location: Suliman Al Nabulsi St, Amman 11190, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 2 am

• Da7berha Restaurant

Location: sulaiman al nabulsi, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 2 am

• Hazourah Restaurant

Location: Rafiq Al Hariri Ave, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am

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6. Moutabel

Have you ever tasted a dip so flavorful that it steals the show? Moutabel will win you over with its smoky, creamy texture. This dip, made from roasted eggplant, tahini, yogurt, and garlic, offers a delightful balance of flavors that complement other mezze dishes. Its rich texture makes it perfect for dipping warm pita bread, leaving you wanting more.

Restaurants Serving Moutabel

• Tawaheen AlHawa

Location: XVR8+VQ8 Windmills Restaurant, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 to 11:55 pm

• Oud Cafe & Restaurant - Abdali Mall

Location: Abdali Mall, Suliman Al Nabulsi St, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am

• Amman Roots Restaurant & Cafe

Location: Omar Bin Khattab Street 33, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturdaya or Sunday:10 am to 12:30 am

Friday: 2 pm to 12:30 am

• Nabteh O Fatteh

Location: Complex No 34, 34 Al Rainbow St, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9:30 am to 10:30 pm

Friday: 10 am to 10:30 pm

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7. Manakish

Are you a fan of pizza? Then you will love Manakish! It is a flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or ground meat. While Manakish is typically eaten for breakfast, you will find locals enjoying it throughout the day. It is a quick and tasty option for travelers exploring the city. If you are looking for something simple yet delicious, you should definitely give this satisfying food in Amman, Jordan, a try.

Restaurants Serving Manakish

• Zuwwadeh Restaurant AMMAN

Location: Al-Hijaz St., Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:30 am to 12 am

• B the Lebanese Bakery

Location: Ahmado billo street, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 12 am

• Akash Restaurant

Location: Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:30 am to 12 am

• Shams El Balad

Location: Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street 69, Amman 11181, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 11:30 pm

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8. Shish Kebabs

Shish Kebabs are skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, beef, or chicken, grilled over an open flame. They are served with fresh salads, rice, and pita bread, making them a satisfying and flavorful meal. You will find them on menus across the city from street vendors to fine-dining restaurants in Amman. If you are a meat lover, this is one dish you won’t want to miss. It offers a great way to experience the smoky, grilled flavors that Jordanians love.

Restaurants Serving Shish Kebabs

• Ward & Kabab Restaurant

Location: Wakalat St. 17, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

• Kebab felfel & sumac

Location: Rainbow St. 40, Amman 11181, Jordan

Open Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 2 am

Friday: 10 am to 2 am

• Kebab Express

Location : 14 Abdulraheem Al-Haj Moh'd St Amman Sweifieh Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am

• Salma Palestinian Restaurant

Location: Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 11:30 pm

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9. Fattet Hummus

Fattet Hummus is a hearty dish that combines chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, and toasted bread, topped with pine nuts and olive oil. It is usually enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, providing a nutritious and filling start to the day. If you are looking for healthy food in Amman, Fattet Hummus is a great option. This dish offers a modern twist on classic hummus, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Restaurants Serving Fattet Hummus

• Team Hummus Jordan

Location: Mecca Mall - Food Court - 3rd Floor Mecca Mall - Food Court, abdallah dawoud st, 3rd Floor, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 10 am to 11 pm

Friday: 12 pm to 11 pm

• Akash Restaurant

Location: Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:30 am to 12 am

• Hashem Restaurant Down Town

Location: King Faisal Street Amman, ʿAmman, Jordan

Open Hours: Open 24 hours

• Abu Jbara Restaurant

Location: Al-Madina Al-Monawara St 189, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 1 pm

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10. Kousa Mahshi

Ever tried stuffed zucchini? Kousa Mahshi is a traditional dish where zucchinis are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of spiced rice and minced meat, then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the essence of home-cooked Jordanian meals to your plate.

Restaurants Serving Kousa Mahshi

• Tawaheen AlHawa

Location: XVR8+VQ8 Windmills Restaurant, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 11:55 pm

• Mshakal Abdoun

Location: Al-Shajarah St. 6, Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 12 am

• Shams El Balad

Location: Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street 69, Amman 11181, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 11:30 pm

• Salma Palestinian Restaurant

Location: Amman, Jordan

Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 11:30 pm

Exploring food in Amman is more than just eating; it’s a fun way to connect with Jordanian culture and history. Each dish, from the tasty Zarb to the comforting Mansaf, has its unique flavours to taste. As you wander through the city’s streets and try different dishes, you'll find that food is a big part of life in Amman. To truly experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer, consider booking from Amman tour packages that combine culinary adventures with cultural excursions. So, pack your bags, book a flight to Amman, and get ready to dive into a world of extraordinary flavors in Amman. Your unforgettable culinary adventure awaits!

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