Jordan is a country full of cultural diversity and its food culture is no exception. There is a deep-rooted food culture that has been passed down through generations. The food is an interesting blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines with a unique blend of flavours and ingredients. There is a lot of cross-influence with different countries like Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Jordan is known for its abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and some popular staples include falafel, hummus, tabouleh, kebabs, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush and shawarma. Traditional dishes like mansaf and kabsa are made with a combination of meat, vegetables, spices and rice. Many dishes are often cooked with olive oil.
Jordanians are passionate about food and they take great pride in their cuisine. Food is an integral part of social gatherings and is often shared among family and friends. The Jordanian diet consists of mostly plant-based foods, such as fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains and nuts. Meat is also an important part of the diet and is usually served in the form of kebabs, shawarma or grilled meats.
Food culture in Jordan is also heavily influenced by religion, as most of the ingredients used in Jordanian cuisine are halal, meaning they are permissible according to Islamic law. This means that many of the dishes are prepared without pork or alcohol.
Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan and is made with lamb and yogurt. Its ingredients are cooked in a sauce made from fermented dried yogurt, and it is served with a side of rice, flatbread and salad. Many dishes in Jordan are flavoured with spices like cumin, sumac and tahini which give a very unique flavour.
One of my favorite dishes and one we serve our guests regularly is called Maqlubeh. Some people call it “upside down” because its cooked with the vegetables in the bottom and rice on the top and when its served, there’s a very traditional way of flipping the pot upside down and pulling the pot off to watch as the food falls out with the vegetables on top soaked in the spices and sauces then flowing down over the rice. Its beautiful to watch and smells absolutely amazing.
Seafood is also popular in Jordan and is usually served grilled or fried. Fish, shrimp and calamari are some of the most popular types of seafood. Dairy products are also widely used in Jordanian cuisine, such as yogurt, cheese and labneh. Olives, which are cultivated in abundance in Jordan, are used in many dishes as well.
Street food is also very popular in the food culture in Jordan. Falafel, shawarma, and hummus are all staples in the streets of the country. Falafel is a deep-fried ball of chickpeas and spices, while shawarma is a wrap filled with meat, vegetables, and a variety of sauces. Hummus is a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, and it is often served with fresh vegetables and warm pita bread.
The food culture in Jordan is also known for its sweet treats and desserts. Baklava, knafeh, mhalabia and qatayef are some of the most popular desserts. Coffee is also a big part of the food culture, with many traditional cafes dotting the streets. Coffee is usually served with a glass of water and a piece of cardamom, which is meant to aid digestion. There are some unique things to know about coffee etiquette which you can read about here.
Overall, the food culture in Jordan is one of the most vibrant and exciting in the world. It is celebrated by locals and tourists alike. From fragrant spices to rich flavours, there is something for everyone in Jordanian cuisine. With its mix of cultural influences, the food culture in Jordan is truly unique and worth exploring. No matter what type of food you are looking for, I am sure there will be something to satisy your taste buds.