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JPY (¥)Food is a big part of the Jordanian culture, seen in everyday life and celebrations. From street food to fine-dining, Jordanian food is inherently traditional, using authentic cooking methods and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Using local and regional ingredients and a multitude of fresh herbs and spices, tasting Jordanian food is one of the best ways to experience the country. Here are some main dishes in Jordan.
Mansaf
Recognized as the national dish of Jordan and one of the main dishes in Jordan, Mansaf is traditional and authentically Jordanian. This dish, which is often served on a large platter and is intended to be shared, usually consists of cooked lamb that is prepared in a fermented yogurt sauce. The meat is then served over rice and sometimes bulgar with herbs. There are many recipes and small nuances in the ingredients and ratios used, but one thing is certain: a visit to Jordan means eating Mansaf is a must.
Maqluba
Maqluba, a traditional dish enjoyed all over Jordan, is often shared and is known as the “upside-down” dish. Cooks layer rice, vegetables, and meat in a pot and cooks them together. Once ready, they flip the pot upside down to serve the dish on a platter. Maqluba is hearty, filling, and delicious, not to mention it looks beautiful to see the upside-down dish prepared.
Kofta
Kofta are beef patties or meatballs that chefs prepare in a variety of ways. They mince the meat, shape it into patties, and then cook it in sauces ranging from tahini to tomato sauce. Each type of kofta is uniquely different and picks up the flavors of the sauce surrounding it during the cooking process.
Fasoulya
A dish with multiple origins, seen also in Lebanese cooking, Fasoulya consists of white beans cooked in tomato sauce with rice and with or without meat. It is a simple dish that is warm, hearty, and filling. Fasoulya translates to “bean”, so the dish can vary slightly but will always contain the beans.
Mulukhiyah (Or Molokhia)
Mulukhiyah refers to the vegetable that grows in the region, and many dishes that incorporate this slightly bitter vegetable, which is similar to okra in texture and consistency when cooked. The recipes usually prepare mulukhiyyah with meat, generally chicken or at least the broth from the chicken, along with cooked rice infused with lemon, or served with a lemon to bring out the flavors.
Musakhan
With Palestinian roots, serves as one of the top main dishes in Jordan that’s flavorful and bright. Chefs roast the chicken and then bake it with a variety of regional spices, including sumac and saffron, which highlight the flavors of Jordan. They add onions and pine nuts, toasting or frying them before combining everything and serving the mixture over bread baked in a clay oven.
Rashouf
Rashouf holds a strong place in Jordanian culture as a warm and filling comfort food, and is therefore one of the most remarkable main dishes in Jordan. Cooks prepare this stew-like dish with lentils, then mix the same fermented yogurt used for Mansaf with wheat and cook it together. They often serve Rashouf with sour pickles, which add a sharp contrast to its creamy, hearty texture. The combination is both creamy and hearty, and the sour vegetables bring out the flavors even more. People often enjoy this dish during the winter, and they prepare it to be especially filling and satisfying.
Galayet Bandora
Often hot and spicy, this dish is inherently Jordanian and delicious. It features a modest mixture of tomatoes, hot peppers, and onions seasoned with salt and olive oil. In fact, cooks across the Levant prepare Galayet Bandora using regional, accessible, and affordable ingredients. People often serve it alongside other main dishes or as part of a mezze spread because it pairs well with a variety of flavors. For the best experience, enjoy Galayet Bandora with fresh bread or pita and top it with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs.
Freekeh
Made from the green durum wheat, freekeh is a grain that is used in a variety of Jordanian and Levantine cooking. Like other durum wheat (semolina, couscous), freekeh is versatile, cheap, and easy to incorporate into dishes. Cooks often prepare freekeh with meat stock, usually made from lamb or chicken, to give it a rich, savory flavor. They either cook the meat separately or alongside the grain, then serve it over the freekeh once it’s ready. Chefs also incorporate freekeh into fresh salads, using it as a hearty and nutritious base.
Zarb
Zarb refers to a traditional Bedouin dish that is prepared underground for hours. Cooks place the meat and vegetables-often lamb or chicken with carrots and onions-into a specially prepared underground pit for cooking. They fill the pit with hot coals, cover it with sand, and lay blankets over the top to trap the heat. After several hours, they uncover the pit and carefully lift out the tender meat and vegetables, serving them together straight from the earth. The meat is juicy, tender, and flavorful, infused with the essence of the vegetables and the smoke. Bedouins use this technique in the desert, and it remains deeply connected to their way of life. A fantastic way to try this delicious dish is through our Bedouin Experience in the Wadi Rum Desert.
Shwarma
Seen all over the Middle East, Shwarma refers to the style in which meat is prepared. Shwarma meat can be chicken, lamb, beef, or even turkey meat. Cooks marinate the meat in a blend of herbs and spices before stacking it onto a large vertical spit. They slow-cook the layered meat as it rotates steadily over the heat, allowing the outer edges to turn crisp while the inside stays tender. As it cooks, vendors shave off thin slices and serve them in warm pita bread or on a plate with rice and fresh vegetables. Shwarma is a popular street food in Jordan, and you’ll find it freshly prepared at markets, casual eateries, and street stalls across the country.
Discover Jordan, One Bite at a Time
Whether you’re indulging in hearty Masaf or comforting Fasoulya, tasting main dishes in Jordan is one of the most authentic ways to experience the country. For more tips on where to eat, shop, and explore, be sure to browse our wide range of Jordan travel resources, featuring a guide to Jordanian sweets, the best breakfasts in Jordan, the best cafes in Amman, and much more.
To take your culinary and cultural journey even further, our Jordan day tours are the perfect way to explore key cities, historic sites, and local food markets with expert guides. If you’re dreaming of a longer, even more immersive experience, our Jordan Package Tours allow you to see the country’s most stunning highlights, from ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, we organize all the logistics, including accommodations, transfers, and guided excursions. This way, you can focus entirely on tasting, exploring, and experiencing everything Jordan has to offer at a relaxed pace.
