Jerash And The North Jordan Travel Guide
Jordanian food is deeply rooted in Bedouin traditions and the agricultural richness of the land. It features fresh, ingredients in season.
Olive oil is a fundamental element. Herbs and spices add depth. Bread (khobz or pita) is central to every meal. Hospitality is a very high place in Jordanian culture; sharing food with guests is a fundamental expression of welcome. Dining is often a collective affair, symbolizing unity and connection.
It is customary to dine with your right hand, especially when sharing platters. The left hand is considered unclean.
Meals are often served family-style with large shared platters. Do not get on the last piece from a collective dish.
It is polite to accept offers of food or drink, even if you only take a small portion. Refusing outright can be impolite.
Jordan's national dish. It consists of tender lamb created in a rich sauce made from jameed (fermented dried yogurt).
Servers arrange the lamb on a bed of rice and thin shrak bread, garnished with toasted pine nuts. Traditionally, people eat it together with their hands from a large communal platter.
A Bedouin barbecue experience. Cooks slow-cook meat (often lamb or poultry meat) along with vegetables in a special underground oven.
While more common in desert areas, some larger old-style restaurants in towns might offer it by arrangement.
This dish translates to "upside-down." Cooks layer meat (chicken or lamb), fried vegetables (like cauliflower, eggplant, and potatoes), and rice in a pot.
They then flip the entire pot onto a platter for serving, creating an impressive presentation.
Non-alcoholic: Juices from fresh fruit (orange, pomegranate, lemon-mint), refreshing mint tea, and strong, sweet Arabic coffee. Ayran, a tasty yogurt drink, is also popular. Alcoholic: Arak, an anise-flavored spirit, area beers like Amstel and Petra, Jordanian wines.
Kanafeh: A warm, sweet a pastry containing formaggio, baked until golden, and then soaked in sugar syrup. Baklava: Layers of delicate filo pastry filled with chopped nuts. Dates: Widely available, especially high-quality Medjool dates.
In Jerash town, establishments like Abu Jbara or Art Cafe & Restaurant offer comfortable settings to experience classic local cuisine at affordable rates. They maintain a step up from street food while remaining accessible.
Numerous small eateries and street food stalls dot Jerash town, particularly close to the main market areas and around the archaeological site entrance. These spots maintain an excellent way for trying authentic local food at very low prices.
The local market (souk) in modern Jerash sells fresh produce, nuts, spices, and baked goods. It preserves a genuine glimpse into local life. International cuisine options are limited in Jerash.
Many Jordanian dishes are naturally vegetarian. Look for hummus, falafel, foul medames, mutabal, various salads, and lentil soup.
Vegan options are also available but require careful selection. Ensure no butter is used in rice dishes or yogurt in sauces. Specify "bila lahma" (meat-free) when ordering. Communication clarifies your meal needs.
Most meat in Jordan is Halal, as Islam is the predominant religion. You find Halal certification on many products and in most restaurants serving meat.
Kosher food is generally not available outside specific arrangements made by tour groups or hotels catering to Jewish visitors, mainly in Amman. Jewish visitors can usually find vegetarian or fish options.
Gluten-free options can be challenging, as bread is a usually central. Inquire about cross-contamination. Language cards are helpful.
Clearly communicate your allergies. Carry a translation card with common allergy phrases in Arabic.
Online resources and apps like HappyCow help locate vegetarian and vegan-kid-friendly eateries.
Many basic dishes like chicken and rice or plain grilled meats are suitable for children.
Jerash has no distinct dining concepts beyond traditional local eateries. The experience focuses on authentic Jordanian dishes in a genuine local setting.
No major food events are specific to Jerash. National food festivals or larger food events are generally in Amman.
Mid-range restaurants like Abu Jbara or Art Cafe & Restaurant. Street food near the ruins entrance. Local market (souk) for fresh produce and baked goods. Few international cuisine, mostly in Amman.
Look for busy stalls with locals for the freshest and tastiest street food options.
While many dishes are common across the country, subtle regional variations exist.
During The month of ramadan, specific desserts and large Iftar (breaking of the fast) meals are prepared. Special baked goods and communal meals appear.
Explore initiatives through the Jordan Tourism Board or local NGOs that connect travelers with local communities.
No formal short-term language classes are available in Jerash. Engaging with local people creates the best way to pick up basic Arabic phrases and practice your language proficiency.
The Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (usually July/August) is the main annual event attracting visitors and performers.
Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Mutabal is a comparable dip made from roasted eggplant.
Both of them are served with fresh bread and are standard appetizers at any Jordanian meal.
Minced meat (lamb or beef) mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, then shaped into patties or skewers and chargrilled or baked.
A common and fulfilling dish.
If you visit in summer, check local listings for the Jerash Festival for Culture plus Creative works, which typically runs in July or August.
This festival features international and local artists, music, dance, and theatrical performances, bringing the ancient theaters to life.
Specific local dishes and cooking customs might be showcased during the festival, enhancing the cultural experience.
Dining out in Jordan is often a shared affair, emphasizing sharing and hospitality.
