Petra And The South, Jordan
Jordanian food reflects a history of Bedouin influences, seen in hearty, communal dishes often featuring slow-cooked meats. The region's agricultural bounty provides a base of fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Aqaba's history as a port city means its cuisine carries influences from trade routes, bringing in spices and cooking methods from across the Middle East. The Red Sea continuously supplies fresh fish, making seafood a local specialty.
Lamb and chicken are popular meats. Rice and bread (especially Khobz, a flatbread) are staples. Chickpeas, lentils, and various vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants are widely used.
Olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice commonly act as flavor bases. Fresh herbs like mint and parsley find generous use. Spices like sumac (tart, lemony flavor) and Za'atar (a blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac) mark the region.
Aqaba's cuisine stands apart from inland regions with its pronounced focus on fresh fish and seafood. While dishes like Mansaf are national favorites everywhere, Aqaba extends unique fish preparations.
A traditional Aqaba specialty. It features spiced fish (often a local Red Sea catch) served over aromatic rice, garnished with toasted nuts and crispy fried onions. You will find Sayadieh in local seafood restaurants throughout Aqaba. It truly presents the city's coastal identity.
A must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Jordan's national dish and a crucial experience for any visitor. It comprises tender lamb cooked in Jameed, a rich and tangy sauce from fermented dried yogurt. It arrives over a bed of rice and Shrak (a thin, flatbread). Usually eaten communally.
The national dish of Jordan.
Meaning "upside-down," this dish layering meat (chicken or lamb), fried vegetables (like eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes), and rice in a pot. Once cooked, the pot is inverted onto a serving platter, creating a visually appealing and flavorful meal.
Visually impressive and delicious.
Sweet black tea with fresh mint leaves. It is offered everywhere as a symbol of hospitality.
A strong, unsweetened coffee, usually spiced with cardamom. It is served in small cups.
A wide variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices are available. Alcohol is more readily available than in other parts of Jordan, notably in hotels and designated restaurants and bars. Local beers and wines are present, alongside international brands.
Kanafeh: A sweet, gooey cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, often topped with crushed pistachios. Best eaten warm and fresh. Baklava: Layers of flaky filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Several luxury hotels in Aqaba (e.g., Kempinski, InterContinental) house upscale restaurants. These present a mix of international cuisine, refined local dishes, and often boast impressive views.
Numerous independent restaurants throughout the city center and along the Corniche offer a mix of traditional Jordanian, Lebanese, and international dishes. Many specialize in fresh seafood. These places extend a good quality dining experience at reasonable prices.
These are abundant in the city center and around the souk area. Look for places busy with locals; this often signals good, fresh, and safe food. These spots furnish the most authentic and affordable meals.
If you seek something familiar, you may find international fast-food chains (like McDonald's, KFC), as well as restaurants serving Italian, Indian, and other global cuisines, specifically in modern shopping areas.
Familiar options for diverse tastes.
Aqaba features local markets where you may find fresh produce, spices, and baked goods. While not typically structured as modern food halls, these markets present opportunities to purchase ingredients or ready-to-eat snacks.
Discover local ingredients and snacks.
Many naturally plant-based dishes like hummus, falafel, tabbouleh. Awareness at larger restaurants.
All meat in Jordan is Halal. Kosher food is generally not present, except for some imported products.
Awareness grows, but communication can be a challenge. Consider translation cards for severe allergies.
Research restaurants online; communicate with staff or hotel concierge for recommendations.
A popular and unique Aqaba experience: a boat trip on the Red Sea that includes a fresh seafood BBQ lunch or dinner cooked on board. This combines beautiful scenery with delicious, fresh catch.
Scenic and delicious!
Do not hesitate to try street food from busy stalls. A high turnover of customers usually signals fresh and safe food.
A true local flavor adventure!
Several excellent seafood restaurants dot the Corniche and city center, specializing in fresh Red Sea catches prepared in various local styles, including Sayadieh.
For traditional sweets, local bakeries and specialty shops are your go-to. Look for warm Kanafeh fresh from the oven.
During the holy month of Ramadan, special sweets and dishes are traditionally prepared and consumed after sunset for the Iftar (breaking of the fast) meal.
While not widely celebrated publicly, the Christian community in Jordan observes Easter with traditional meals and family gatherings.
During national holidays, large family meals with traditional Jordanian dishes are common.
Visit the local souk for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and fresh spices. Observing what is in season offers insight into local culinary rhythms.
Fresh ingredients all year round.
The fish market near the port displays the day's catch from the Red Sea. It is a , bustling area, especially in the mornings.
The freshest catch from the Red Sea.
Local residents are often happy to share their favorite dining spots and dishes.
If invited to share food or drink, it signals great hospitality and a cultural experience.
Do not hesitate to try street food from busy stalls. A high turnover of customers usually signals that the food is fresh and safe.
