Petra And The South Jordan Travel Guide
Jordanian food reflects a legacy of Bedouin influences, seen in hearty, communal dishes usually including slow-cooked meats. The region's agricultural bounty provides a base of fresh produce, 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. A Paradise For divers 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. Newly picked 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 concentrate 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 area seafood restaurants throughout Aqaba. It truly has 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 tasty.
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. Drinks with alcohol are more readily available than in other parts of Jordan, notably in hotels and designated restaurants and bars. Area beers and wines are present, alongside international brands.
Kanafeh: A sweet, gooey cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, often garnished 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 high-end 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 concentrate on fresh seafood. These locations extend a decent quality dining encounter at affordable rates.
These are numerous in the city center and around the souk area. Seek out places busy with locals; this frequently signals good, fresh, and safe food. These spots furnish the most authentic and affordable meals.
If you seek something familiar, you may it's found international fast-food chains (like McDonald's, KFC), along with restaurants serving Italian, Indian, and other global cuisines, specifically in current shopping areas.
Familiar options for diverse tastes.
Aqaba features local markets where you may get 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-dishes based on 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 language cards for severe allergies.
Research restaurants online; communicate with staff or the hotel's concierge desk for recommendations.
A popular and unique Aqaba experience: a boat trip on the Sea Of reeds that includes a fresh seafood BBQ midday meal 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 new and safe food.
A true local flavor adventure!
Several excellent seafood restaurants dot the Corniche and city center, specializing in fresh Red Sea catches cooked in numerous local styles, including Sayadieh.
For traditional sweets, local bakeries plus specialized 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 including customary meals and family gatherings.
During national holidays, large family dishes with conventional 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 seafood 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 a Paradise For divers.
Local residents are often happy to partake in their favorite dining spots and dishes.
If invited to distribute food or drink, it signals great welcome 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.
