Petra And The South, Jordan
Wadi Rum cuisine is predominantly Bedouin, a reflection of a nomadic, desert-dwelling lifestyle. It features simple, hearty dishes, often meat-based (lamb, chicken), prepared with traditional methods.
Meals are typically served communally, showing hospitality and sharing. For Bedouins, food is not just sustenance; it is a symbol of generosity and connection. Cooking methods often adapt to the desert environment, using fire and earth.
Meals are typically served buffet-style or on large platters, eaten communally. In traditional settings, food might be eaten with the right hand. Spoons or forks are usually provided for tourists. Using only your right hand for hand-eating is customary.
Refusing Bedouin tea is impolite; accepting at least one cup shows respect. Expect generous portions of food.
Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 AM, includes bread, cheese, labneh, eggs, jam, and tea. Lunch: Simple picnic on full-day jeep tours (wraps, salads, fruit, water). Dinner: Main meal, 7:00-9:00 PM, often features traditional Zarb.
Meat and vegetables seasoned and placed in a sealed metal oven, buried underground for slow-cooking. The meat is tender, smoky, and flavorful. The unveiling from the sand is an evening highlight.
Found at: Almost all Bedouin camps for dinner.
Shrak: A thin, traditional Bedouin flatbread, often baked over a convex metal Saj. Light and chewy, great for scooping food. Maglouba: An "upside-down" dish layering rice, meat, and fried vegetables. Less common in desert camps.
Found at: Shrak with most meals at camps.
Malfouf (stuffed cabbage leaves), fresh salads (cucumber, tomato, herbs), Hummus (chickpea dip), and Baba Ghanoush (eggplant dip) are common accompaniments.
Found at: Served as part of meal spreads at camps.
Locally grown, sweet, and nutritious dates are common. Fresh fruit like oranges or apples often serve as dessert.
Bedouin cuisine emphasizes less elaborate desserts compared to other regional cuisines. Simple, homemade sweets might be offered.
These establishments are not available in Wadi Rum. Dining is typically within Bedouin camps.
These are not available in Wadi Rum. The dining experience is embedded in the camp stay.
Street food and large markets are very limited to a few small shops in Wadi Rum Village. No food halls.
Most camps accommodate vegetarians with advance notice. Vegan options are possible with clear communication beforehand. Confirm your dietary needs when booking.
All meat in Jordan, including at Bedouin camps, is Halal.
Gluten-free dining presents a challenge due to reliance on bread and potential cross-contamination. Inform the camp well in advance. Consider bringing Gluten-free snacks like a Gluten-Free Variety Sampler. Clear and detailed communication is vital for severe allergies.
Kosher food is not readily available; travelers needing Kosher meals should bring their own pre-packaged food.
Food cooked under desert sand.
Enjoy dinner under the clear desert sky.
Watch the traditional Zarb cooking process.
Simple, fresh meals during jeep tours.
Engage with your Bedouin hosts! They are often keen to share their culture through food and stories.
