Jordanian Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

Jordanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Levantine traditions, Bedouin heritage, and Mediterranean influences.

Mansaf - The National Dish
This traditional dish features tender lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served over rice with toasted nuts. It's typically eaten communally, making it a social experience as much as a culinary one.

Must-Try Dishes:
- Maqluba: An upside-down rice and vegetable dish
- Kunafa: Sweet cheese pastry with syrup
- Falafel: Crispy chickpea fritters
- Hummus: Chickpea dip (Jordan style)
- Zarb: Bedouin BBQ cooked underground

Mezze Culture
Like much of the Levant, Jordanian meals often start with mezze - small plates of various appetizers including baba ganoush, tabbouleh, labneh, and more.

Desserts and Sweets
Jordan is famous for its sweets, especially kunafa, baklava, and ma'amoul (date-filled cookies).

Where to Eat:
- Local restaurants in Amman's downtown
- Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum
- Street food vendors for authentic falafel
- Traditional mansaf restaurants

Food Etiquette:
- Accept tea when offered - it's a sign of hospitality
- Try eating mansaf the traditional way (with your hands)
- Don't be surprised by generous portions
- Return invitations with equal hospitality