Jordan’s Cuisine

If there’s one thing that brings people together across cultures, it’s food—and in Jordan, food is more than a meal. It’s a language, a celebration, and a reflection of identity. For Arabic learners, Jordan’s cuisine offers a flavorful way to engage with the culture, learn essential vocabulary, and build confidence using Arabic in real life.

From street food stalls on a busy street in Amman to Bedouin tents in Wadi Rum, every bite carries a story—and a learning opportunity.

Jordanian Food Culture

Jordanian cuisine blends flavors from the Levant, Arabian Peninsula, and Mediterranean. Olive oil, fresh herbs, ground chickpeas, za’atar, and grilled meat are staples. Meals are often shared communally, reflecting deep-rooted values of hospitality and togetherness.

Lunch is typically the main meal, often slow cooked and full of generous portions. Breakfasts feature light dishes with fresh mint, olives, and flatbreads. Dinner varies by family but often includes leftovers, pickled vegetables, and hot tea.

Arabic is spoken across all food experiences—from ordering street snacks to describe how your mother makes mujadara.

10 Must-Try Jordanian Dishes & Their Arabic Roots

1. Mansaf (المنسف) – The National Dish of Jordan

Made from lamb or chicken and lamb, jameed (fermented yogurt), rice, almonds, and shrak bread.

Cultural Phrase:

• Arabic: “هل جربت المنسف من قبل؟”
• Hal jarabta al-mansaf min qabl?
• Translation: “Have you ever tried Mansaf before?”

Traditionally eaten by hand, Mansaf is a symbol of honor and hospitality, especially during celebrations.

2. Falafel (فلافل)

Made from deep-fried ground chickpeas, falafel is a popular breakfast or lunch choice across Jordan.

Language Tip:

Falafel is always plural in Arabic.

Ordering Practice:

• “أريد سندويشة فلافل مع الطحينة.”
• Ureed sandawīsha falāfil maʿ al-ṭaḥīna.
• Translation: “I’d like a falafel sandwich with tahini.”

Falafel in Jordan is often crunchier than elsewhere and served with pickled turnips and lemon juice.

3. Maqluba (مقلوبة)

Literal meaning is “Upside-down”. A pot of rice, vegetables, and chicken or lamb is flipped at the table to reveal a layered dish.

Cooking Vocab:

• “مقلوبة” (maqlūba) = upside-down
• “دجاج” (dajjāj) = chicken
• “باذنجان” (bādhinjān) = eggplant

4. Kanafeh (كنافة)

A gooey, sweet dessert made of shredded dough, melted cheese, and orange blossom syrup.

Root: ك ن ف (k-n-f), related to wrapping or covering

Nablus vs. Amman:

In Nablus, kanafeh is fine and cheesy.

In Amman, you’ll find more crunchy versions, especially at Al Quds bakery downtown.

5. Fattet Hummus (فتّة حمص)

A rich dish of mashed chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and crispy bread.

Breakdown:

• “Fatteh” means “crumbled” or “torn apart”
• حمص (hummus – chickpeas)

Breakfast Essential in homes and restaurants alike.

6. Zarb (زرب)

A Bedouin-style slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish made underground in a sand oven.

Bedouin Etymology: The word “zarb” comes from a root meaning “to bury.”

Modern Use: Now found at camps in Wadi Rum, where it’s a favorite among locals and tourists.

7. Warak Enab (ورق عنب)

Grape leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat.

Translation: Warak = leaves; ‘Enab = grapes

Root: و-ر-ق (w-r-q) = leaf

A flavorful vegetarian option, often part of mezze spreads.

8. Mujadara (مجدرة)

A humble yet historic dish made of lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions.

Ancient Dish: Its origins date back to the medieval Middle Eastern kitchen.

Components:

• عدس (ʿadas) = lentils
• رز (ruzz) = rice
• بصل (baṣal) = onion

9. Shawarma (شاورما)

Layers of marinated meat slowly roasted on a spit, shaved and wrapped in bread.

Origin: Turkish “çevirme,” meaning “to turn”

Jordanian Twist: In Amman, shawarma is often served with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries—often eaten on a busy street in Amman with a lemon soda.

10. Qatayef (قطايف)

A sweet dumpling filled with nuts or cream, traditionally eaten during Ramadan.

Ramadan Special: Served at iftar (break-fast) meals

Fillings:

• جبنة (jubna) – cheese
• جوز (jawz) – walnuts
• قشطة (qishta) – clotted cream

Arabic Learning Through Food

Market Vocabulary Builder:

Food markets in Jordan are full of teachable moments. Practice Arabic by identifying:

1. زيت زيتون (zayt zaytūn) – olive oil
2. نعنع طازج (naʿnaʿ ṭāzaj) – fresh mint
3. ليمون (laymūn) – lemon
4. خضار مخللة (khuḍār mukhallala) – pickled vegetables

Engaging with vendors builds real-life listening and speaking skills.

Cooking Verb Conjugations:

Common kitchen verbs:

1. يقلي (yaqli) – to fry
2. يطبخ (yaṭbukh) – to cook
3. يفرم (yafrum) – to chop
4. يضيف (yaḍīf) – to add

Use them in simple commands:

• “اقلي الفلافل” (iqli al-falāfil) – Fry the falafel
• “أضف زيت الزيتون” (aḍif zayt az-zaytūn) – Add the olive oil

Regional Food Variations: Amman vs. Bedouin Styles

City Food (Amman)

You’ll find innovative takes on tradition in restaurants offering modern Jordanian dishes. Amman’s culinary scene blends old and new—from falafel in Jordan to gourmet maqluba.

Desert Food (Wadi Rum)

In Wadi Rum, food is simpler but deeply flavorful. Dishes like zarb are cooked in traditional ways and reflect Bedouin survival cooking—relying on minimal ingredients and slow heat.

Dietary Notes & Food Etiquette

1- Halal Eating Guide

All Jordanian food is halal. Pork is not served, and meat is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. Always ask if unsure:

“هل هذا حلال؟” (Hal hādhā ḥalāl?) – Is this halal?

2- Table Manners

Do’s:

Wash hands before eating

Eat with your right hand

Try everything offered

Compliment the host (say: “الطعام لذيذ جداً!” – al-ṭaʿām ladhīdh jiddan!)

Don’ts:

Don’t start eating before elders

Don’t refuse coffee or tea

Avoid touching food with your left hand in communal meals

Final Thought

Exploring Jordan dishes isn’t just a treat for the palate—it’s a dynamic path to mastering Arabic. Whether you’re sharing mansaf, sipping mint tea, or chatting about kanafeh, food becomes your teacher. It introduces you to vocabulary, grammar, and culture—bite by bite.

At AlBaher Language Center, we encourage students to learn through culture, and food is one of the richest and most enjoyable gateways.