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Amman food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Amman.
Photo by Florentina Tilvic on Unsplash
What to eat in Amman
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Mansaf
$8–$15
The national dish of Jordan, this is lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served with rice or bulgur, often topped with nuts. It's a rich, tangy, and deeply savory experience that represents Jordanian hospitality.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants throughout Amman, especially in areas like Jabal Amman and Rainbow Street.
Maqluba
$7–$12
Meaning 'upside down,' this dish features layers of rice, vegetables (like eggplant, cauliflower, or potatoes), and meat (chicken or lamb) cooked in a pot and then flipped onto a serving platter. The caramelized bottom layer is a particular delight.
Where to try: Family-run eateries and larger restaurants, particularly in West Amman.
Falafel and Hummus
$0.5–$2
While found across the Middle East, Amman offers exceptionally fresh and flavorful versions, often served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini. Look for stands serving it hot and made to order.
Where to try: Street food stalls and small eateries throughout the city, with notable concentrations around Downtown Amman (Al-Balad).
Knafeh
$1.5–$3
A decadent dessert made with shredded phyllo dough or semolina, layered with cheese (typically Nabulsi or Akkawi) and soaked in sweet sugar syrup. It's best served warm and slightly gooey.
Where to try: Specialty dessert shops and bakeries, particularly in Downtown Amman and Jabal Al Weibdeh.
Fasolia b Zeit
$4–$7
A simple yet delicious vegetarian dish of green beans stewed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil. It's often served as a side or a light main, showcasing the freshness of seasonal produce.
Where to try: Home-style restaurants and as part of mezze spreads in various Amman eateries.
Zarb
$15–$25
Though traditionally Bedouin and cooked underground in the desert, some Amman restaurants offer this slow-cooked lamb or chicken dish prepared with spices and vegetables. The unique cooking method imparts a distinct smoky flavor.
Where to try: Specialty Bedouin-style restaurants or those offering traditional Jordanian cuisine.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
Bustling, historic, and vibrant.
Street foodLocal marketsAuthentic flavors
Jabal Al Weibdeh
Artsy, bohemian, and increasingly trendy.
CafesBoutique restaurantsCultural dining
Rainbow Street
Lively, cosmopolitan, and popular with tourists and locals.
International cuisineCasual diningPeople-watching
Abdoun
Upscale and modern.
Fine diningInternational restaurantsSpecial occasions
Dietary notes
Jordanian cuisine is rich and often meat-heavy, with lamb and chicken being prominent. However, many vegetarian dishes are available, especially as part of mezze (appetizers), such as hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, and various salads. Gluten-free options can be found, but be mindful of bread served with meals.
Local etiquette
- •It is customary to accept offers of Arabic coffee or tea, especially when visiting someone's home or a shop.
- •Tipping is appreciated; around 10% is standard in restaurants and for service providers.
- •While many places accept credit cards, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller eateries, street food vendors, and markets.
- •Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or more traditional neighborhoods, out of respect for local customs.
Plan the rest of your Amman trip
Food guides elsewhere