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Petra food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Petra.
Photo by Mihaela Claudia Puscas on Unsplash
What to eat in Petra
5 signature dishes, 3 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Mansaf
$12–$25
Jordan's national dish: tender lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed), served over rice and topped with nuts. The tangy, rich sauce is an acquired taste but deeply satisfying.
Where to try: The Cave Bar (inside Petra ancient city, for a tourist-friendly experience) or a local home-style restaurant in Wadi Musa.
Maqluba
$10–$20
An upside-down dish of rice, vegetables (often eggplant and cauliflower), and chicken or lamb, cooked in one pot and flipped onto a serving platter. Its layered flavors and satisfying texture make it a feast.
Where to try: Al-Qantarah Restaurant in Wadi Musa for authentic preparation.
Falafel and Hummus
$2–$5
While found across the Levant, Petra's versions are often made with freshly ground chickpeas and tahini, served in warm, pillowy pita bread. A simple yet perfect street food.
Where to try: Local street vendors in Wadi Musa, particularly those with a steady stream of locals.
Kunafa
$3–$7
A decadent dessert made with shredded phyllo dough or semolina, layered with cheese and soaked in sweet sugar syrup. The warm, gooey cheese and crisp pastry are divine.
Where to try: Petra Kitchen in Wadi Musa for a sit-down experience, or smaller bakeries for a quick treat.
Zarb
$30–$60
A Bedouin specialty cooked underground in a sand oven. Typically lamb or chicken with vegetables, the slow cooking method imparts a unique smoky flavor.
Where to try: Book a Bedouin dinner experience in Little Petra or a desert camp outside Wadi Musa.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Wadi Musa
Tourist hub with a wide range of options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants catering to visitors.
ConvenienceVarietyFamily-friendly
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
More remote and authentic, offering a glimpse into Bedouin culinary traditions, often experienced through pre-booked meals.
Authentic experiencesBedouin foodUnique settings
Local Markets (in Wadi Musa)
Bustling and vibrant, featuring street food stalls and small shops selling fresh produce and local snacks.
Street foodLocal flavorsBudget-friendly
Dietary notes
Jordanian cuisine is rich in lamb, chicken, and vegetables like eggplant and chickpeas, making vegetarian options like hummus, falafel, and various mezze readily available. However, many traditional dishes are meat-centric, and gluten-free options may require careful selection beyond simple rice or grilled meats.
Local etiquette
- •Always accept offers of coffee or tea; it's a sign of hospitality.
- •Use your right hand for eating and handling food, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
- •Tipping is customary; 10-15% is standard in restaurants if service is not already included.
- •Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or more conservative areas; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Plan the rest of your Petra trip
Food guides elsewhere