Jordan attracts travellers from all over the world thanks to its intriguing history and interesting culture. Add to that the wonders of the Dead Sea and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday right there. What if the vibrant country had much more to offer? While the Jordanian cuisine doesn’t get as much attention as say the lost city of Petra, it will definitely satisfy those taste buds to the point of making you want to move to Jordan. From iconic appetizers to exquisite traditional dishes, here are our must-try foods in the Middle Eastern haven.
Mensaf
A rich and plentiful mix of rice and very tender meat (lamb/goat) added to a type of dehydrated salted yoghurt, Mensaf is the ultimate traditional dish in Jordan. It is served at every occasion. Mensaf translates to “large dish” and it is exactly that. The interesting mixture is usually served on a massive platter topped with almonds and delicious spices. You can eat it with bread like shrak (traditional flat bread) or directly from the tray with your hands. Share the experience with your fellow travellers and be prepared to be blown away.
Zarb
Zarb is your new idea of a fabulous barbecue. The taste is guaranteed to be amazing, but what is interesting about Zarb is the process. The local Bedouins go about it by cooking the meat and vegetables in a large underground pit providing you with tender and smoky meat cooked to perfection. It is as much of a pleasure watching the cooking process as it is indulging the taste. There is no other way to get the best out of the experience unless you try Zarb under the twinkling night sky in Wadi Rum.
Mezze
Now that we’ve redefined your expectations for a delicious barbeque, let’s talk about appetizers. Once you try the combination that goes into a traditional Mezze, you wouldn’t want to start your meals any other way. An addictive mix of hummus, mutabbal, mohammarra, tabbouleh, and mainly anything that can be dipped with bread, you can experience it literally at any Arabic restaurant in Jordan.
Maqluba
The term Maqluba means upside down in Arabic and this is exactly what you can expect. Maqluba is another mouth-watering traditional dish in which meat, rice, and fried vegetables are layered and cooked in a pot together then turned over on a platter. A mix of vegetables including tomatoes, eggplant, and cauliflower hiding underneath the rice with potatoes and lamb/chicken, it is a hearty dish topped with almonds. Maqluba is usually served with hot-out-of-the-oven bread and tasty yogurt. Like many Jordanian dishes, it is best enjoyed in a group.
By Amal Ahmed
