Jordan Asia Food: What to Eat in Jordan

The other day somebody said to me, 'Oh so you went to Jordan? You must have eaten a lot of Hummus and Shawarma!'

This made me think how unaware we are about different Jordan Asia food. Before exploring the food there, I used to associate these two dishes to the region. But I was wrong. Very wrong.

Jordanian food came as a huge surprise to me. It's so rich in flavors and it's so comforting. And somehow, my American taste buds accepted the Jordanian cuisines so easily as if they were made for this food.

Jordan sits in the West Asia and is deeply known for its food. Jordan Asia food consists of a lot of rice, bread, yogurt, olive oil, legumes, and slow-cooked meats, often flavored with warm spices like cardamom, sumac, and cinnamon.

Comforting and easy dishes similar to Asian flavors like Besan Ki Roti in our Besan Ki Roti Recipe – Easy & Healthy Side.

What Does Jordanian Cuisine Feel Like?

Jordanian food is all about balanced flavors. No heavy sauces, high heat, or too much spices. Its food has beautiful influences of Bedouin and Levantine Food from Jordan the country consists mainly of rice, bread, yogurt, olive oil, legumes, and slow-cooked meats. For Americans who love trying out new cuisines and flavors, Jordan Asia food is wholesome. It is not overpowering but quite refreshing.

Jordan National Food That Everyone Loves

Jordanian cuisines are delicious and suits the American taste buds very nicely.

1. Mansaf

Mansaf is officially a Jordan national food. No wedding, holiday, or gathering is complete without Mansaf. Wherever I go to Jordan, I'm always served this and believe me it's so good that I never get bored of eating it. It has this tender lamb meat with fermented yogurt, and they serve it with flat bread or rice.

2. Maqluba

This is another Jordanian cuisines that you must try. Maqluba is an Arabic word that means upside down. So, this dish is called Maqluba because they flip the pot upside down when serving it. It contains layers of rice, vegetables, and meat. All the ingredients are beautifully cooked with patience This food from Jordan the country is simple and fulfilling.

3. Musakhan

If you ask me for a dish that is least complex and made with simple and minimum ingredients, it would be Musakhan. Musakhan consists of chicken, olive oil, onions, suman. They bake everything and serve it with flatbread. Even with such minimum ingredients, this Jordanian cuisine is one of the most loved ones.

If you want regional savory inspiration, our Keema Fry Recipe is packed with spice and flavor in the South Asian style too.

4. Galayet Bandora

Every Jordanian aunt swears by this dish. It consists of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, eggs or meat. That's it. It is as common in Jordanian homes as salad is in American homes. Hearing of this dish for the first time might make you skeptical. However, once you try it, you'll keep eating it.

Amman Food Culture

Amman city is full of amazing food, friendly locals, and great vibes. This city feels so lively that every corner has some sort of a surprise waiting for you. I found some really good traditional falafel shops, some cute and modern cafes and coffee shops, and local bakeries that serves authentic Jordanian baked goods.

Amman is actually where I ate a lot of Shawarma, falafel sandwiches, and hummus.

My Take of Jordan Asia Food

If i tell you Jordanian food is staying with me FOREVER, it won't be a lie. Although it is all about rice, bread, and meat. Yet, every dish is so different from the other one. Initially I was expecting repetition but I was amazed to see how every Jordanian cuisine tells a different story.

The best thing about Jordan Asia Food is that, in comparison with other Middle eastern food, this is less spicy, more rustic, and more yogurt-based. So, as an American with little spice tolerance, I absolutely enjoyed having Jordanian food.

If you'd seen me on my trip, you'd known how much I was eating the whole time. I was scared to put my food on the weighing scale. But it still feels unreal how my weight didn't budge. Maybe that's because Jordanian food is healthy since they use olive oil instead of butter. Yogurt instead of cream, and grilling & slow cooking instead of deep frying.

Final Thoughts

So, if you also love eating something comforting yet fulfilling then you should definitely try Jordanian cuisines. Although the food is not trendy or have Instagram worthy appeal to it. But, the flavors are amazing. If you try it once, I bet you'll remember it forever. You'll understand why Jordan Asia food leaves a lasting effect on everyone.

Pair your meals with wholesome sides like Maash Ki Daal a delicious lentil dish that complements many cultural cuisines.

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