Jordanian Cuisine & Must-Try Dishes
Jordanian Hospitality
Jordanians embody generous Bedouin traditions, where offering tea, coffee, or a full meal to guests is a sacred duty, creating deep bonds in family homes or desert camps and making visitors feel like honored kin.
Essential Jordanian Foods
Mansaf
The national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt sauce over rice, served in Amman homes or restaurants for 8-12 JOD, often with nuts and herbs.
A celebratory meal symbolizing Jordan's Bedouin roots, best shared communally.
Falafel
Crispy chickpea fritters wrapped in pita with tahini, a street food staple in Madaba for 1-2 JOD.
Fresh and affordable, ideal for quick bites reflecting Jordan's Levantine influences.
Hummus
Creamy chickpea dip with olive oil and garlic, found at Aqaba cafes for 2-4 JOD, paired with flatbread.
A versatile mezze essential, showcasing Jordan's fresh, plant-based culinary heritage.
Knafeh
Sweet shredded pastry filled with cheese and soaked in syrup, a dessert in Jerash markets for 3-5 JOD.
Best enjoyed warm, representing Jordan's indulgent Ottoman-inspired sweets.
Shawarma
Marinated meat shaved into wraps with veggies and garlic sauce, available in Petra for 3-5 JOD.
A flavorful street eat, perfect for on-the-go meals in Jordan's bustling souks.
Maqluba
Upside-down layered rice dish with eggplant, chicken, and spices, served in family eateries for 7-10 JOD.
Traditionally flipped tableside, a hearty reflection of Palestinian-Jordanian fusion.
Vegetarian & Special Diets
- Vegetarian Options: Abundant mezze like falafel, baba ghanoush, and fattoush salads in Amman's veggie spots for under 5 JOD, highlighting Jordan's fresh produce focus.
- Vegan Choices: Plant-based dishes dominate, with many restaurants offering dairy-free versions of hummus and falafel.
- Gluten-Free: Rice-based mansaf adaptations and salads available, especially in tourist areas like Petra.
- Halal/Kosher: All food is halal; kosher options in Amman with dedicated eateries in Jewish Quarter areas.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Greetings & Introductions
Use right hand for handshakes and say "As-salaam alaikum" (peace be upon you). Women may greet with nods or handshakes if initiated.
Address elders first, using titles like "Umm" (mother of) for respect in social settings.
Dress Codes
Modest clothing required, especially at religious sites; cover shoulders, knees, and for women, hair in mosques.
Light, loose fabrics for desert heat, but conservative in rural areas to honor local norms.
Language Considerations
Arabic is official, but English common in tourist spots like Petra and Wadi Rum.
Learn phrases like "shukran" (thank you) to build rapport in markets and with Bedouins.
Dining Etiquette
Eat with right hand only, accept hospitality offers, and leave a little food to show abundance.
No tipping expected, but small gratuities appreciated; alcohol limited outside hotels.
Religious Respect
Jordan is predominantly Muslim; remove shoes in homes/mosques, avoid public displays during prayer times.
Respect fasting during Ramadan, photography restricted at sensitive holy sites like the Baptism Site.
Punctuality
Time is flexible ("inshallah" - God willing); business meetings start late, but tours run on schedule.
Arrive promptly for reservations, but expect relaxed pacing in social Bedouin encounters.
Safety & Health Guidelines
Safety Overview
Jordan is one of the safest Middle Eastern countries with welcoming locals, low crime rates in tourist zones, and robust health infrastructure, though border areas require caution and heat demands preparation.
Essential Safety Tips
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, ambulance, or fire; English support available in major cities like Amman.
Tourism police patrol sites like Petra, with quick response times in populated areas.
Common Scams
Beware of overpriced taxis in souks; negotiate or use apps like Careem to avoid haggling traps.
Fake guides at Wadi Rum—book through licensed operators for authentic desert experiences.
Healthcare
Vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid recommended; no malaria risk. Tap water generally safe but bottled preferred.
Excellent hospitals in Amman, pharmacies everywhere; travel insurance covers most needs.
Night Safety
Amman and Aqaba safe after dark, but stick to lit streets and avoid solo walks in remote areas.
Use hotel shuttles or registered taxis for evening outings, especially during festivals.
Outdoor Safety
In Wadi Rum, hire guides for hikes; carry water and sun protection against extreme desert heat.
Check flash flood risks in wadis, inform camps of hiking plans for Dead Sea or Dana trails.
Personal Security
Secure valuables in hotel safes, carry passport copies; women should dress modestly to minimize attention.
Vigilant in crowded markets like Rainbow Street, but overall low theft in Jordan.
Insider Travel Tips
Strategic Timing
Avoid peak summer heat; visit March-May or September-November for mild weather at Petra.
Plan around Ramadan for adjusted hours, but experience iftar feasts for cultural depth.
Budget Optimization
Use Jordan Pass for site entries and visa waiver, eat at local falafel stands to save.
Haggle in souks for 20-30% off souvenirs, free Petra by Night on certain dates.
Digital Essentials
Download offline Google Maps and Arabic translator apps before remote areas like Wadi Rum.
Free WiFi in hotels, buy local SIM for 4G coverage across Jordan's deserts and cities.
Photography Tips
Shoot Petra at dawn for soft light on Treasury facade, use drones only with permits.
Capture Bedouin life respectfully, always ask permission and tip for portraits in camps.
Cultural Connection
Join Bedouin tea ceremonies in Wadi Rum to learn stories and build genuine friendships.
Volunteer at community projects in Amman for immersive insights into daily Jordanian life.
Local Secrets
Explore hidden hot springs near Ma'in away from crowds for serene soaks.
Ask Bedouin guides for off-trail viewpoints in Dana Biosphere Reserve that tourists overlook.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Umm Qais: Ancient Greco-Roman ruins overlooking Galilee and Golan Heights, with serene vineyards and fewer crowds than Jerash.
- Ajloun Castle: 12th-century fortress in olive groves, ideal for quiet hikes and panoramic views of Jordan Valley.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve: Remote hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, spotting ibex and staying in eco-lodges away from mainstream tourism.
- Fiqra Village: Traditional stone village near Madaba with family-run guesthouses and authentic cooking classes.
- Burj Al Arab (not Dubai): Lesser-known desert castle ruins in eastern Jordan for solitary exploration of Nabatean history.
- Quseir Amra: UNESCO desert palace with vibrant frescoes, a quick detour from Amman for artistic heritage.
- Mukawir: Hilltop ruins of Herod's fortress with Sea of Galilee views, perfect for history enthusiasts seeking solitude.
- Humayma: Nabatean site in the desert with aqueducts and temples, accessible via guided 4x4 for off-grid adventure.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Jerash Festival (July, Jerash): Cultural extravaganza with music, theater, and crafts in Roman ruins, drawing international performers.
- Petra by Night (Year-round, Petra): Magical candlelit tours of the ancient city, three nights weekly for ethereal atmosphere.
- Ramadan Iftar Traditions (May/June): Communal breaking of fast with mansaf feasts across Amman, highlighting spiritual hospitality.
- Eid al-Fitr Celebrations (Post-Ramadan): Nationwide festivities with family gatherings, sweets, and markets in every town.
- Jordan Short Film Festival (November, Amman): Emerging cinema showcase with screenings and workshops for film lovers.
- Al Ayoun Festival (September, Aqaba): Bedouin cultural event with music, dance, and camel races on the Red Sea coast.
- Dead Sea Ultra (April, Dead Sea): Endurance race through stunning landscapes, with spectator events and wellness activities.
- Christmas in Bethlehem (December, via Jordan border): Pilgrimage events accessible from Madaba, with midnight masses and lights.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Dead Sea Products: Salt scrubs and mud masks from authentic sources in Sweimeh, avoid fakes by buying from cooperatives starting at 5 JOD.
- Mosaics: Handmade Byzantine-style tiles from Madaba workshops, pieces from 20 JOD for genuine artistry.
- Spices & Za'atar: Fresh herb blends from Amman souks, pack in sealed bags for travel, around 3-5 JOD per jar.
- Silver Jewelry: Bedouin designs in Wadi Rum markets, negotiate for silver necklaces reflecting tribal patterns from 10 JOD.
- Keffiyehs: Traditional scarves in Aqaba, choose cotton for quality, ideal souvenirs at 5-8 JOD.
- Pottery: Ceramic wares from Jerash artisans, functional bowls and lamps starting at 15 JOD for home decor.
- Olive Wood Items: Carvings from Jordan Valley shops, sustainable choices like rosaries or boxes for 10-20 JOD.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-Friendly Transport
Opt for shared minibuses (jett) or eco-tours to reduce emissions in water-scarce Jordan.
Rent electric bikes in Amman or join guided hikes to minimize vehicle use in reserves.
Local & Organic
Buy from Amman farmers' markets for seasonal dates and olives, supporting small farms.
Choose organic za'atar and honey from Bedouin producers to aid rural economies.
Reduce Waste
Carry reusable bottles; Jordan conserves water—refill at hotels instead of buying plastic.
No littering in deserts or wadis, use designated bins to protect fragile ecosystems.
Support Local
Stay in family-run guesthouses in Dana or Petra instead of large resorts.
Dine at community kitchens and hire local guides to boost Jordanian livelihoods.
Respect Nature
Stick to trails in Wadi Rum to avoid damaging desert flora; no off-roading without permits.
Limit Dead Sea floating time and avoid touching sensitive coral in Aqaba reefs.
Cultural Respect
Learn about Nabatean and Bedouin history to appreciate sites deeply.
Support women-led cooperatives for crafts, promoting gender equality in communities.
Useful Phrases
Arabic (Standard Jordanian)
Hello: As-salaam alaikum
Thank you: Shukran
Please: Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f)
Excuse me: Afwan / Samihan
Do you speak English?: Tatakallam inglizi?
English (Widely Used)
Hello: Hello
Thank you: Thank you
Please: Please
Excuse me: Excuse me
Do you speak English?: Do you speak English?
Bedouin Dialect (Desert Areas)
Hello: Marhaba
Thank you: Mishkour
Please: Allah y3tik al-afya
Excuse me: Sallam
Do you speak English?: Bit-hki inglizi?