Flavors of Jordan: Must-Try Dishes for an Authentic Culinary Journey

Breakfast Mezza style

Jordanian breakfast is often served Mezza style (small dishes designed to be shared). As mentioned before, no Jordanian meal is complete without Shrak bread, in this case it's complemented with toppings such as Labneh (thick, creamy yoghurt spread) drizzled with olive oil, aubergine puree and hummus (also with olive oil) as well as more western style toppings such as jam and cream cheese. This breakfast also includes something for the sweet tooth such as halva (fudge-like confection made with tahini). And believe it or not, fries apparently is also a breakfast food in Jordan!

Kofta

Traditional Jordanian dish typically made with minced lamb or beef with a creamy tahini sauce and potato fries. The dish is served alongside traditional flatbread (Shrak), perfect for scooping up the kofta, sauce, and potatoes. A small side of mixed pickles adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the kofta and tahini. This setup provides a hearty, comforting meal with a balance of flavors—savory, creamy, and a hint of char, complemented by the freshness of the pickles and bread.

We had this traditional Jordanian meal at Shahrazad Restaurant in Downtown Amman, unassuming but highly recommended by locals eatery, specializing in only a few local dishes, including Kofta.

Shrak (Bedouin Bread)

Almost every dish in Jordan will be accompanied by Shrak - traditional Bedouin bread, known for its ultra-thin, round, and large size, typically made from wheat flour. It is lightly salty with airy,  slightly crispy texture and incredibly delicious. It is also exceptionally versatile and is often used as  an edible utensil to scoop up various dishes, such as kofta or hummus or used for on the go meals, such as sandwiches and wraps.

In Jordan Shrak bread is more than just a culinary item; it’s a reflection of Jordan's Bedouin heritage. Making shrak requires skill and experience, often passed down through generations, and it's typically made during social gatherings or family events, symbolizing community and tradition.

Knafeh / Kunefe

Knafeh (also spelled kunefe, kanafeh, or kunafa) is a beloved dessert in Middle Eastern countries and Jordan is no exception. Known for its gooey cheese base topped with a crunchy, syrup-drenched crust, Jordanian knafeh has variations that highlight different textures, flavors, and regional preferences. Here are 2 of the msot popular variations you're likely to encounter in Jordan:

• Knafeh Nabulsiya
  • Originating from the city of Nablus in Palestine, this is one of the most popular types in Jordan as well. It features a layer of stretchy white cheese, often akkawi or nabulsi cheese, covered by a crust of finely shredded dough.
  • Typically served as a large round piece that’s cut into portions, often from knafeh shops where it’s made in large pans.

• Knafeh Rolls
  • Individual servings of knafeh, normally filled with cream rather than cheese filling making it much sweeter than traditional knafeh.
  • This is a great variation to a traditional Knafeh as the taste and texture is closer to western desserts, so if you're not into white cheese, which is key ingredient of Knafeh Nabulsiya, this makes for a great alternative.

Fresh dates

While not exactly a dish on its own, fresh dates is definitely a thing to try in Amman market. They have a unique and delightful taste that’s quite different from the dried dates you may be more familiar with. Fresh dates are naturally sweet, but their sweetness is less intense and flesh is moist and slightly chewy but not as dense or sticky as dried dates. It is almost creamy, making the experience smooth and satisfying. And you don't need to buy a kilo of dates just to try it, vendors are quite friendly and you will likely be offered to try not only dates but many other exotic fruits while you're browsing in the market.