Top Eats in Amman, Jordan: A Street Food Adventure

Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is a vibrant hub offering a rich blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. When it comes to street food, you’ll find an array of delicious and authentic delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some must-try spots for a truly immersive culinary experience in Amman!

1. Balad (Downtown Amman)

Balad, the historic heart of Amman, is where you’ll find a labyrinth of narrow streets teeming with traditional eateries and street food vendors. Don’t miss:

• Mansaf Kebab: A popular Jordanian dish made from lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt sauce served on rice.
• Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat, usually chicken or beef, wrapped in flatbread with pickles, tomatoes, and garlic sauce.
• Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, served with tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

2. Abdoun Street

Abdoun Street is lined with high-end restaurants, but if you look closely, you’ll find street food stalls tucked between them. Try these local favorites:

• Kunafa: A traditional Arabic dessert made from crispy, pastry-like noodles soaked in sweet, sugary syrup and topped with soft cheese or clotted cream.
• Fatteh: A popular dish made with crushed fried pita bread mixed with chickpeas, yogurt, and garlic sauce, usually garnished with pine nuts and sumac.

3. Jabal Al-Weibdeh

This trendy neighborhood is home to many street food vendors, cafes, and artisanal shops. Here are some tasty options:

• Mujadara: A dish made with lentils and rice cooked together, usually served with yogurt and fried onions.
• Maqluba: A upside-down dish where rice, vegetables (often potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower), and meat or chicken are layered in a pot and cooked until the rice is at the bottom. It’s then flipped onto a serving platter to reveal the perfectly cooked layers.

4. King Faisal Street

Known for its bustling nightlife, King Faisal Street is also home to some amazing street food stalls. Some must-tries include:

• Harees: A dish made from boiled wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), often served during religious holidays and festivals.
• Kebabs: Skewered meats such as kofta (spiced minced meat) or shish kebab (cubed chunks of meat), cooked over charcoal and served with flatbread, rice, or salad.