Amman Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Order

Local tip

1. **The Right Hand Rule:** Use only your right hand to form small balls of rice and meat before flicking them into your mouth. 2. **Jameed Quality:** The best jameed comes from Karak in the south; it is made from goat or sheep's milk that is salted and dried. 3. **Refill Etiquette:** Hosts will keep piling food on your plate, so leave a small amount of food to signal you are truly finished. 4. **Coffee Signal:** When finished with your cardamom-flavored coffee, tilt or shake the tiny cup side-to-side to indicate you've had enough. 5. **Scoop Style:** Use pieces of fresh shrak or khobz bread as utensils for dipping into hummus and various mezze plates.

Best Mansaf in Amman

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Jabri Restaurant

DowntownA historic family-run business that is widely respected for its consistent quality and traditional Bedouin-style preparation. It is the go-to spot for many families who want an authentic, old-school dining experience.

Order: Signature order

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Dahberou

KhaldaA specialist restaurant that focuses almost exclusively on perfecting the national dish using premium Karak jameed. They are famous for their generous portions of high-quality, tender lamb that falls off the bone.

Order: Signature order

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Sufra

Jabal AmmanThe most refined and aesthetically beautiful place to eat traditional food in the capital. Their Mansaf is presented with high-end service while maintaining the authentic, deep flavors of a home-cooked meal.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Akel

AbdaliA great spot for an authentic, no-frills Mansaf experience that is very popular with local office workers. It offers exceptional value for money without compromising on the quality of the jameed sauce.

Order: Signature order

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Maward Restaurant

Seventh CircleKnown for its generous communal servings and traditional atmosphere that mimics a Bedouin tent. It is a local favorite for celebrating special occasions with large platters of perfectly cooked lamb and rice.

Order: Signature order

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Tawaheen Al-Hawa

Wasfi al-Tal StA sensory experience with enormous dining halls and a vibrant local buzz. While it is popular with tourists, it maintains a very high standard for its traditional Jordanian festive dishes.

Order: Signature order

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Ezzat Al-Akel

University DistrictA busy, no-frills spot that delivers a high-quality, very affordable version of the national dish. It is a great place to see how Mansaf is enjoyed as a daily staple by the local community.

Order: Signature order

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Al Quds (Jerusalem) Restaurant

DowntownA legendary Downtown institution that has defined the standard for traditional Mansaf in Amman for decades. Their jameed is exceptionally balanced and they serve a very high volume of locals daily.

Order: Signature order

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Zajal

DowntownOffers a charming rooftop dining experience in the heart of old Amman. Their Mansaf is consistently good and provides a great introduction to the dish in a relaxed, scenic environment.

Order: Signature order

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Old View

Jabal AmmanA lovely cafe that serves a solid traditional Mansaf with a spectacular backdrop of the Roman Theater. It is a favorite for travelers who want to combine a major meal with the city's best views.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Areesh

Mecca StA long-standing institution that has served consistent quality for years to the West Amman community. Their service is efficient and their Mansaf follows a strictly traditional recipe that appeals to local purists.

Order: Signature order

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Fakhreldin

Jabal AmmanWhile primarily famous for Lebanese cuisine, they treat Jordanian classics with extreme precision and high-end ingredients. It is the most luxurious place in Amman to sample the national dish in an elegant setting.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Karaki

Various locationsAs the name suggests, they specialize in the cooking style of Karak, the spiritual home of Mansaf. They use the most authentic jameed and follow traditional Bedouin ratios of meat to rice.

Order: Signature order

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Manoushe

ShmeisaniA reliable and very popular neighborhood anchor that serves high-quality Jordanian staples at an accessible price. It is known for its fast service and authentic flavor profiles that cater to local office workers.

Order: Signature order

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Mijana

Jabal AmmanBlends traditional Jordanian food with a lively social atmosphere and often features live Levantine music. Their Mansaf is a crowd-pleaser and is best enjoyed as part of a long, festive dinner.

Order: Signature order

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Best Maqluba in Amman

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Wild Jordan Center

Jabal AmmanServes a high-quality, refined version of Maqluba with arguably the most stunning panorama of the Citadel. It is an excellent choice for those who want to support local eco-tourism while enjoying a classic meal.

Order: Signature order

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Reem Al-Bawadi

Various LocationsOffers a reliable and standardized traditional dining experience that is very popular with visitors. Their Maqluba is consistently flavored and served with a high level of hospitality in their landmark venues.

Order: Signature order

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Best Musakhan in Amman

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Musakhan El-Tita

ShmeisaniThe name translates to "Grandma's Musakhan," and it delivers exactly that—unapologetically oily, sumac-heavy, and deeply authentic. It is widely considered the gold standard for traditional Musakhan in the capital.

Order: Signature order

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Best Falafel in Amman

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Al-Quds Falafel

Rainbow StreetA tiny, high-volume stall that is a mandatory stop for anyone walking down Rainbow Street. Their sandwiches are simple, iconic, and have been a favorite of the late King Hussein for many years.

Order: Signature order

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Falafel Al-Basim

Jabal AmmanA small but very busy shop that has served the Jabal Amman community for years. Their falafel is particularly light and herb-forward, making it a favorite for many local residents every single morning.

Order: Signature order

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Falafel Arafa

DowntownAn old-school shop that focuses on the basics and does them perfectly. Their batter recipe is a closely guarded family secret and their falafel is always served steaming hot from the oil.

Order: Signature order

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Salah Ad-Din Bakery

Jabal AmmanWhile primarily a bakery, their ka'ak sandwiches with falafel are a legendary Amman ritual. You buy the warm bread and then stuff it yourself with fresh falafel, eggs, and local spices at the counter.

Order: Signature order

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Falafel Sa'adeh

Seventh CircleA busy and efficient shop that serves a high volume of locals daily. Their falafel is particularly crispy and they offer a wide range of traditional sides and sauces to accompany the fritters.

Order: Signature order

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Abu Khalil Falafel

ShmeisaniA reliable institution that has served the Shmeisani community for decades. They are known for their traditional approach and the high quality of the fresh herbs used in their falafel mixture.

Order: Signature order

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Hashem Restaurant

DowntownA legendary, no-frills destination that has hosted kings and commoners alike for decades. Their falafel is fried in massive batches to keep up with the intense, never-ending local demand and high volume.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Kalha

Multiple LocationsFamous for their stuffed falafel which contains a savory mixture of onions and sumac. They have maintained a very high standard of quality and cleanliness as they have grown into a local city institution.

Order: Signature order

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Tamriyyeh Omar

Jabal AmmanWhile famous for their unique fried dessert, they also serve exceptional falafel. It is a great place to experience two very specific and high-quality Amman specialties in a single historic location.

Order: Signature order

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Akel Falafel

DowntownOffers a fast and very affordable falafel experience for those exploring the historic ruins. It is known for its high turnover and the freshness of its ingredients in a very busy commercial area.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Mawardi

SweifiehKnown for its consistency and high standards of service. It is a local favorite for those living in the modern suburbs who want a high-quality, traditional falafel experience close to home.

Order: Signature order

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Falafel Al-Afrah

AbdaliA busy and well-regarded shop that offers exceptional value and high turnover. It is a great place to experience authentic Amman street food in a busy, multi-cultural part of the city.

Order: Signature order

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Abu Jbara

Multiple Locations (West Amman)Known for its exceptional cleanliness and very high-quality ingredients. It is the preferred choice for those who want a more modern, polished version of the traditional street food experience in the city.

Order: Signature order

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Abu Mahjoub Falafel

LweibdehA small, traditional shop that is a centerpiece of the Lweibdeh community. It is a favorite for the neighborhood's artists and creative types who gather here every morning for their daily falafel fix.

Order: Signature order

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Best Hummus & Mezze in Amman

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Abu Mahjoub

LweibdehA small, traditional shop that is the social heart of the Lweibdeh community. It is a favorite for the local residents who gather here for their daily fix of silky hummus and fresh falafel.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Daya’a

Gardens StA reliable neighborhood anchor that serves traditional Jordanian mezze and staples with high efficiency. It is known for its consistent quality and represents the authentic daily dining habits of the local community.

Order: Signature order

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Best Shawarma in Amman

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Shawerma Reem

Second CircleA legendary institution that has defined the Amman shawarma scene for decades with its secret recipe. There is almost always a queue of cars and pedestrians waiting for their iconic, perfectly spiced meat shawarma.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Zarb

Multiple LocationsFamous for its high-quality ingredients and modern, clean approach to the traditional street food experience. Their chicken shawarma is particularly well-regarded for its moist texture and perfectly toasted bread.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma 3al Saj

Multiple LocationsOffers a consistent and very reliable shawarma experience with a focus on fast service and traditional flavor. Their branches are a staple of the evening food scene in many residential Amman neighborhoods.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Khan Zaid

Seventh CircleKnown for its high-quality meat and the expertise of its grill masters who ensure every slice is perfect. It is a favorite for those who want a more traditional, meat-focused shawarma experience in West Amman.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Al-Daya'a

Gardens StA reliable neighborhood institution that delivers traditional shawarma with exceptional efficiency. It represents the authentic daily dining habits of the local community and is famous for its consistent flavor.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma El-Mama

LweibdehA small, friendly shop that is a centerpiece of the Lweibdeh community. It is a favorite for the local residents who gather here for a high-quality, personal take on the traditional street food classic.

Order: Signature order

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Bash Shawarma

AbdaliOffers a fast and very affordable shawarma experience in the new city heart. It is known for its high turnover and the freshness of its ingredients, catering to a diverse mix of office workers and visitors.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Station

various locationsKnown for its innovative approach and a wide variety of contemporary shawarma styles. It is a local favorite for those who want a reliable and standardized meal at any hour of the day or night.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Al-Refai

DowntownAn old-school institution that focuses on the basics and does them with great expertise. Their meat is particularly well-seasoned and they have maintained a high reputation for quality over many decades.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Abu Jbara

Madineh StKnown for its exceptional cleanliness and very high-quality ingredients. It is the preferred choice for those who want a more polished and modern version of the traditional shawarma experience in West Amman.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Wajba

various locationsOffers a standardized and reliable shawarma experience with a focus on speed and traditional flavor. Their branches are a staple of the daily food scene for many Jordanian families and students.

Order: Signature order

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Marmar Shawarma

ShmeisaniA reliable institution that has served the Shmeisani community for years with its traditional recipes. They are known for their generous portions and the high quality of their fresh, daily-prepared sauces.

Order: Signature order

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Shawerma Saj

SweifiehKnown for its artisanal approach and the quality of its handmade bread which is baked fresh on the dome. It is a favorite for those who prefer a slightly more refined and less heavy version of the classic sandwich.

Order: Signature order

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Ayoub Shawarma

Jabal AmmanA local neighborhood anchor that is known for its consistent quality and friendly, personal service. Their chicken is particularly well-marinated and they have a very loyal following among the residents of Jabal Amman.

Order: Signature order

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Best Mixed Grill (Mashawi) in Amman

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Haret Jdoudna

Madaba (Pairing trip)One of the most famous restaurants in Jordan. Their mixed grill is prepared with incredible care and is best enjoyed in their historic courtyard, providing an authentic and very memorable village atmosphere.

Order: Signature order

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Kabab-ji

various locationsKnown for its exceptional cleanliness and very consistent quality across its city branches. Their kebab khashkhash with spicy tomato sauce is a signature dish that has won them a very loyal following.

Order: Signature order

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Best Knafeh & Sweets in Amman

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Habibah Sweets

DowntownA legendary institution where crowds gather daily to eat knafeh while standing on the sidewalk. It is the gold standard for traditional Amman sweets and has maintained a very high reputation for quality for many decades.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Sahl al-Akhdar

University DistrictA neighborhood landmark that has served consistent quality for many years. They are known for their traditional approach and the freshness of their daily-prepared desserts which cater to a very loyal local following.

Order: Signature order

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Arafat Sweets

various locationsOffers a consistent and very reliable knafeh experience with a focus on traditional flavor and high turnover. Their branches are a staple of the evening food scene in many residential and commercial neighborhoods.

Order: Signature order

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Aqraba Sweets

various locationsOffers a standardized and reliable dessert experience with a focus on speed and traditional spicing. Their branches are a staple of the daily food scene for many Jordanian families and local residents.

Order: Signature order

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Anabtawi Sweets

various locationsKnown for its high standards and consistent quality across its many city-wide locations. They are particularly well-regarded for their beautiful packaging and are the go-to choice for gifting traditional sweets.

Order: Signature order

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Sultan Sweets

various locationsOffers a standardized and reliable sweet experience with a focus on speed and authentic flavor. Their branches are a staple of the late-night social scene for many Jordanian families and groups of friends.

Order: Signature order

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Miann

BritomartWhile primarily a modern patisserie, they treat traditional flavors with extreme care. It is a favorite for those who want a more polished and visually stunning version of the traditional sweet experience.

Order: Signature order

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Nafeesah Sweets

various locationsFamous for its very high-quality ingredients and the precision of its traditional recipes. Their knafeh is particularly rich and they are widely considered to have some of the best Syrian-style sweets in the capital.

Order: Signature order

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Shahrazad Sweets

DowntownA Downtown institution that focuses on the basics and does them with great expertise. They are known for their traditional recipes and have maintained a high reputation for consistency over many decades in a busy area.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Baba Sweets

SweifiehKnown for its exceptional cleanliness and very high-quality ingredients. It is the preferred choice for those who want a more polished and modern version of the traditional Levantine sweet experience in the city.

Order: Signature order

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Al-Haj Mahmoud Sweets

Seventh CircleA busy and efficient shop that serves a high volume of locals every single day. Their knafeh is particularly rich and they offer a wide range of traditional desserts that reflect the city's deep sweet-making heritage.

Order: Signature order

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Al Quds Sweets

DowntownA reliable institution that has served the Downtown community for decades with its traditional recipes. They are known for their high turnover and the freshness of their daily-prepared traditional desserts.

Order: Signature order

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Amman

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Eat Shawarma at Shawerma Reem

Eat Knafeh & Sweets at Al Quds Sweets

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