Food In Ajloun Castle

Food History of Ajloun Castle, Ajloun, Jordan

The region of Ajloun is not only famous for its historical Ajloun Castle, also known as Qal'at Ar-Rabad, but also for its rich culinary heritage which dates back to many centuries. This castle has witnessed various cultures and civilizations, each leaving their mark on the local cuisine. The food here has been influenced by the different groups that have settled in this area such as the Byzantines, Mamluks, and Ottomans.

The fertile land around Ajloun is well-suited for agriculture, providing an abundance of fresh produce that forms the basis of the Jordanian diet in the region. Olives and figs are particularly abundant and constitute key ingredients in many traditional dishes. The Ajloun area is also famous for its olive oil, which is a staple in the Jordanian kitchen. Its uses range from cooking to dressing salads.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ajloun Castle, Ajloun, Jordan for Tourist

Mansaf (Non-Veg): This is Jordan's national dish, made of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.

Makloubeh (Non-Veg): Translates to "upside-down", this dish includes rice, fried vegetables, and meat, often chicken, all cooked together and flipped before serving.

Falafel (Veg): Crispy deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas, commonly served in pita bread with salads, pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce.

Mutabal (Veg): Also known as baba ghanoush, it is a smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Fatteh (Non-Veg or Veg): A dish made of layers of toasted bread, rice, garbanzo beans, yogurt, and pine nuts. Non-vegetarian versions might include chicken or lamb.

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Veg or Non-Veg): Known as warak enab, these are grape leaves filled with rice, tomatoes, and spices, which can be served vegetarian or with meat.

Kibbeh (Non-Veg): This is considered to be Lebanon's national dish and is a mix of ground meat, bulgur wheat, and spices, which can be fried, baked, or cooked in broth.

Tabbouleh (Veg): A fresh herbal salad made from finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, burgul, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Hummus (Veg): A creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, often garnished with paprika and olive oil.

Labneh (Veg): A thick and tangy strained yogurt that can be spread on bread or used as a dip, often garnished with olive oil and herbs.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ajloun Castle, Ajloun, Jordan

Ajloun Forest Reserve Restaurant
Address: Ajloun Forest Reserve, Ajloun
Famous Food: Mansaf, locally produced Ajloun Olive Oil (Non-Veg)

Orjan Al Dayaa
Address: Orjan Village, Ajloun
Famous Food: Traditional Arabic barbeque (Non-Veg)

Rozana Restaurant
Address: Near Ajloun Castle, Ajloun
Famous Food: Rozana Salad (Veg), Grilled Chicken (Non-Veg)

While Ajloun does not offer a wide variety of restaurants due to its historical and natural focus, visitors can still enjoy traditional Jordanian meals at these local establishments. It's always recommended to try the local olive oil and fresh bread known as "shrak" that accompanies many meals.