Food In Ajloun

Ajloun, Jordan: A Culinary Journey

Located in the north of Jordan, Ajloun is not only famous for its historical sites such as Ajloun Castle but also for its rich culinary heritage, deeply influenced by Levantine cuisine. The food history of Ajloun is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and the combination of various cooking techniques passed down through generations. With a focus on locally sourced produce and traditional methods, Ajloun's cuisine presents a delightful experience for food enthusiasts. Agricultural products like olives, figs, grapes, and vegetables are staples in the local diet.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ajloun

1. Mansaf - Traditionally made with lamb, this dish is a celebrated Jordanian meal. However, chicken can be used as a non-vegetarian alternative, served over a bed of rice with fermented dried yogurt called jameed.
2. Tabbouleh - This vegetarian salad is made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, bulgur, and is dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Fatteh - Often made with chicken, Fatteh is a layered dish of bread, rice, and pine nuts, topped with yogurt and herbs (vegetarian versions without chicken are also common).
4. Hummus - A well-known vegetarian dip, hummus is made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
5. Falafel - Vegetarian deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, usually served in a pita or with a salad.
6. Baba Ghanoush - Another vegetarian favorite, this dish comprises of roasted eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings.
7. Ful Medames - Often eaten for breakfast, this vegetarian dish consists of fava beans cooked with garlic and served with olive oil.
8. Moussaka - Vegetarian casserole consisting of eggplant or potato, tomato sauce, onions, and chickpeas.
9. Maqluba - Translating to “upside down,” this dish often includes rice, vegetables like cauliflower or eggplant, and can be made vegetarian or with chicken.
10. Arabic Sweets - Vegetarian sweets such as baklava (a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup) and knafeh (a cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup) are absolute must-tries.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ajloun

1. Orjan Village Restaurant

   Address: Orjan Village, Ajloun

   Famous for: Traditional Jordanian Cuisine with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options including the local version of Maqluba.

2. Ajloun Forest Reserve Restaurant

   Address: Ajloun Forest Reserve, Ajloun

   Famous for: Offering a variety of vegetarian dishes and also chicken entrées, highlighting organic produce and local flavors.

3. Al-Wardat Restaurant

   Address: Ajloun, Jordan

   Famous for: Their vegetarian-friendly Arabic Sweets, also serving a range of Levantine dishes.

4. Salaheddin Restaurant

   Address: Near Ajloun Castle, Ajloun

   Famous for: Diverse menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian local dishes, with a great view of Ajloun Castle.

5. Green Hills Restaurant

   Address: Ajloun, Jordan

   Famous for: Delicious traditional and international dishes, accommodating both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Whether you're a vegetarian or not, Ajloun's culinary scene has something to offer for everyone, each dish telling a story of the region's rich culture and history..