Food In Alkhazneh The Treasury

Food History of Al-Khazneh, Petra, Jordan

Petra, home to the famous Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, has a culinary history that is as rich as its architecture. The ancient Nabateans who built Petra were traders who traveled extensively, which influenced their cuisine with flavors from different cultures. Traditional Jordanian food has a shared heritage with other Middle Eastern cuisansince since it blends elements from Mediterranean, North African, and Bedouin cultures.

Despite being a desert city, the ingenious water management system of Petra allowed the Nabateans to practice agriculture, thereby incorporating fresh produce in their diet. Herbs and spices also play a vital role in their cuisines, bringing in the aromatic flavors that are characteristic of Middle Eastern dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Petra, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non Veg) - Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt called Jameed and served over rice or bulgur.
2. Maqluba (Non Veg) - A traditional dish which means "upside down" in Arabic, it includes rice, vegetables, and meat like chicken or fish, flipped over before serving.
3. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in a pita with salad and tahini sauce.
4. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A vegetarian salad made of finely chopped parsley, with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
5. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy paste made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, perfect for dipping with bread or vegetables.
6. Warak Enab (Veg) - Grape leaves stuffed with rice, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings, often served as an appetizer or side dish.
7. Mutabbal (Veg) - A dish similar to baba ghanoush, it's made of roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
8. Fatteh (Non Veg) - A dish consisting of layers of toasted bread, rice, and meat, all smothered in yogurt, and sometimes garnished with nuts and parsley.
9. Ful Medames (Veg) - Cooked fava beans served with olive oil, cumin, and garlic. It is often eaten for breakfast.
10. Knafeh (Veg) - A sweet dessert made with a layer of cheese or cream, topped with sugar syrup and often orange or rose water.

Top Famous Restaurants in Petra, Jordan

Al Qantarah Restaurant

Address: Tourism St, Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa
Famous for: Mansaf (Non Veg) and traditional Jordanian mezze.

Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant

Address: Near Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa
Famous for: Maqluba (Non Veg) and Petra nights' buffet with a variety of local dishes.

Al-Wadi Restaurant

Address: Petra Wadi Musa 71810, Jordan
Famous for: Falafel (Veg) and a selection of vegetarian mezze.

Three Steps Restaurant & Café

Address: Close to Petra Visitor Center, Petra - Wadi Musa
Famous for: Its panoramic views and Knafeh (Veg) for dessert.

Petra Magic Restaurant

Address: Tourism Street, 200 meters from Petra Visitor Center
Famous for: Local buffet featuring dishes like Fatteh (Non Veg) and Warak Enab (Veg).

Note that Petra's dining scene primarily caters to tourists, so international cuisine is readily available at most establishments, including options for vegetarians and those looking for halal food options.