Must-Try Foods In Amman Citadel (Amman) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Amman Citadel, Amman, Jordan

Standing atop Jabal al-Qal'a, the ancient hill of Amman, the Amman Citadel is a historical site that has witnessed numerous civilizations. Each culture has left its mark on the cuisine, making Jordan's food heritage incredibly rich. Influenced by the Nabateans, Romans, Byzantines, and later the Islamic Umayyad dynasty, the Citadel has seen ingredients and dishes evolve over centuries. Traditional cooking methods like zarb—meat and vegetables cooked in an underground pit—reflect the influence of the Bedouins, while ingredients like olives, wheat, and grapes hark back to ancient cultivation on this land. With its long history, the food found around the Citadel area is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its past inhabitants.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes at Amman Citadel and Their Type

• Falafel - A deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas. It is a popular vegetarian dish in Jordan.
• Hummus - A creamy spread made from pureed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is vegetarian-friendly.
• Fatteh - A traditional Levantine dish consisting of toasted bread, rice, chickpeas drizzled with yogurt and ghee. It usually includes meat, but vegetarian versions are available.
• Mansaf - Jordan's national dish traditionally made with lamb, served on a bed of rice and fermented dried yogurt called jameed, but also available without lamb for vegetarians.
• Mutabbal - Also known as baba ghanoush, a smoky-flavored eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It is a vegetarian dish.
• Tabbouleh - A refreshing vegetarian salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur, and seasoned with lemon juice and olive oil.
• Maqluba - An upside-down rice dish that includes vegetables like cauliflower, eggplant, and potatoes. It can be prepared without meat for vegetarians.
• Knafeh - A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, often topped with pistachios. It is a vegetarian dessert.
• Galayet Bandora - A simple yet flavorful vegetarian dish made with tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, often served with bread.
• Warbat bil Ashta - A sweet pastry filled with a clotted cream called ashta, and topped with sugar syrup. It is a vegetarian-friendly dessert.

Top Famous Restaurants in Amman Citadel, Amman, Jordan

1. Wild Jordan Center

   Address: Othman Ben Affan St. 36, Amman

   Famous Dish: Organic Herb Salads (Vegetarian)

2. Hashem

   Address: Downtown Amman, Complex No. 4

   Famous Dish: Falafel and Hummus (Vegetarian)

3. Sufra Restaurant

   Address: Rainbow St. 26, Amman

   Famous Dish: Mansaf (Can be made vegetarian upon request)

4. Al Quds

   Address: Downtown Amman, Al-Hazina St

   Famous Dish: Mutabbal (Vegetarian)

5. Beit Sitti

   Address: Mohammad Ali Al Saadi St. 16, Amman

   Famous Dish: Maqluba (Can be adapted for vegetarians)

6. Fakhr El-Din

   Address: Taha Hussein St, Amman

   Famous Dish: Mezze Assortment (Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)

7. Reem al Bawadi

   Address: Mecca St. 194, Amman

   Famous Dish: Grilled Halloumi Cheese (Veervetarian)

8. Jafra

   Address: Complex No. 6, Al-Khaldiyya St, Amman

   Famous Dish: Tabbouleh (Vegetarian)

9. Shams El Balad

   Address: Jabal Amman, 1st Circle, Amman

   Famous Dish: Moutabal Beetroot (Veeretarian)

10. Habibah Sweets

    Address: King Al Hussein St 2, Amman

    Famous Dish: Knafeh (Vegetarian)