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.
Address: Othman Ben Affan St. 36, Amman
Famous Dish: Organic Herb Salads (Vegetarian)
Address: Downtown Amman, Complex No. 4
Famous Dish: Falafel and Hummus (Vegetarian)
Address: Rainbow St. 26, Amman
Famous Dish: Mansaf (Can be made vegetarian upon request)
Address: Downtown Amman, Al-Hazina St
Famous Dish: Mutabbal (Vegetarian)
Address: Mohammad Ali Al Saadi St. 16, Amman
Famous Dish: Maqluba (Can be adapted for vegetarians)
Address: Taha Hussein St, Amman
Famous Dish: Mezze Assortment (Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)
Address: Mecca St. 194, Amman
Famous Dish: Grilled Halloumi Cheese (Veervetarian)
Address: Complex No. 6, Al-Khaldiyya St, Amman
Famous Dish: Tabbouleh (Vegetarian)
Address: Jabal Amman, 1st Circle, Amman
Famous Dish: Moutabal Beetroot (Veeretarian)
Address: King Al Hussein St 2, Amman
Famous Dish: Knafeh (Vegetarian)