Must-Try Foods In Aqaba Castle (Aqaba) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Aqaba Castle, Aqaba, Jordan

The food history of Aqaba Castle, also known as Aqaba Fort, is intertwined with the history of Aqaba itself, a city that has served as a historical trading hub connecting various cultures and cuisines. Over the centuries, Aqaba has been influenced by the culinary traditions of the Mamluks, Ottomans, and various Arab cultures, each leaving their mark on the local gastronomy. As a coastal city, seafood has been a staple in Aqaba's diet, but the area is also known for its rich array of Levantine and Bedouin dishes that feature herbs, spices, grains, and meats other than cow. The cuisine represents a mix of the many peoples who passed through or settled in the region, especially those connected to the Red Sea trade routes.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Aqaba Castle, Aqaba, Jordan

1. Mansaf Lamb (Non-Veg) - Jordan's national dish, traditionally made with lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.
2. Mutabbal (Veg) - A creamy and smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, often served as a starter or side dish.
3. Maqluba (Non-Veg) - A savory upside-down rice dish that typically includes chicken or other non-cow meat, fried vegetables, and a mixture of spices.
4. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, usually served in pita bread or as part of a mezze platter.
5. Shish Taouk (Non-Veg) - Succulent skewers of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, often paired with garlic sauce and vegetables.
6. Fatteh (Veg option available) - A dish consisting of layers of crispy bread, rice, chickpeas, and yogurt, sometimes topped with pine nuts and minced meat.
7. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - A popular street food dish where meat is stacked on a vertical spit and shaved off to be served in bread with sauces and toppings.
8. Warbat with Qishta (Veg) - A sweet pastry filled with qishta, which is a kind of clotted cream, and topped with syrup or powdered sugar.
9. Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolma) (Veg) - Grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, often served as an appetizer or side dish.
10. Zarb (Non-Veg) - Bedouin-style barbeque where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground pit, imparting a unique smoky flavor.

Top Famous Restaurants in Aqaba Castle, Aqaba, Jordan

1. Al-Shami Restaurant

   Address: Al-Rashid Street, Aqaba, Jordan

   Famous Food: Mansaf Lamb (Non-Veg)

2. Papaya Restaurant & Café

   Address: Corniche Street, Aqaba, Jordan

   Famous Food: Mutabbal (Veg)

3. Ali Baba Restaurant

   Address: Great Arab Revolt Plaza, Aqaba, Jordan

   Famous Food: Seafood Mix Grill (Non-Veg)

4. Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant

   Address: Near Aqaba Castle, Aqaba, Jordan

   Famous Food: Zarb (Non-Veg)

5. Syrian Palace Restaurant

   Address: Al-Saada Street, Aqaba, Jordan

   Famous Food: Shawarma (Non-Veg)