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

Food History of Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan

The food history of Aqaba, and by extension Ayla Oasis, is steeped in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, reflecting the region's history as a cultural crossroads. Ayla's local cuisine has been influenced by the Nabateans, Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. Additionally, Aqaba's proximity to the Red Sea provides an abundance of seafood, which is a staple in its culinary offerings. Dishes are often flavored with a blend of spices that are characteristic of the Levantine palette, such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, and sumac.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non-veg) - Jordan's national dish is a must-try, traditionally made with lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce, served over rice or bulgur, and topped with almonds and pine nuts.
2. Maqluba (Non-veg) - This upside-down dish features layers of rice, vegetables, and chicken or fish, cooked and flipped before serving.
3. Mezze (Veg/Non-veg) - A selection of small dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel. Mezze can be vegetarian-friendly depending on the selection.
4. Mutabbal (Veg) - Similar to baba ghanoush, this eggplant dip is creamy, with tahini and garlic, and is a perfect appetizer or side dish.
5. Fatteh (Veg) - A layered dish of crispy bread, rice, chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts. It is often made with lamb, but vegetarian versions are available.
6. Warbat Bil Ashta (Veg) - A delectable Arabic sweet made with thin pastry dough filled with cream and topped with pistachios.
7. Musakhan (Non-veg) - A traditional Palestinian dish consisting of roasted chicken with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts atop taboon bread.
8. Zarb (Non-veg) - Bedouin barbecue where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground pit, giving them a unique, smoky flavor.
9. Kunafa (Vn/Non-veg) - A syrup-soaked cheese pastry dessert, often topped with crushed pistachios. It is traditionally made with a cheese that comes from Nablus.
10. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Veg/Non-veg) - Known locally as 'Dolma,' these can be filled with rice and herbs or minced meats.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan

• Al-Murjan Restaurant

  Address: Ayla Oasis - Marina Village, Aqaba, Jordan

  Famous Food: Mixed Seafood Grill (Non-veg)

• Sybelle Restaurant

  Address: Marina Village, Aqaba, Jordan

  Famous Food: Traditional Mezze Platter (Veg/Non-veg)

• Papaya Restaurant & Café

  Address: Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan

  Famous Food: Musakhan Rolls (Non-veg)

• De Soto Restaurant

  Address: Peninsula Plaza, Ayla Golf Club, Aqaba, Jordan

  Famous Food: Zarb (Non-veg)

• Tche Tche Café

  Address: Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan

  Famous Food: Warbat Bil Ashta (Veg)