Must-Try Foods In Colonnaded Street (Petra) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Colonnaded Street, Petra, Jordan

The Colonnaded Street of Petra is a historic archaeological site that once served as the city center in ancient times. As part of the ancient Nabatean Kingdom, the culinary influences were vast, absorbing flavors from passing caravan trade routes including spices and ingredients from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The Nabateans were known for trading in spices, incense, and myrrh, which also found their way into local cuisine. Today, the food in Petra reflects a blend of Bedouin traditional dishes, flavorful Levantine cuisine, and Arabic gastronomy, each carrying echoes from the past.

Top 10 Food Dishes to Try in Colonnæd Street, Petra, Jordan

1. Mansaf - A ceremonial dish made from lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur (Non-Veg).
2. Mujaddara - A hearty dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions, often considered a staple (Veg).
3. Hummus - A well-known creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic (Veg).
4. Falafel - Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans served in pita bread (Veg).
5. Maqluba - Meaning "upside down", it's a dish of rice, vegetables, and meat like chicken or fish, all cooked together and then inverted onto a plate (Non-Veg).
6. Tabbouleh - A fresh and zesty salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and bulgur wheat, simply flavored with olive oil and lemon juice (Veg).
7. Baba Ghanoush - A smokey eggplant dip mixed with onions, tomatoes, olive oil, and various seasonings (Veg).
8. Shawarma - It consists of thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita, served with veggies and sauce (Non-Veg).
9. Kofta - Grilled meatballs or patties, made with minced meat, typically chicken, mixed with spices and onions (Non-Veg).
10. Warbat bil Ashta - Sweet pastry filled with cream or cheese, similar to baklava and often served with syrup (Veg).

Famous Restaurants in Colonnaded Street, Petra, Jordan

Al Qantarah Restaurant

Address: Tourism Street, Petra - Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Mansaf (Non-Veg)

My Mom's Recipe Restaurant

Address: Petra Visitor Center Street, Petra - Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Falafel and Hummus (Veg)

Al-Wadi Restaurant

Address: Tourism Street, Petra - Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Mujaddara (Veg) and Maqluba (Non-Veg)

The Cave Bar

Address: Petra Guest House Hotel, Petra - Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Shawarma (Non-Veg)

Basin Restaurant

Address: Petra Archaeological Park, Petra - Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Kofta (Non-Veg) and a range of traditional mezze (Veg)

Sandstone Restaurant

Address: Near Petra Visitor Center, Petra - Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Tabbouleh (Veg)

Please note that restaurant addresses and menus can change, so it's advisable to check the latest information before planning your visit to Petra.