Food History of High Place of Sacrifice, Petra, Jordan

The High Place of Sacrifice, also known as Al-Madbah in Arabic, is an ancient ceremonial site perched atop the mountains of Petra, Jordan. While not much is known specifically about the food history pertaining to the High Place of Sacrifice itself, Petra was once a thriving trade center and meeting place of various cultures, which influenced the culinary practices of the region. The Nabateans, the original builders of Petra, were involved in the spice trade, which introduced a range of flavors that would become integral to Jordanian cuisine. Local dishes would have likely included ingredients such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and meats other than cow, reflecting the agriculture of the region.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Petra, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non-Veg) - Jordan's national dish made with lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.
2. Maqluba (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - A traditional dish of rice, vegetables, and typically chicken that is cooked then flipped upside down when served.
3. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in a pita or with a salad.
4. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
5. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A fresh salad made with parsley, mint, tomato, scallions, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Baba Ganoush (Veg) - A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
7. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - Thinly sliced meats, such as lamb or chicken, cooked on a slow-rotating spit and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauce.
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and a variety of fillings, which may include meat.
9. Fattet Hummus (Veg) - A dish made with layers of bread, hummus, and spiced chickpeas, topped with yogurt and pine nuts.
10. Zarb (Non-Veg) - Bedouin barbecue where meats and vegetables are cooked in an underground pit.

Top Famous Restaurants in Petra, Jordan

• Al Qantarah - Tourism Street, Wadi Musa, Petra
  Famous for its Maqluba and offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Al-Wadi Restaurant - Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa, Petra
  Known for a variety of traditional Jordanian dishes, including vegetarian dishes such as Falafel and Hummus.
• Sandstone Restaurant - Wadi Musa, Petra
  Offers a range of local cuisine featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like Stuffed Grape Leaves and Zarb.
• Three Steps Restaurant & Cafe - Close to Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa, Petra
  A great spot for vegetarian options, with dishes such as Tabbouleh and Baba Ganoush.
• The Petra Kitchen - Off Tourist Street, near Petra Entrance, Wadi Musa, Petra
  Offers cooking classes and the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Jordanian dishes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.