Food In Jordan Archaeological Museum

Jordan Archaeological Museum, Amman, Jordan: Food History

The Jordan Archaeological Museum in Amman is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and offers visitors a glimpse into the vast culinary history of the region. The museum, located on the Citadel Hill (Jabal al-Qal'a), is not directly related to food but through its exhibitions, it provides insights into the agricultural methods, cooking tools, and diet of ancient civilizations that have inhabited Jordan over millennia. Local gastronomy has been influenced by different cultures, including the Nabateans, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each contributing to the rich culinary canvas of Jordan.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Amman, Jordan

1. Mansaf - This is Jordan's national dish featuring tender lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt served over a bed of rice (Non-veg).
2. Falafel - A popular Middle Eastern dish, these deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas are a favorite vegetarian option.
3. Humus - A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a vegetarian staple in Jordanian cuisine.
4. Mutabbal - Also known as Baba Ghanoush, this dish consists of smoked eggplant mixed with tahini, garlic, and yogurt, another vegetarian delight.
5. Maqluba - An upside-down rice and eggplant or cauliflower dish combined with meat like chicken, but it can also be found in vegetarian versions.
6. Tabbouleh - A vegetarian salad made of tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and onion, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
7. Fatteh - This dish includes pieces of crispy bread combined with rice, chickpeas, and yogurt. Vegetarian options are available, though traditionally it may include chicken or meat.
8. Kanafeh - A sweet cheese pastry soaked in a sugar-based syrup, made from layers of phyllo dough or semolina dough—an irresistible vegetarian dessert.
9. Zarb - Bedouin barbecue where meats like chicken or lamb are slow-cooked in an underground pit. It's distinctly non-veg and genuinely traditional.
10. Shawarma - Although typically prepared with meat like chicken, beef, or lamb, vegetarian alternatives with mushrooms or other vegetables have started to appear.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Jordan Archaeological Museum, Amman, Jordan

Wild Jordan Center

Address: Othman Ben Affan St. 36, Amman, Jordan

Famous Food: Organic and seasonal local dishes with options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Sufra Restaurant

Address: Rainbow St. 26, Amman, Jordan

Famous Food: Traditional Jordanian cuisine such as Mansaf and vegetarian Mezze platters.

Hashem

Address: Downtown Amman, Al-Amir Mohammed St, Amman, Jordan

Famous Food: Falafel, Hummus, and other vegetarian delicacies.

Fakhr El-Din Restaurant

Address: Taha Hussein St., Amman, Jordan

Famous Food: Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Beit Sitti

Address: Mohammad Ali Al Saadi St. 16, Amman, Jordan

Famous Food: Home-cooked meals and cooking classes, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.