Must-Try Foods In Little Petra (Siq AlBarid) (Petra) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), Petra, Jordan

The history of food in Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is closely linked to the ancient Nabateans who inhabited the region over 2000 years ago. As a small trading suburb of the main city of Petra, it played a significant role in the spice trade routes, contributing to the culinary fusion that characterizes the area's cuisine. Traditional Nabatean dishes would have relied on the staples of the region, such as wheat, barley, grapes, and olives. Over time, Bedouin influences incorporated more meats and the use of the zarb – an underground barbecue pit – while trade introduced spices and flavors from all corners of the ancient world.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Little Petra for Tourists

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. Falafel - Veg: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served in a pita with salad and tahini sauce.
3. Moutabel - Veg: A delicious dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
4. Mahashi - Veg/Non-Veg: Assorted vegetables like zucchinis, tomatoes, and eggplants stuffed with rice and herbs, and sometimes minced meat.
5. Galayet Bandora - Veg: A tomato-based dish, often cooked with onions and served with a sprinkle of olive oil and bread.
6. Fatteh - Veg/Non-Veg: A dish consisting of pieces of fresh, toasted, and stale flatbread covered in other ingredients such as chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts.
7. Shish Kebabs - Non-Veg: Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with flatbread, salad, and sauces.
8. Tabbouleh - Veg: A fresh and herby salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, tomatoes, and onions, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
9. Zarb - Non-Veg: Bedouin barbecue, where meat like chicken or lamb is cooked in an underground pit.
10. Knafeh - Veg: A sweet cheese pastry soaked in a syrup made from sugar and rose water, and topped with crushed pistachios.

Top Famous Restaurants in Little Petra

The Basin Restaurant - Petra Archaeological Park

Address: Near the Petra Museum, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Mansaf - Non-Veg

Al Qantarah Restaurant

Address: Tourism Street, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Falafel - Veg

Petra Magic Restaurant

Address: 200 Meters from Petra Entrance, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Galayet Bandora - Veg

My Mom's Recipe Restaurant

Address: Off the Main Roundabout, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Zarb - Non-Veg

Petra Kitchen

Address: Off Tourist Street near Petra Moon Hotel, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Mahashi - Veg/Non-Veg

Cave Bar

Address: Petra Guest House Hotel, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Shish Kebabs - Non-Veg

Reem Beladi Restaurant

Address: Close to the Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Tabbouleh - Veg

Sand Stone Restaurant

Address: Near Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Fatteh - Veg/Non-Veg

Al Arabi Restaurant

Address: Wadi Musa, Petra Visitor Center Area

Famous Food: Moutabel - Veg

Zawaya Restaurant

Address: Petra Visitor Center Area, Wadi Musa

Famous Food: Knafeh - Veg