Food History of North Theater, Jerash, Jordan
Located in the ancient city of Jerash, the North Theater itself is not a destination for food but rather a historical monument dating back to around 165 AD. However, external to the theater, Jordan’s enduring culinary tradition offers an encounter with a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by various civilizations throughout history, including the Ottomans, Persians, Greeks, and Bedouins.
The foods in and around Jerash are reflective of Jordan's broader cuisine, which is characterized by the use of grains, legumes, fresh vegetables, and an array of spices like sumac and za’atar. Olive oil plays a fundamental role, as do herbs and lemon juice that provide a distinct freshness to the dishes.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jerash, Jordan
- Mansaf (Non-Veg): Jordan’s national dish, featuring lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.
- Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pitas with salads.
- Hummus (Veg): A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Fatteh (Veg): A traditional dish made with pieces of toasted or fried bread, mixed with rice, chickpeas, yogurt and pine nuts.
- Tabbouleh (Veg): A salad made from tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Warak Enab (Veg): Vine leaves stuffed with a mix of rice, tomatoes, parsley, and mint.
- Mujadara (Veg): This simple dish combines lentils and rice cooked in olive oil, topped with caramelized onions.
- Moutabal/Baba Ghanoush (Veg): Smoky grilled eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Galayet Bandora (Veg): A one-pan tomato dish, typically seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and chilies, and sometimes topped with pine nuts.
- Knafeh (Veg): A dessert with a layer of cheese or cream, sandwiched between layers of shredded phyllo dough, and sweetened with syrup.
Top Famous Restaurants Near North Theater, Jerash
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Lebanese House Restaurant
Address: Near Hadrian's Arch, Jerash, Jordan
Famous Food: Mansaf (Non-Veg) and Hummus (Veg)
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Artemis Restaurant
Address: The main road next to the Jerash Visitor Centre, Jerash, Jordan
Famous Food: Falafel (Veg) and Tabbouleh (Veg)
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Green Valley Restaurant
Address: Jerash, Jordan
Famous Food: Galayet Bandora (Veg) and Mujadara (Veg)
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Jerash Rest House
Address: Inside Jerash Archaeological Site, Jerash, Jordan
Famous Food: Local Traditional Jordanian Cuisine