Must-Try Foods In Petra Archaeological Park (Petra) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Petra Archaeological Park, Petra, Jordan

Petra, the ancient city carved into red sandstone, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Nabateans, who established Petra as their capital city, were adept at harnessing water, which allowed them to sustain agriculture in the arid region. Their diet was influenced by the trade routes, incorporating spices, grains, and ingredients from far-flung regions. Over centuries, food culture in Petra evolved with contributions from various civilizations, including the Romans and Ottomans, leading to a culinary tradition that is a melange of flavors and techniques.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Petra Archaeological Park, Petra, Jordan

1. Mansaf - A traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur. Non-Veg
2. Falafel - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, commonly served in a pita with salad and tahini sauce. Veg
3. Hummus - A creamy spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Veg
4. Tabbouleh - A fresh salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. Veg
5. Mujaddara - A dish made from lentils and rice, garnished with caramelized onions. Veg
6. Maqluba - An upside-down rice dish featuring vegetables and sometimes meat like chicken or fish. Non-Veg/Veg (if made without meat)
7. Shawarma - Thinly sliced meat, such as chicken, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita with vegetables and sauce. Non-Veg
8. Fatteh - A dish consisting of layers of flatbread covered with chickpeas, garlic yogurt, and toasted pine nuts. Veg
9. Kofta - Ground meat, typically lamb or chicken, mixed with spices and herbs, then grilled on skewers. Non-Veg
10. Baklava - A sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Veg

Top Famous Restaurants in Petra Archaeological Park, Petra, Jordan

Al Qantarah Restaurant

Address: Tourism Street, Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Mansaf - Non-Veg

Basin Restaurant - Petra

Address: Inside Petra Archaeological Park, near the Basin
Famous Dish: Buffet with selection of Jordanian dishes - Non-Veg/Veg

Three Steps Restaurant & Café

Address: Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Jordanian Mansaf and Mezze platter - Non-Veg/Veg

My Mom's Recipe Restaurant

Address: Tourism Street, Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Maqluba - Non-Veg/Veg (if made without meat)

Al Arabi Restaurant

Address: Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Shawarma - Non-Veg

Petra Magic Restaurant

Address: Tourist Street, Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Mixed grill platter - Non-Veg

The Petra Kitchen

Address: Off Tourist Street, Near Petra Entrance, Wadi Musa
Famous Dish: Cooking class experience with multiple regional dishes - Non-Veg/Veg

Cave Bar

Address: Petra Guest House Hotel, Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Cocktails and mezze platter - Non-Veg/Veg

Sandstone Restaurant

Address: Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Local Jordanian cuisine - Non-Veg/Veg

Al Wadi Restaurant

Address: Petra Visitors Center, Wadi Musa, Petra
Famous Dish: Buffet with a variety of traditional dishes - Non-Veg/Veg