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

Food History of Petra, Jordan

Petra, known as the Rose City due to the color of the stones from which it is carved, is not only an archaeological wonder but also a place with a rich and diverse food heritage. Food in Petra, as in the rest of Jordan, has been influenced by various cultures, including the Nabateans who originally inhabited the city, as well as regional cuisines from the Levant, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. Ancient Petra was a trading hub, which meant that spices and culinary techniques from around the world found their way into the local cuisine.

Traditional Jordanian food revolves around fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and the use of olive oil. Grains, legumes, yogurt, and fresh vegetables constitute an important part of the diet here, making for a plentiful variety of vegetarian dishes, while chicken and lamb are common for non-vegetarian meals.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Petra, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non-Veg) - The national dish of Jordan, Mansaf is a hearty dish prepared 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, often served in a pita with salad and tahini.
3. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
4. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A fresh salad made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
5. Maqluba (Non-Veg) - An upside-down rice dish that includes layers of meat (chicken or lamb), rice, and fried vegetables.
6. Mutabbal (Veg) - Roasted eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, similar to baba ganoush.
7. Warak Enab (Veg or Non-Veg) - Stuffed grape leaves with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat, seasoned with lemon juice.
8. Fatteh (Non-Veg) - A dish consisting of layers of toasted bread, rice, and lamb, topped with yogurt and nuts.
9. Musakhan (Non-Veg) - Roast chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts atop flatbread.
10. Zarb (Non-Veg) - Bedouin barbecue, a unique way of cooking meat and vegetables in an underground pit.

Top Restaurants in Petra, Jordan

• Al Qantarah
  Wadi Musa, Petra 71810, Jordan
  Famous for: Mansaf (Non-Veg)
• Petra Kitchen
  Tourism St, Wadi Musa, Petra, Jordan
  Famous for: Mezze options like Hummus and Tabbouleh (Veg)
• Al Wadi Restaurant
  Tourism St, Wadi Musa, Jordan
  Famous for: Mixed Grill (Non-Veg), a platter that generally includes a variety of grilled meats such as chicken and lamb.
• The Cave Bar
  Petra Guest House Hotel, Petra - Wadi Musa
  Famous for: International dishes with local influence and a selection of Vegetarian appetizers.
• Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant
  3 Wadi Musa, Petra, Jordan
  Famous for: Traditional home-cooked meals like Maqluba (Non-Veg)

Always remember to check whether the dishes correspond with your dietary preferences, as some meals could be adapted to be vegetarian. Enjoying food in Petra is a unique experience that combines the vibrant history of the area with the rich flavors of Jordanian cuisine.