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

Food History of Royal Tombs Petra, Petra, Jordan

The Royal Tombs of Petra, a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan, do not have a food history per se, as they are primarily known for their monumental grave sites rather than culinary contributions. However, the ancient Nabateans who built Petra were a nomadic Arab people who relied on trade and agriculture. They would have eaten a diet consisting of the ingredients available in the desert environment, such as olives, dates, grains, and legumes. Additionally, trade would bring in spices and other foodstuffs, enriching their cuisine and influencing food culture in the region.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Royal Tombs Petra, Petra, Jordan for Tourist

1. Falafel - A popular vegetarian dish made of deep-fried balls or patties of ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce.
2. Hummus - A creamy vegetarian dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Tabbouleh - A vegetarian salad dish made of tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Baba Ghanoush - A vegetarian dish consisting of mashed cooked eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings.
5. Manakish - A type of vegetarian flatbread, often topped with za'atar spice mix and olive oil.
6. Mujaddara - A vegetarian dish made from cooked lentils and rice, garnished with sautéed onions.
7. Fatteh - A vegetarian dish featuring a layer of toasted bread covered by other ingredients such as chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts.
8. Maqluba - An upside-down rice dish that can be vegetarian or include chicken or lamb, layered with fried vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and eggplant.
9. Warbat - A sweet pastry often filled with cream or cheese and soaked in syrup; it can be considered a vegetarian dessert.
10. Knafeh - A traditional dessert made from thin noodle-like pastry or a semolina dough, soaked in sweet syrup and typically layered with cheese, it is a vegetarian sweet treat.

Top Famous Restaurants in Royal Tombs Petra, Petra, Jordan

1. Al Qantarah
   Address: Tourism Street, Petra - Wadi Musa, Jordan
   Famous Food: Grilled meats (non-veg), Mezze spread (various veg and non-veg options)
2. Three Steps Restaurant & Cafe
   Address: Petra - Wadi Musa, Jordan
   Famous Food: Bedouin Pizza (vegetarian version available), Mansaf (non-veg)
3. Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant
   Address: Petra - Wadi Musa, Jordan
   Famous Food: Maqluba (can be veg or non-veg), Arabic Salads (veg)
4. Petra Kitchen
   Address: Tourism Street, Near Petra Entrance, Petra - Wadi Musa 71810, Jordan
   Famous Food: Cooking Classes offering various traditional dishes (veg and non-veg options)
5. The Cave Bar
   Address: Petra Guest House Hotel, Petra - Wadi Musa, Jordan
   Famous Food: Mezze Platter (veg), Barbecue (non-veg options)

Please note that while vegetarian options are commonly available, vegan options may be more limited and it's advisable to inquire about ingredients as dairy is often used in Arab cuisine.