Must-Try Foods In South Beach (Aqaba) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of South Beach, Aqaba, Jordan

The culinary landscape of South Beach in Aqaba is as rich and diverse as its history. Located at the nexus of the Middle East and North Africa, Aqaba has long been a meeting point for various cultures, including the Nabateans, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Arabs, with each leaving their mark on the local cuisine. Influences from nearby regions such as the Levant, Egypt, and even trade routes reaching to India and beyond have shaped the flavors found in Aqaba. The region’s proximity to the Red Sea ensures an ample supply of fresh seafood, while the arid, desert surroundings have led to the development of preservation techniques such as pickling and drying. The Bedouin culture also contributes to Aqaba's culinary tapestry, with their traditional methods of cooking meat and bread in earth ovens.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in South Beach, Aqaba, Jordan

• Mansaf (Non-Veg) - Jordan’s national dish, Mansaf is a rich and aromatic bed of rice topped with tender lamb cooked in a sauce made from fermented dried yogurt and served with a sprinkling of pine nuts and almonds.
• Seafood Sayadieh (Non-Veg) - A flavorful fish dish cooked with aromatic spices and served on a bed of rice, often garnished with fried onions and accompanied by tahini or other sauces.
• Mezze (Veg/Non-Veg) - An assortment of small dishes that can include hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, mutabbal, and falafel among others.
• Maqluba (Non-Veg) - A savory upside-down rice dish featuring vegetables and meat, typically chicken or fish.
• Fatteh (Veg) - A dish made with layers of crispy bread, rice, chickpeas, and yogurt, often garnished with pine nuts and fresh herbs.
• Shawarma (Non-Veg) - Marinated chicken or other meats slowly roasted on a vertical spit and served in wraps or sandwiches.
• Moussaka (Veg) - A hearty baked dish consisting of layers of vegetables, mainly eggplant, and a rich tomato sauce, sometimes topped with béchamel.
• Mutabal (Veg) - A smoky and creamy dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Warbat Bil Ashta (Veg) - A sweet filo pastry dessert filled with creamy custard and often drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with crushed pistachios.
• Kunafa (Veg) - A traditional Arab dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese or other sweet fillings.

Top Famous Restaurants in South Beach, Aqaba, Jordan

Papaya Restaurant & Café

Address: Al Rashid Street, Aqaba, Jordan

Famous Food: Seafood dishes (Non-Veg), vegetarian mezze (Veg)

Al-Mohandes Restaurant

Address: King Hussein Street, Aqaba, Jordan

Famous Food: Grilled Red Sea fish (Non-Veg), Eggplant dishes (Veg)

Ali Baba Restaurant

Address: Al Nahda Street, Aqaba, Jordan

Famous Food: Fresh seafood platters (Non-Veg), various mezze options (Veg/Non-Veg)

Al-Shami

Address: Corniche Street, Aqaba, Jordan

Famous Food: Syrian and Lebanese dishes, Mansaf (Non-Veg), Falafel (Veg)

Buffalo Wings & Rings

Address: Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan

Famous Food: Chicken wings (Non-Veg), vegetarian appetizers (Veg)

Whether you're indulging in the rich flavors of traditional Jordanian dishes or enjoying the fresh catch from the Red Sea, South Beach in Aqaba offers an intriguing array of culinary delights that reflect the city’s historic trade routes and cultural exchanges.