Must-Try Foods In Street Art And Downtown Markets (Amman) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Street Art and Downtown Markets, Amman, Jordan

Amman’s vibrant street art scene and bustling downtown markets are as much an expression of Jordanian culture as its food. Walking through the streets, you are greeted by murals and graffiti that tell stories of the city's history and contemporary life. In the heart of the city, the bustle of the markets — or "souqs" — offers a multisensory experience where the aroma of traditional spices and local dishes fills the air. Merchants and artisans display their colorful produce and handicrafts, while food vendors serve up beloved Jordanian staples.

Foods sold within these markets are often made with locally sourced ingredients and reflect the diverse influences of Jordanian cuisine. The gastronomy is a rich tapestry woven from the Bedouin traditions and Levantine flavors, adapted over centuries by the influences of trade routes and the generous hospitality that is intrinsic to Jordanian culture.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Street Art and Downtown Markets, Amman, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non-Veg): Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce, served over rice or bulgur.
2. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, often served in a pita with vegetables.
3. Hummus (Veg): A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
4. Mutabbal (Veg): A smoky eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
5. Fatteh (Veg): A layered dish of crispy bread, rice, chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts.
6. Tabbouleh (Veg): A fresh salad made from parsley, bulgur, tomato, onion, mint, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
7. Ful Medames (Veg): Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
8. Maqluba (Non-Veg): An upside-down rice dish featuring layers of meat (chicken or lamb), rice, and fried vegetables.
9. Shawarma (Non-Veg): Thinly sliced meats, like chicken or lamb, wrapped in a flatbread with vegetables and sauce.
10. Kanafeh (Veg): A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar-based syrup, a classic dessert in Amman.

Top Famous Restaurants in Street Art and Downtown Markets, Amman, Jordan

• Hashem Restaurant
  Address: King Faisal Street, Downtown, Amman
  Famous Food: Falafel (Veg)
  
• Habibah Sweets
  Address: Al-Malek Faisal Street, Downtown, Amman
  Famous Food: Kanafeh (Veg)
  
• Al Quds Restaurant
  Address: Downtown, Amman
  Famous Food: Mansaf (Non-Veg)
  
• Shams El Balad Café
  Address: Jabal Amman, First Circle, Amman
  Famous Food: Tabbouleh (Veg)
  
• Beit Sitti
  Address: Mohammad Ali Al Saadi St. 16, Jabal Al Weibdeh, Amman
  Famous Food: Fatteh (Veg)
  
• Sufra Restaurant
  Address: Rainbow St, Amman
  Famous Food: Maqluba (Non-Veg)
  
• Reem Al Bawadi
  Address: Mecca St, Amman
  Famous Food: Shawarma (Non-Veg)
  

When visiting Amman's downtown area, a combination of street food sampling and dining at these established eateries provides an authentic taste of the local cuisine amidst the backdrop of the captivating Jordanian capital.