Must-Try Foods In Tell Mar Elias (Ajloun) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Tell Mar Elias, Ajloun, Jordan

The historic site of Tell Mar Elias is located in the governorate of Ajloun, which is known for its lush vegetation and agricultural lands that produce an abundance of fresh produce. Ajloun's food history is deeply rooted in the Levantine cuisine, which emphasizes fresh ingredients, including herbs, vegetables, and legumes, making it a wonderful destination for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian visitors. The cuisine here has been shaped by the various civilizations that have inhabited the region, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, resulting in a rich tapestry of flavors and dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Tell Mar Elias, Ajloun, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non-veg) - Jordan's national dish consisting of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.
2. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A fresh and tangy salad made with bulgur, finely chopped parsley, tomato, mint, onion, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Mutabbal (Veg) - A smoky eggplant dip, blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, often served with flatbread.
4. Hummus (Veg) - A well-known and loved puree of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
5. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita with salads and tahini sauce.
6. Fattoush (Veg) - A Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables.
7. Maqluba (Non-veg) - A traditional dish featuring rice, vegetables, and chicken or lamb, all cooked together and then flipped upside down when served.
8. Shawarma (Non-veg) - Thinly sliced cuts of chicken, beef, or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita with vegetables and sauce.
9. Galayet bandora (Veg) - A simple yet flavorful dish made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, often served with rice.
10. Labneh (Veg) - A thick and creamy strained yogurt, served with olive oil and herbs and often eaten with bread.

Top Famous Restaurants in Tell Mar Elias, Ajloun, Jordan

1. Ajloun Castle Restaurant
   Address: Near Ajloun Castle, Ajloun, Jordan
   Famous Food: Mansaf (Non-veg)
2. Green Valley Restaurant
   Address: Ajloun, Jordan
   Famous Food: Shawarma (Non-veg)
3. Raintree Restaurant
   Address: Ajloun Forest Reserve, Ajloun, Jordan
   Famous Food: Grilled meats (Non-veg) & local vegetarian mezze
4. Ajloun Forest Reserve Restaurant
   Address: Inside Ajloun Forest Reserve, Ajloun, Jordan
   Famous Food: Local traditional food, particularly vegetarian dishes like tabbouleh and mutabbal (Veg)
5. Al Rabadi Restaurant
   Address: Ajloun, Jordan
   Famous Food: Falafel (Veg)

Please note that while the majority of the local cuisine includes a wide variety of vegetarian options, vegans should specify their dietary needs due to the occasional use of dairy products like yogurt and cheese in some dishes.