Must-Try Foods In The Monastery (Ad Deir) (Petra) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

The Monastery (Ad Deir), Petra, Jordan: Food History

The Monastery (Ad Deir) in Petra, a magnificent historical city in Jordan, shares its food legacy with the ancient Nabataean culture that once thrived in the region. Renowned for their engineering and agricultural innovations, the Nabataeans cultivated the arid land and traded spices, creating a culinary tradition that fused influences from the many caravans that passed through the area. Influences from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Egyptian cuisines have shaped the modern-day gastronomy around Petra, including traditional Bedouin dishes that have been passed down through generations.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes at The Monastery (Ad Deir), Petra

1. Mansaf: A traditional Jordanian dish of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur. (Non Veg)
2. Mutabbal: Made from smoked eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, this dip is a vegetarian favorite. (Veg)
3. Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in a pita. (Veg)
4. Tabbouleh: A refreshing Parsley salad mixed with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. (Veg)
5. Maqluba: An upside-down rice dish featuring cauliflower, eggplant, and potatoes, often with chicken or meat alternatives to fit dietary restrictions. (Non Veg, can be made Veg)
6. Galayet Bandora: A simple yet delicious dish of seasoned tomatoes stewed and typically served with rice. (Veg)
7. Zarb: Bedouin barbecue, traditionally featuring meat slow-cooked in an underground pit, but vegetable variations are available. (Non Veg, can be made Veg)
8. Fatteh: A layered dish of bread, rice, chickpeas, and yogurt, usually topped with pine nuts and sometimes with chicken. (Non Veg, can be made Veg)
9. Knafeh: A sweet pastry made with thin noodle-like dough or semolina, layered with cheese, and sweetened with syrup. (Veg)
10. Baba Ghanoush: A creamy dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings. (Veg)

Famous Restaurants near The Monastery (Ad Deir), Petra

• Al Qantarah Restaurant
  Address: Tourism Street, Wadi Musa
  Famous Dish: Maqluba with a range of vegetarian side dishes. (Non Veg, with Veg options)
• My Mom's Recipe Restaurant
  Address: Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa
  Famous Dish: Mansaf and vegetarian mezze. (Non Veg, with Veg options)
• Al-Wadi Restaurant
  Address: Petra Development and Tourism Region Co.
  Famous Dish: Zarb with a selection of vegetarian sides. (Non Veg, with Veg options)