Must-Try Foods In Underwater Military Museum (Aqaba) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Underwater Military Museum, Aqaba, Jordan

The Underwater Military Museum in Aqaba is more than just a site for scuba diving and exploring submerged military equipment. It is a place where visitors can also get a taste of Jordanian culture through its food. Aqaba, being a coastal city, has a rich culinary tradition that is influenced by its location on the Red Sea. Seafood plays a significant role in the local cuisine, and traditional spices and cooking methods are deeply rooted in the city's food history. It's important to note that while the Museum itself may not serve food, the rich food culture of Aqaba can be experienced in the nearby restaurants and eateries.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Aqaba

When visiting Aqaba, tourists should not miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine. Here are the top 10 must-try food dishes, specifying if they are vegetarian (Veg) or contain meat/fish (Non-Veg):

1. Maklouba - Layers of meat, rice, and fried vegetables, flipped upside down when served (Non-Veg)
2. Mansaf - Traditional Bedouin dish of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice (Non-Veg)
3. Mezze - An assortment of small dishes such as hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh (Veg/Non-Veg depending on selection)
4. Mutabbal - Smoky, roasted eggplant dip blended with tahini and garlic (Veg)
5. Grilled Fish - Freshly caught fish from the Red Sea, grilled and seasoned with local spices (Non-Veg)
6. Falafel - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans (Veg)
7. Warbat bil Ashta - A sweet pastry filled with clotted cream and soaked in sugar syrup (Veg)
8. Fatteh - A dish consisting of pieces of fresh, toasted, or stale flatbread covered with other ingredients such as chickpeas and yogurt (Veg)
9. Shish Kebabs - Grilled skewers of marinated chicken, lamb, or seafood (Non-Veg)
10. Tabbouleh - Fresh salad made of finely chopped parsley with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Aqaba with Address and Famous Food

1. Al-Shami
   Address: Al-Raghadan Street
   Famous for: Shish Kebabs (Non-Veg)
2. Papaya Restaurant & Café
   Address: King Hussein Street
   Famous for: Mansaf (Non-Veg)
3. Ali Baba Restaurant
   Address: Aqaba Gateway
   Famous for: Grilled Fish (Non-Veg)
4. Syrian Palace Restaurant
   Address: Al-Nahda Street
   Famous for: Maklouba (Non-Veg)
5. Zaitouneh Restaurant
   Address: Souk area, near the Great Arab Revolt Plaza
   Famous for: Falafel (Veg)
6. Fish In Restaurant
   Address: King Hussein Street
   Famous for: Fresh Seafood Platters (Non-Veg)
7. Al-Mohandes Restaurant
   Address: King Talal Street
   Famous for: Mutabbal (Veg)
8. Rovers Return Aqaba
   Address: The Aqaba Marine Park area
   Famous for: English-style Pub Grub (Veg/Non-Veg)
9. Buffalo Wings & Rings
   Address: Ayla Oasis
   Famous for: Chicken Wings (Non-Veg)
10. Hashem Son's
    Address: King Hussein Street
    Famous for: Mezze Platters (Veg/Non-Veg)

Note that while most of the mentioned dishes are rooted in Jordanian tradition, restaurants may offer variations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by trying these traditional dishes and exploring the culinary offerings of Aqaba's vibrant food scene.