Must-Try Foods In Wadi Rum (Jordan) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Wadi Rum, Jordan

The food in Wadi Rum, like the rest of Jordan, is rich in history and is characterized by the blending of tastes from the Bedouin tradition and neighboring cultures. Wadi Rum, being a desert valley with a nomadic heritage, primarily features dishes that could be prepared during long journeys through the desert. Ingredients like rice, vegetables, and chicken are commonly used as they are easily preserved and transported. Traditional Bedouin cooking involves slow-cooking in a zarb - an underground sand oven, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor to the food.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Wadi Rum, Jordan

1. Mansaf (Non-Veg) - A traditional Bedouin dish of rice, lamb, and a fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed, often considered the national dish of Jordan.
2. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, typically served in a pita with vegetables and tahini sauce.
3. Maklouba (Non-Veg/Veg) - An upside-down rice dish featuring layers of rice, vegetables, and usually chicken or lamb (for vegetarian versions, meat can be omitted).
4. Galayet bandora (Veg) - A spicy and flavorful tomato stew with onions, garlic, and chili, often served with a side of rice.
5. Mutabbal (Veg) - A creamy and smoky eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, often served as an appetizer with pita bread.
6. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A refreshing parsley salad with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, onion, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
7. Fatteh (Veg) - A layered dish of crispy bread, rice, chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts.
8. Warbat (Veg) - A sweet pastry filled with cheese or nuts, similar to baklava, often soaked in syrup and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
9. Zarb (Non-Veg) - A Bedouin barbecue dish where meat such as chicken or lamb is cooked in an underground pit, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.
10. Knafeh (Veg) - A traditional Middle Eastern dessert of sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar-based syrup, often layered with crushed pistachios.

Top Famous Restaurants in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Al Captain Restaurant

Address: Wadi Rum Visitor Center, Wadi Rum, Jordan
Famous for: Mansaf (Non-Veg)

Rum Stars Bedouin Camp & Restaurant

Address: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum, Jordan
Famous for: Zarb (Non-Veg)

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

Address: Little bridge, Wadi Rum Village, Jordan
Famous for: Buffet spread with a selection of traditional dishes including vegetarian options (Veg/Non-Veg)

Sun City Camp Restaurant

Address: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum, Jordan
Famous for: Bedouin-style dining experiences including Galayet bandora (Veg) and Maklouba (Non-Veg/Veg)

Rahayeb Desert Camp

Address: Diseh Seeq Ummel Tawagi, Wadi Rum, Jordan
Famous for: Traditional Bedouin cuisine with a mix of veg and meat dishes (Veg/Non-Veg)