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.