Food is the ultimate cultural experience.
The types of dishes and ingredients give you an insight into the country’s past– Are there spices from Asia? Cooking techniques from North Africa? Ingredients from Turkey?
The way the dishes are served and the setting in which you enjoy them give you an insight into the country’s present– Are people on their phones or conversing? Is the waitstaff male or female? Is the pace of service relaxed and leisurely or quick and efficient?
Plus…. who doesn’t love food?! (Obviously I do… given this here blog, The Frugal Foodies.)
All these factors considered, the first thing I look up when traveling to a new country is “best foods to try in ____.”
So when I found out I would be traveling to Jordan, I hit up Google, dropped my pins and made my foodie list. I only had one day to try as much as I could but I did find some pretty dang tasty foods!
Without further ado, here are 4 must-try eats in Aqaba, Jordan
1. Manakish (also spelled Manakeesh, Managish, Manaqish)
Manakish is a Lebanese flatbread that’s often referred to as a “Arabic pizza”, and it’s one of my favorite eats in Aqaba, Jordan! Traditionally, it’s topped with olive oil and zaatar (a mixture of sesame seeds, thyme, and sumac). But you’ll find it loaded with meats, cheeses, and everything in between.
Where I tried It: Baba Za’atar is the place to go for Manakish in Aqaba. The flatbread is just fluffy enough without being too bready, and it has a lovely subtle sweetness. There are all types of toppings to choose from, and prices range from 3-4 JOD/ $5-6USD.
2. Falafel
Falafel is made from a mixture of herbs, spices, and ground legumes (usually chickpeas or fava bean) that are formed into balls and deep fried. It’s a staple of middle eastern cuisine, and a must try eat in Aqaba, Jordan.
Where I Tried It: Falafel W Bas dishes out falafel wraps and platters for crazy cheap prices. We tried a traditional pita wrap for .35JOD, and while it didn’t look like much, it was loaded with so much flavor that packed a punch. It’s conveniently located right next to Baba Za’atar!
(Insider Tip: Next time I’d get a falafel platter instead to get a real taste of the falafel by itself)
3. Moutabal
If you love bread and dips, you’re in luck, because they are a big part of Jordanian cuisine. While you’ll see the likes of hummus and baba ghanoush on every menu, try something new and get an order of Moutabal. Moutabal is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. It’s creamier and richer than baba ghanoush, and it has a lovely smokey flavor with a tang.
Where I Tried It: Khubza and Seneya is a popular restaurant in Aqaba that serves up a mean Moutabal.
4. Kofta bi Tahini
Kofta is a ground meat dish that’s like the meatball of the Middle East. Tahini is a ground sesame paste. Both are must try eats in Jordan, so why not kill two birds with one stone and try Kofta bi Tahini? The dish consists of a layer of kofta smothered in a tahini sauce. It’s often served with potatoes, and garnished with parsley and lemon.
Where I Tried It: Khubza and Seneya, as mentioned above, has a delicious Kofta bi Tahini!
The Must-Try Eat in Aqaba, Jordan That I Did Not Try: Mansaf
When it comes eats in Aqaba, Jordan, Mansaf is THE dish to try. It’s comprised of rice, lamb, and dried yogurt that is made into a sauce called Jameed. The dish is a stable of Jordanian culture, and is traditionally served on a massive plate that everyone eats from.
After having everything else on this list, my stomach just couldn’t fathom another eat! However, you’ll see the dish on menus across Aqaba! If you try it, please report back.
BONUS!: Looking for a pick me up? Try out Turkish sand coffee! Get the details here.
These 4 eats in Aqaba, Jordan (and the places recommended!) will give you an authentic taste of Jordan… even if you only have a few hours!
Happy eating 🙂
