5 Must Try Eats in Aqaba, Jordan
Jordanian cuisine features an exciting mix of flavors and cooking techniques from across the Middle East. You’ll taste influences from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Turkey, among other nearby countries.
If you’ve marveled at the beauty of Petra and have traversed through the spectacle of Wadi Rum, having a foodie day is an enriching way to explore the culture of Aqaba during your port time.
Here are 5 must-try eats in Aqaba, Jordan along with insider tips on where to find them.
1. Manakish (also spelled Manakeesh, Managish, Manaqish)
Manakish is a Lebanese flatbread that’s often referred to as “Arabic pizza.” Traditionally, it’s topped with olive oil and za’atar (a mixture of sesame seeds, thyme, and sumac). But you’ll find it loaded with meats, cheeses, and everything in between.
Where to Get 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/ $5-6USD.
2. Falafel
Falafel is made from a mixture of herbs, spices, and ground legumes (usually chickpeas or fava bean) that are formed into balls and deep fried. It’s a staple of middle eastern cuisine, and a must try eat in Aqaba, Jordan.
Where to Get It: Falafel W Bas dishes out falafel wraps and platters for crazy cheap prices. The traditional pita wrap is .35JOD/$.49USD, 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 to Get 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 common in Jordanian cuisine, so enjoy a two for one by seeking out 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 to Get It: Khubza and Seneya, as mentioned above, has a delicious Kofta bi Tahini.
5. Mansaf
When it comes to 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 staple of Jordanian culture, and is traditionally served on a massive plate that everyone eats from.
Where to Get It: I didn’t get a chance to try Mansaf. 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 let us know.
Bonus!!!!
A must try beverage in Aqaba, Jordan is Turkish sand coffee. This bold brew is made by heating up coffee grounds mixed with water over hot sand. For the full rundown check out THIS article!
