What Food To Try in Amman and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Amman for 2024.
National currency: Jordanian Dinar, symbol — (international currency code JOD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Amman cafes and restaurants
$7.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.23
$42.3
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $28.19
$7.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.34
What to Try in Amman
Must-try Dishes
Fatteh - عيش فتيت (layered dish) - Layered crispy bread topped with spiced yogurt, chickpeas, and toasted nuts, often drizzled with olive oil. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, especially during special occasions or family gatherings.Shawarma - شاورما (street sandwich) - Thinly sliced marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) wrapped in warm pita, accompanied by garlic sauce and pickles. It's a popular street food option, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
Mansaf - منسف (traditional lamb dish) - Tender lamb cooked in yogurt sauce, served over fragrant rice and topped with fried almonds and pine nuts. Often enjoyed at celebratory meals, Mansaf is a true taste of Jordanian hospitality and culture.
Kibbeh Naia - كبة نية (raw meat dish) - A unique and flavorful dish made from finely minced raw lamb mixed with bulgur and spices, usually served with fresh vegetables. This local specialty is often shared among friends and family during communal meals.
Mujadara - مجدرة (lentil dish) - A hearty combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, drizzled with olive oil and often enjoyed with yogurt on the side. It's a comforting dish typically eaten on Wednesdays, reflecting the tradition of having vegetarian meals mid-week.
Ramadan Fattoush - سلطة فتو ش رمضانية (seasonal salad) - A refreshing blend of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and crisp bread, garnished with citrus dressing, served during Ramadan to break fast. This vibrant salad is a favorite at iftar tables and showcases the richness of local produce.
Sayadiya - صيادية (fish and rice) - Spiced fish served over rice cooked with caramelized onions and aromatic spices, often garnished with nuts. It's commonly enjoyed for lunch, especially on Fridays, as families gather to savor this coastal delight.
Desserts & Drinks
Kahwa - قهوة (Arabic coffee) - A strong and rich coffee brewed with cardamom, often served in small cups. It's a tradition to enjoy this with dates, especially during family gatherings or after meals.Jallab - جلاب (date and tamarind drink) - A refreshing beverage made from dates, tamarind, and sometimes mixed with rose water, served over ice. It's a popular choice during Ramadan and at summer events, typically accompanied by nuts or dried fruits.
Fattoush - فطوش (traditional salad)** - Just kidding, not a dessert! Let's go again with the desserts:
Knafeh - كنافة (cheesy pastry dessert) - A delightful pastry made with thin noodle-like dough, layered with cheese, and soaked in sweet syrup. Locals often indulge in this during special celebrations, and it's best enjoyed warm straight from the oven.
Bouza - بوزا (frozen dessert) - A traditional ice cream-like dessert made from milk, sugar, and flavored with mastic, then served in a simple bowl or cone. It's a favored treat during hot summer evenings and often enjoyed at family gatherings or relaxing strolls through the streets.
Mamoul - معمول (stuffed cookies) - These lovely cookies filled with dates or nuts are especially popular during Eid celebrations. Usually dusted with powdered sugar, they can be found at bakeries or homemade during festive times, showcasing the love and care of family traditions.
Food and Groceries in Amman
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.54 |
| Bananas | $1.75 |
| Oranges | $1.49 |
| Potatoes | $0.95 |
| Apples | $2 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.54 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $5.13 |
| Imported Beer | $6.45 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $21.14 |
| Milk 1L | $1.5 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.37 |
| Chicken | $5.91 |
| Cigarettes | $3.52 |
| Rice | $1.7 |
| Local Cheese | $7.45 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The rhythm of Amman's dining scene flows against the usual patterns. While most cities wind down for dinner, Amman is just getting started around 9 PM. Streets come alive with families and friends gathering for meals, revealing a social culture that intertwines food and community in an enchanting way. For locals, food isn’t just fuel; it’s an experience, often lasting hours (the longer, the better!).
For those visiting, it's essential to know that typical meal times are a bit different from what you might expect. Breakfast is usually light, just some foul (fava beans) or labneh (strained yogurt) with pita. Lunch generally falls around 2 PM, while dinner can start as late as 10 PM, especially on weekends. The first thing that hits you about Amman's food prices is how affordable they can be. For example, just yesterday, I paid 5 JOD for a generous lunch – that would get you a simple sandwich back home!
Exploring the streets of downtown or Jabal Al-Weibdeh can lead to delightful discoveries, though some spots are pricier than others. In the more tourist-centric areas, expect to pay up to 15 JOD for a similar meal just a few blocks away. And don't forget about the payment customs here; cash is king! Most places don't take credit cards, so always have some cash ready.
One local dining custom that often catches newcomers off guard is how communal dining is celebrated. You’ll see tables filled with shared dishes, encouraging conversation and connection. Plus, don’t be surprised to see people eating with their hands – it’s the norm here, especially if you're indulging in dishes like mansaf (lamb with yogurt sauce and rice).
Oh, and before I forget, when dining out, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Typically, rounding up the bill is thoughtful; if you get exceptional service, a small 10% tip can make someone's day!
As the seasons change, so do dining patterns. The cooler months inspire a spike in outdoor dining, particularly in places like Rainbow Street where you can enjoy the fresh air and the bustling atmosphere. With summer on the horizon, keep an eye out for early evening meals, especially as temperatures rise.
The growing influence of younger locals shifting food traditions can't be ignored. Many are experimenting with fusion cuisine, incorporating local ingredients into international dishes. This evolution adds a vibrant layer to Amman's culinary landscape, making it an exciting time to explore and savor this city's continued gastronomic journey.
For those visiting, it's essential to know that typical meal times are a bit different from what you might expect. Breakfast is usually light, just some foul (fava beans) or labneh (strained yogurt) with pita. Lunch generally falls around 2 PM, while dinner can start as late as 10 PM, especially on weekends. The first thing that hits you about Amman's food prices is how affordable they can be. For example, just yesterday, I paid 5 JOD for a generous lunch – that would get you a simple sandwich back home!
Exploring the streets of downtown or Jabal Al-Weibdeh can lead to delightful discoveries, though some spots are pricier than others. In the more tourist-centric areas, expect to pay up to 15 JOD for a similar meal just a few blocks away. And don't forget about the payment customs here; cash is king! Most places don't take credit cards, so always have some cash ready.
One local dining custom that often catches newcomers off guard is how communal dining is celebrated. You’ll see tables filled with shared dishes, encouraging conversation and connection. Plus, don’t be surprised to see people eating with their hands – it’s the norm here, especially if you're indulging in dishes like mansaf (lamb with yogurt sauce and rice).
Oh, and before I forget, when dining out, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Typically, rounding up the bill is thoughtful; if you get exceptional service, a small 10% tip can make someone's day!
As the seasons change, so do dining patterns. The cooler months inspire a spike in outdoor dining, particularly in places like Rainbow Street where you can enjoy the fresh air and the bustling atmosphere. With summer on the horizon, keep an eye out for early evening meals, especially as temperatures rise.
The growing influence of younger locals shifting food traditions can't be ignored. Many are experimenting with fusion cuisine, incorporating local ingredients into international dishes. This evolution adds a vibrant layer to Amman's culinary landscape, making it an exciting time to explore and savor this city's continued gastronomic journey.