Vegetarian Food Guide to Jordan

Are you a vegetarian or vegan and planning a trip to Jordan? Jordanian cuisine has got you covered, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect place to satisfy your taste buds! With a rich blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, Jordanian cuisine is a food lover’s paradise. From mezze plates to falafel and hummus, there are so many vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes to choose from. And the best part? You won’t have to compromise on flavour or variety with my vegetarian food guide to Jordan.

This vegetarian food guide to Jordan will take you on a culinary journey to the best vegetarian food and vegan food spots in Jordan. I’ll show you where to find the most mouth-watering traditional vegetarian Jordanian dishes. I’ll also share some tips for being a vegetarian traveller in Jordan. 

With so much to explore, let’s dig in and discover the best Jordanian cuisine has to offer!

Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Jordan?

Short answer: Yes, it is very easy to find vegetarian food in Jordan.

My fellow herbivores get ready to feast your eyes (and taste buds) on the splendour that is Jordanian cuisine! This country is a vegetarian and vegan food paradise, with a culinary scene that will have you salivating at every turn. From street food to fine dining, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the variety of flavours and textures that Jordanian cuisine offers.

But wait, there’s more! With the rise of veganism in Jordan, there has been an influx of restaurants and cafes offering plant-based options, even for traditional Jordanian dishes. So whether you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, you’ll never go hungry in Jordan.

And if you’re looking for the best vegetarian and vegan food spots in Jordan, you’ve come to the right place. My vegetarian food guide to Jordan will spill all the beans (chickpeas?) on where to find the most delicious meat-free meals in the country.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the vegetarian and vegan food scene in Jordan for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

How do I order vegetarian food in Jordanian restaurants?

Ordering vegetarian food in Jordanian restaurants is easier than you might think! First off, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Arabic phrases to communicate your dietary requirements. “Ana nabati” means “I am vegetarian” and “Ana nabatiya” means “I am vegan”. You can also ask for “Ala al-ta’am al-nabati” which means “vegetarian food”. Most servers and restaurant staff are accommodating and will be happy to assist you.

It’s also important to note that Jordanian cuisine heavily relies on vegetables and legumes, so finding vegetarian options won’t be a problem. Common vegetarian dishes include falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh. Just make sure to ask if they contain any meat or dairy products.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try out the national dish, Mansaf. As mentioned earlier, many restaurants offer a vegetarian version of this dish. Don’t be afraid to ask the server for recommendations or modifications to suit your dietary needs.

Read on to find what are the popular vegetarian snacks in Jordan! 

What are some traditional vegetarian Jordanian dishes?

Mezze

Mezze – the king of Jordanian vegetarian cuisine! It’s a beloved dish that’s served at nearly every restaurant and home. This traditional Jordanian food is a sharing platter of small, flavorful dishes that are perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a big meal. Mezze can be vegan or vegetarian, with a variety of dishes to choose from, such as hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and more.

But beware mezze is so delicious that you might end up filling up on it before your main course arrives! Mezze can be enjoyed as a street food in Jordan too, with many vendors serving it up on the go. The average cost for a mezze platter in Jordan can vary from 3 to 10 JD, depending on the restaurant or vendor. So, be sure to add mezze to your list of must-try Jordanian traditional food and Jordanian street food when you visit this culinary wonderland!

Jordanian main course: 

Get ready for a taste explosion, my herbivorous comrades! Jordanian main courses are packed with flavour and hearty goodness, perfect for any vegetarian or vegan foodie. One dish you must try is the Maqluba, which literally translates to “upside down.” This traditional Jordanian dish consists of layers of rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or chicken, all cooked together in a pot and then flipped over when served. You can expect to pay around 8-15 JD for a Maqluba.

Another tasty option is the Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan. Typically made with lamb, but many Jordanian restaurants serve vegetarian versions too. It consists of rice, cooked in a rich broth of fermented yoghurt, and topped with veggies or tofu, pine nuts, and herbs. It’s usually served with flatbread and eaten with your hands. You can expect to pay around 15-20 JD for a vegetarian Mansaf.

For those seeking something spicy and full of flavour, try the Mujadara. This dish is a mix of lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions and served with a side of yoghurt. It’s cheap, nutritious, and oh-so-tasty, with an average cost of just 5-7 JD.

Next on my vegetarian food guide to Jordan, let’s talk about Jordanian breakfast! 

Jordanian breakfast

When in Jordan, make sure you wake up early and head out for a traditional breakfast. You won’t be disappointed with the variety of flavours and textures. Jordanian breakfast is not just a meal, it’s an experience!

Jordanian breakfast is a feast for the senses! It’s a mix of traditional dishes and Middle Eastern staples that will leave you satisfied and ready to take on the day. A typical Jordanian breakfast includes hummus, labneh, falafel, pita bread, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can also expect to find some regional specialities like mana’eesh (flatbread topped with za’atar), foul (mashed fava beans), and shakshuka (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce). Jordanians also love their tea – you can find it everywhere and it’s usually served with fresh mint or sage. You can find a delicious and filling breakfast for around 5-10 JD at a local restaurant or market.

Salad

Salad is a popular vegetarian dish in Jordanian cuisine. Vegetarians and vegans will be pleased to know that it’s readily available. The most common salad in Jordan is called Tabbouleh. A refreshing mix of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with flavour. Expect a zesty and slightly tangy taste with a crispy texture.

Other salads you can find in Jordanian cuisine include; Fattoush, a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and crispy bread tossed in a sumac and olive oil dressing. Roasted Eggplant Salad, is a smoky and savoury dish made with roasted eggplant, garlic, and tahini sauce.

You can find salad dishes in almost every restaurant in Jordan, from high-end restaurants to street food vendors. The average cost for a plate of Tabbouleh or Fattoush is around 3-5 JD, while Roasted Eggplant Salad is slightly pricier at 5-7 JD. But trust me, it’s worth it. When in Jordan, do as the Jordanians do and indulge in the fresh and delicious salad options available.

Vegetarian/vegan snacks in Jordan

Jordanian snacks are perfect for satisfying those mid-day hunger pangs! As a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the variety of plant-based snack options available in the country. One of the most popular vegetarian snacks is Sambousek, a savoury pastry filled with spinach, onions, and sumac, and often served with a side of hummus. Another vegetarian favourite is Manakish, a doughy flatbread topped with za’atar (a blend of herbs and spices) and olive oil. For something a little bit more filling try the falafel or halloumi cheese sandwiches. Vegans can enjoy this dish by simply omitting the cheese that is sometimes added.

If you’re looking for something sweet, try Kunafa, a pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and syrup. Although traditionally made with cheese, many bakeries now offer vegan versions that replace the cheese with a mixture of nuts or coconut.

You’ll find these snacks readily available in most bakeries and cafes throughout Jordan. The average cost for a Sambousek or Manakish is around 1-2 JD, while a slice of Kunafa will set you back around 2-3 JD. So, go ahead and indulge in some delicious vegetarian and vegan Jordanian snacks – your taste buds will thank you!

Jordanian beverage: 

Jordan has a rich variety of beverages to offer, both hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. One of the most popular hot beverages in Jordan is tea, which is usually served with fresh mint and sugar. You can find tea at almost every street corner and it is a staple in Jordanian households. Another popular hot beverage is Arabic coffee, which is a strong and rich coffee with cardamom, served in small cups.

If you’re looking for something cold and refreshing, try Jallab, a popular drink made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water, or Tamar Hindi, a sweet and sour drink made from tamarind. Both of these drinks can be found at most street vendors and cafes throughout Jordan.

For those who want an alcoholic beverage, Arak is a popular choice. It is a clear, anise-flavoured spirit that is typically mixed with water and ice. You can find Arak at most restaurants and bars throughout Jordan.

In terms of cost, tea and Arabic coffee are usually very affordable, ranging from 0.25 JD to 1 JD. Jallab and Tamar Hindi are also reasonably priced at around 1 to 2 JD. Arak, on the other hand, can be a bit more expensive, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 JD depending on the quality and location.