Dine Like a Local: Best Dishes to Try for Breakfast in Jordan

Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the vibrant flavors of Jordanian breakfasts! From the hearty ful medames, a rich fava bean stew, to the flavorful shakshuka, poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, your taste buds are in for a treat. Explore a variety of traditional dishes like manakish, a savory flatbread, and hummus, the creamy chickpea dip. Dive into this article to uncover the best breakfast spots in Amman and learn how to start your day like a local in Jordan. Don’t miss out; read on to plan your delicious Jordanian breakfast experience!

Important information

• Ful medames, a fava bean stew with lemon and spices, is a popular Jordanian breakfast dish.
• Manakish, a flatbread with za’atar or cheese, is a common breakfast item.
• Hummus, served with pita, is a staple at breakfast.
• Other breakfast favorites include shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce) and falafel (fried chickpeas).
• Mezze, small shared plates, is a popular way to enjoy a variety of breakfast dishes.

Dine Like a Local: Best Dishes to Try for Breakfast in Jordan

Jordanians begin their day with a vibrant breakfast spread. A beloved option is ful medames, a hearty fava bean stew seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and spices. Another popular choice is shakshuka, poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato sauce. Manakish, a flatbread topped with za’atar or cheese, is often accompanied by fresh vegetables. No Jordanian breakfast is complete without hummus, a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon, served with warm pita bread. Crispy falafel, made from deep-fried chickpeas, is a frequent addition. Lastly, labneh, a tangy strained yogurt, is often served with olives and herbs.

Understanding Traditional Breakfast in Jordan

Start your Jordanian day with a delicious and substantial breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients. Savory dishes often combine beans, bread, vegetables, and vibrant herbs, often shared as Mezze, small plates perfect for sampling a variety of flavors. A staple is Ful medames, a fava bean stew seasoned with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Another favorite, Shakshuka, features poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato sauce. Manakish, a flatbread topped with za’atar and olive oil, is another popular choice. Hummus and pita are always reliable, and for a unique experience, try Fatteh, a layered dish of bread, rice, and yogurt, or Labneh, a creamy strained yogurt. These flavorful options offer a delightful start to your day in Jordan.

Popular Breakfast Dishes to Try

Jordanians enjoy a variety of delicious breakfast options. Hummus, a creamy chickpea dip, is a staple often served with various accompaniments. Fuul Medames, a hearty fava bean stew, is another popular choice. Manakish, a flatbread topped with an array of ingredients, is also a breakfast favorite. Other traditional Jordanian breakfast dishes include Shakshuka, poached eggs in a zesty tomato sauce, and Labneh, a tangy strained yogurt. Finally, there’s Fatteh, a layered dish of bread, rice, yogurt, and often meat and nuts, offering a truly satisfying breakfast experience.

Manakish: The Arabic Pizza of Jordan

Manakish, often called “Arabic pizza,” is a popular Levantine flatbread and a beloved breakfast food in Jordan. The most common topping is za’atar—a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds, drizzled with olive oil. Cheese or minced meat can also be added for extra flavor. Jordanians enjoy their Manakish hot from the oven, often with fresh vegetables, olives, and yogurt.

Finding Manakish in Jordan is easy. Bakeries and street vendors all over the country sell this satisfying snack, perfect for breakfast or a quick bite any time of day.

Toppings and Variations

Manakish is a savory flatbread often topped with zaatar, a fragrant blend of herbs and spices. Popular alternatives include cheese or ground meat. Other delicious options are spinach and labneh (a creamy, strained yogurt). Feel free to combine toppings to create your own unique flavor experience.

Where to Find the Best Manakish

Experience authentic Manakish in Jordan by visiting local bakeries and street vendors. Their unique recipes and fresh ingredients create unforgettable flavors. Savor the aromatic za’atar Manakish, a delightful blend of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and olive oil. Cheese lovers will appreciate the simple, yet satisfying, melted cheese variety. No matter your preference, freshly baked Manakish is readily available.

Fuul Medames: A Traditional Breakfast Staple

Fuul Medames is a Jordanian breakfast staple made with cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices like garlic and cumin. Often garnished with chopped parsley, tomatoes, and onions, this colorful dish is both flavorful and nutritious. Served with pita bread, it offers an affordable and satisfying way to start the day. For added flavor, hard-boiled eggs or pickles can also be included.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ful Medames starts with tender fava beans simmered to perfection. The beans are then dressed with simple yet flavorful ingredients like rich olive oil, pungent garlic, and bright lemon juice. Regional variations exist, with some recipes adding cumin or parsley. Warm pita bread is often served alongside, perfect for scooping up the flavorful beans.

Best Spots to Enjoy Fuul Medames

Craving Amman’s top Fuul Medames? Hashem Restaurant is famous for its rendition, but Abu Jbara offers a tasty alternative. For the most authentic experience, savor a bowl from a downtown street vendor.

Manaeesh: A Versatile Breakfast Bread

Manaeesh, similar to Manakish, is a beloved Jordanian flatbread, often savored for breakfast. Its versatility allows for a variety of toppings. Some popular options include fragrant za’atar (a blend of thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds drizzled with olive oil), simple cheese, or minced lamb for a heartier meal. Served warm straight from the oven, manaeesh pairs perfectly with fresh accompaniments like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. A dollop of cool, creamy yogurt adds a delightful finishing touch.

Popular Toppings and Serving Styles

Manaeesh offers a delightful array of toppings, from classic zaatar and cheese (including akkawi) to savory minced lamb or beef. For a lighter touch, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and spinach are excellent choices. Its versatility extends beyond toppings; enjoy it folded, rolled, or open-faced, making it suitable for any meal. Complement your Manaeesh with refreshing sides such as cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, yogurt, or pickles for a tangy contrast to its rich flavors.

Falafel: A Beloved Jordanian Dish

Falafel, a popular Jordanian dish, consists of deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and seasoned with herbs and spices. Often eaten for breakfast, falafel is commonly tucked into pita bread with vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce. This versatile staple also appears as part of a mezze platter and is readily available at numerous falafel stalls and restaurants throughout Jordan.

Falafel Stalls and Restaurants

Falafel is a beloved Jordanian staple, readily available everywhere from street vendors to upscale restaurants. Locals often frequent their favorite falafel spots to enjoy this crispy, fried delicacy. It is typically served with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables, making for a satisfying and convenient meal.

Mezze: A Shared Dining Experience

In Jordan, mezze transcends a mere meal; it’s a vibrant social gathering centered around sharing small plates and savoring diverse flavors. This communal dining experience fosters conversation and connection. A typical breakfast mezze might include:

• creamy hummus,
• smoky baba ghanoush,
• tangy labneh, often complemented by olives and various cheeses.

It’s a delightful and convivial way to begin the day.

Common Mezze Plates for Breakfast

Jordanians often start their day with a shared mezze breakfast, featuring dishes like hummus, labneh, and tabbouleh alongside pita bread. This communal meal is a cherished cultural tradition.

Knafeh: A Sweet Start to Your Day

Knafeh, a cherished Middle Eastern dessert, is a popular breakfast choice in Jordan. It features layers of shredded filo pastry and sweet cheese, soaked in a fragrant rosewater syrup. This creates a rich, sweet flavor with a savory hint.

Ingredients and Unique Preparation

Knafeh is a delectable dessert featuring cheese nestled between layers of thin filo pastry, all drenched in a fragrant, often rosewater-infused, sugar syrup. Baking creates a crispy, golden-brown crust and a rich, sweet flavor.

Where to Dine: Best Breakfast Spots in Amman

Start your day in Amman with a delicious breakfast.

Amman’s breakfast scene offers something for everyone.

• Grab a quick and inexpensive bite from street vendors selling classic Jordanian staples like falafel and hummus.
• For a luxurious experience, explore the city’s upscale restaurants offering elaborate breakfast buffets and à la carte menus featuring modern Jordanian dishes with innovative twists on traditional flavors.
• From street food to fine dining, Amman has a breakfast to satisfy every palate.

Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

Hashem Restaurant is a local favorite, known for its simple yet delicious dishes. For a unique experience, try Beit Sitti, which offers cooking classes and traditional Jordanian cuisine in a warm, home-like setting. Sufra Restaurant is the perfect spot for an authentic Jordanian breakfast.

Street Food vs. Luxurious Restaurant Spreads

Both options showcase the best of Jordanian cuisine, offering delicious ways to explore the country’s unique flavors.