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Traveling to Jordan, a Middle Eastern nation, immerses you in a culture shaped by diverse influences, not only from the Middle East but also from North Africa, Persia, and the Mediterranean. The culinary culture is no exception; despite heavy influences from Egyptian cuisine, Jordanian dishes retain distinct characteristics that leave a lasting impression on visitors. You don’t need to list every delicious dish in Jordan—just exploring these 5 rice dishes will give you a taste of how captivating Jordanian cuisine truly is.
5 rice dishes that define Jordanian cuisine
Galayet Bandora Rice
Galayet Bandora is a widely popular rice dish in Jordan, frequently featured on the menus of many independent travelers. The main ingredients of this dish include tomatoes cooked until tender, combined with rice, beef, garlic, olive oil, salt, and other components.
Galayet Bandora, dominated by the flavor of tomatoes - Illustrated image
The sweet and tangy taste of the tomato sauce plays a crucial role in defining the deliciousness of this dish. The sauce, reminiscent of spaghetti sauce, blends perfectly with rice, meat, and other ingredients, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Mujadara Rice
Mujadara Rice is a staple in Jordanian family meals. This simple dish is widely known and easy to prepare, making it a quick and convenient option for households.
Mujadara Rice, a popular dish in Jordan - Illustrated image
With easily accessible ingredients like rice, lentils, and Egyptian cumin, Mujadara Rice is not only delicious but also a great choice for many vegetarians in Jordan. Additionally, some recipes include caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts, enhancing the dish's flavor and appeal.
Mansaf Rice
Mansaf Rice is a dish highly favored by many international travelers in the United Kingdom. However, after being introduced to Jordan, it gained immense popularity and quickly became a staple in the country.
Mansaf Rice prepared with lamb - Illustrated image
Mansaf Rice consists of three main ingredients: rice, lamb, and jameed (a fermented and dried yogurt made from sheep or goat milk). Jordanians use jameed to soak the rice and lamb, giving the dish a unique flavor profile—slightly tangy, salty, and enriched with the creamy, distinctive taste of yogurt.
Maqluba Rice
Similar to Mansaf, Maqluba Rice is another beloved dish among Jordanians. Interestingly, Maqluba is often referred to as "upside-down rice" due to its unique cooking method, which sets it apart from other rice dishes. To prepare this dish, Jordanians layer meat or chicken at the bottom of the pot, followed by rice and spices, before cooking everything together.
Maqluba Rice, also known as "upside-down rice" - Illustrated image
Once all the ingredients are perfectly cooked, the pot is flipped onto a large tray, revealing the most enticing layer of meat on top, enhancing the dish's visual appeal. Additionally, Jordanians sometimes garnish the rice with parsley, toasted pine nuts, lemon slices, or other nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Zarb Rice
Zarb Rice is a traditional Jordanian dish known for its unique cooking method, which delivers rich, savory flavors adored by travelers to Jordan. To prepare this dish, Jordanians dig a large pit in the ground and fill it with burning hot coals. They then place trays of ingredients—such as lamb, chicken, rice, onions, carrots, and potatoes—into the pit. The pit is covered with a blanket and sealed with sand to retain heat for several hours.
Zarb Rice, showcasing Jordan's distinctive cooking technique - Illustrated image
After a few hours, the meat and rice are perfectly cooked by the heat of the coals. When the blanket is removed, an irresistible aroma fills the air. Zarb Rice is served on a large platter with a layer of rice at the bottom and a generous portion of meat on top, making it visually appealing. Additionally, the roasted onions, carrots, and potatoes add a delightful softness and flavor to the dish.
