“Being Vegan in Amman” by Amna Al Obaidi
Forget all that you have heard until now. Traveling while vegan can be difficult, yes … but not in Jordan. Although Jordanian cuisine can contain various types of meat and dairy-based dishes, it is also very diverse, and you, my vegan friend, will not be going hungry. Here are 14 vegan foods you will have to try on your next trip to Jordan!
Hummus
This delicious creamy chickpea-based food comes garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, and fresh minced parsley. Enjoy with crackers or warmed pita, and you have yourself a tasty appetizer or meal! It is very easy to order this dish when out, as hummus is its generic name and is widely understood. However, you may hear some variations, one being hummus bil-tahina. Both hold the same meaning and is served as an appetizer at many restaurants.
Lentil Soup
This dish may be served year-round but is especially present in the cold winter months and as a first dish to break the fast during the month of Ramadan. This lentil-based thick soup does not only serve as a warming dish, but it is also a healthy alternative. Some dishes may contain vegetables, but many at the very least it will contain sautéed onion and yellow or orange lentils. Serve with lemon for an extra tasty treat! To order when out ask for shorbat adas (shorba meaning soup and adas meaning lentil).
Spinach Fatayer
An easy snack or meal, and wholeheartedly satisfying! This savory pastry treat is made from dough and is stuffed with spinach, onions, sumac, and olive oil. Spinach fatayer can make your days easy on busy days as they are an easy grab-and-go food. However, be aware, as some places may make the dough with eggs or dairy. You just need to make sure to ask your server when purchasing. To order, ask for fatayer bi sabanekh or fatayer sbenegh.
Molokhia
A popular Egyptian food made from jute mallow. Although this may come with meat at times, it can also be veganized very simply. Just eliminate the meat, and you are all set! To order, ask for molokhia.
Falafel
This is a widely popular meal and is a deep-fried food made from fava beans or chickpeas and blended with herbs and spices. It can be served on a platter, in a pita, or eaten piece by piece. Enjoy with amba, pickles and pickled radishes, olives, and salad! Falafel is widely available in Jordan and can be ordered almost anywhere.
Ful Mudammas
This is a warm and filling breakfast dish. This stew of cooked fava beans is the daily grub of Egyptians and is packed with nutrients. Serve with lemon juice, olive oil, chili, and warmed pita, and you have yourself a delicious and satisfying breakfast! Can also be called ful.
Tabbouleh
This is a delicious parsley salad packed with nutrients and so flavorsome! It is made with chopped parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, and at times mint. It can be ordered at many restaurants as an appetizer, especially at places of Levantine origin. To order, just ask for tabbouleh.
Fattoush
Crispy pita on a bed of salad. This Levantine salad can be combined with any vegetables, but its main star is the toasted or fried pieces of bread or khubz. It may be served with sumac and a word of warning: it is highly addictive!
Warak Enab or Yalandji Dolma
This is one of my favorite meals of all time. Stuffed grape leaves traditionally come stuffed with rice and herbs. However, it may come with meat at times, so make sure to check with your server if purchasing! When purchasing, you can ask for warak enab or yalanji or dolma depending on the restaurant.
Zaatar Bread
Soft flatbread seasoned with olive oil and zaatar. If you are running out of options, you can even make this yourself! Warm yourself some of your favorite Jordanian bread, drizzle on some olive oil, and your desired amount of zaatar and you are all set! I recommend you have it with some vegan labneh if you have it (or can make it!). This dish has several names, including zaatar manaqish or manoush or khobz bil zaatar.
Mujadara
Deliciousness on a plate with this pilaf made with rice, lentils, and garnished with fried onions! Many Arab households will serve this dish with yogurt on the side. To order when out just ask for mujadara; however, not many restaurants serve this dish. It is mainly cooked at home.
Baba Ghanouj
Spice things up with another classic appetizer! This eggplant-based appetizer is blended with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. It will be difficult not to come across this dish at restaurants, as it is as popular as hummus.
Koshary
This Egyptian food will make you travel the globe with its comfort. A platter full of love, rice, macaroni, and lentils, onions, and layers of tomato sauce and garlic vinegar! Not all places in Amman will serve this dish, but I do recommend you go to an Egyptian restaurant to try it. To order, just ask for koshary, and no need for substitutions as this dish usually comes vegan, as is.
Freekeh
Abandon regular rice for this healthier alternative! Although not a main dish, this grain can be served with many curries, legumes, and stews and is very nutritious. You may find this at many supermarkets if you are looking for a substitute for rice.
Bonus: Important Phrases
“I’m vegetarian/vegan”
Ana nabati (male)
Ana nabatiye (female)
“I do not eat animal products”
Ana mabakol el-montagaat el-haywaaniyya.
“I do not eat eggs”
Ana ma bakol el-bayd.
“I do not drink milk”
Ana ma bashrab al-haleeb.
“Does this have meat/eggs/milk?”
Hathee feeha laham/bayd/haleeb?
*** Now do not be afraid to be a nabati abroad! Good luck, safe travels, and happy eating!
