"Arab Diversity in Amman through Food: A Photo Essay" by Amna Al Obaidi
Amman, as a city, is very culturally diverse, as many Arabs reside there whether to work, or reasons of migration, or for school, etc. You can find Bedouin Arabs, Yemeni, Iraqi, Syrian, Lebanese, “Jordanian-Jordanians,” Palestinians, and even Egyptians, to name a few. Hospitality and food are a central aspect of Arab culture, so I thought it would be fitting to show just that – some dishes I have had while in Jordan, and I will mention some of their origins.
Zarb
This picture represents a traditional meal called zarb, which is food made from a fire dug in the ground. This type of cooking is used in the desert among Bedouin Arabs. These meals were made at the Rum Planet Camp at Wadi Rum, and it was delicious. I highly recommend staying at this camp when you visit Wadi Rum. The people were kind, very hospitable, and made the most delicious food. Although, not technically in Amman, this type of food deserved to be mentioned because it is such a central aspect of Jordanian life and culture. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Mahalabia
Egyptian mahalabia is commonly made during Arab holidays and it is a sweet vanilla pudding. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Fattet Musakhan
Fattet Musakhan is originally a Palestinian dish, but you can find it on many menus in Amman. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Galayet Bandora
Galayet Bandora is a delicious Jordanian dish, that is enjoyed by all Arab cultures. It can be offered at any time of the day, but especially breakfast, and is usually vegetarian. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Grilled Fish
Grilled fish is a highlight of many Arab dishes; however, this type of dish was made using an Iraqi recipe. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Mansaf
It wouldn’t be a trip to Jordan without mansaf! Mansaf is the traditional and main dish of Jordanian cuisine and it consists of rice topped with a heavy yogurt-like sauce and meat. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Knafeh
Knafeh originated in Palestine but is one of the most important desserts offered in the Middle East. It is very common in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Liver Sandwich
This is a liver sandwich that was originally an Egyptian concept. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Koshary
This is an Egyptian dish called koshary. It is made of pasta, rice, caramelized onions, lentils, and chickpeas. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Ice Cream
This is traditional thick ice cream topped with pistachios from Bekdash. Bekdash was originally a Syrian dessert shop but has expanded to many locations across Amman and its ice creams are to die for! Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Ful
This meal consists of ful, which has Egyptian origins but is consumed widely across the Middle East. There are many ful recipes, including Yemeni, Egyptian, Lebanese, Syrian, and Jordanian versions. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
Zucchini Stew
This zucchini stew is a famous dish amongst Arabs. Rumor has it this dish was originally Assyrian. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021
