Being a Vegetarian or a Vegan in Jordan

Although Jordanian cooking tends to focus on meat and dairy-based dishes, both vegetarians and vegans in Jordan will find plenty of options. As well as meat, cheese, and crème, there are also many vegetable dishes and salads in Jordan. Even on street food stalls, visitors will find some vegetarian and vegan options. Though there are more vegetarian dishes in Jordan, vegans will also be able to comfortably eat here. Please see below for further information on popular vegetarian and vegan dishes in Jordan.

Vegetarian/Vegan Breakfast in Jordan

Conveniently, one of the most popular breakfast items in Jordan happens to be both vegetarian and vegan. Fuul is a hot breakfast dish that consists of beans, lemon juice, olive oil, and chili, which is all served together with a flatbread. This is a warm and filling item that is easy to find across Jordan and will give you the energy needed for a day of sightseeing.

Vegetarians will also have the option to eat a large number of pizza pastries which are freshly baked and filled with cheese and vegetables (just be sure not order a meat-filled one). There is also the famous labneh, which is a rich, thick yogurt paste that is usually spread onto freshly baked bread. It tastes similar to sour cream, and it is also used as a side dip with savory dishes and salads. (Not suitable for vegans.)

Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch

Depending on whether you wish to dine in a restaurant or find a quick snack, there are several vegetarian and vegan lunch options. Falafel is a wonderful vegan and vegetarian delicacy that is highly popular with the locals. At lunchtime, falafel is served at restaurants with a variety of meat-free salads, or in a sandwich on a street food stall or cafe.

Vegetarian/Vegan Dinner

Most restaurants in Jordan will have some vegetarian dishes on the menu; however, for vegans, this may prove a little more difficult. Therefore, the best way to have a vegetarian and vegan dinner, and still eat like the locals, is through ordering a mezze. A mezze is a range of smaller-sized plates that are shared between the tables. Diners can order as many or as few mezze dishes as they prefer. Many Jordanian mezze dishes include salads, bread, olives, tahini, and hummus, which are all vegan-friendly. Be sure to check which salads are free from cheese before ordering. Popular Jordanian salads include tabbouleh, which is a flavorsome parsley salad, or Fatoush, which consists of crispy pita on a bed of salad.

Another popular Jordanian mezze is stuffed vine leaves (yalanji dolma/warak enab). Chefs wrap rice and herbs inside the vine leaves, creating this delicious delicacy. Some versions include meat, so always check the menu carefully. Otherwise, this is a wonderful vegetarian and vegan snack or side dish.

People often spread hummus and tahini on bread, making the dish vegan-friendly. Although most desserts in Jordan are vegetarian, it is difficult to find vegan sweet treats.

Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants in Jordan

In Jordan, it will be possible to find vegetarian and vegan options, especially from the mezze menu. In the larger cities like Amman, there are also a small number of cafes and restaurants that are dedicated to vegetarian cuisine, with plenty of vegan options too.

Hashem, Amman

Hashem Restaurant is a famous place to eat in Amman and is entirely vegetarian. The restaurant specializes in falafel and is very popular with both locals and tourists. It is always very busy, so expect to queue. A typical meal here consists of falafel, hummus, and a number of other traditional dips, salads, and pastes. The falafel is also vegan, as is the hummus and some salads. Hashem also serves traditional mint and chai teas to wash it down with.

Sham El Balad Café, Amman

This charming vegetarian café boasts picturesque views of the Amman Citadel. The café is also home to art exhibitions, which display work from local artists. It is a café and grocery store all in one, and the produce here is fresh and organic. There are vegan options, and there is also a juice bar.

Wild Jordan, Amman

Currently, Wild Jordan is temporarily closed. We will update if it reopens.

The Wild Jordan Center is located on Rainbow Street and is made up of a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Although the cafes here all have meat options, there are also vegan options available, such as a quinoa burger and a tofu brunch. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature owns the center and actively supports the local community. Wild Jordan raises funds to preserve eight reserves in Jordan, including Mujib Nature Reserve and Dana Biosphere, and directs the profits to help local families in these areas

Important Phrases When Being Vegetarian/Vegan and Traveling in Jordan

Although English is spoken throughout Jordan, it is best to learn a few simple Arabic phrases to ensure that the waiters are aware of your requirements.

‘I’m vegetarian’ - Ana nabati (male) / Ana nabatiye (female)

As vegan is not a widely recognized concept, the phrase for vegan and vegetarian is the same, but it is also possible to say ‘I do not eat the products of animals’ - ana mabakolsh el-montagaat el’ayawaaniyya.

Vegan visitors to Jordan should be aware that the Jordanian people have very little understanding of this term. Having said that, numerous dishes are naturally vegan, and so vegans will find something to eat in almost all restaurants and cafes in Jordan. Vegetarians will have slightly more options to choose from, including cheese and other dairy-based dishes.

Your Vegetarian & Vegan Journey Awaits

From comforting breakfasts like fuul to iconic dishes like falafel, Jordan offers plenty of meat-free options that let you eat like a local. To help you navigate the country’s culinary landscape even better, we suggest browsing our Jordan travel resources for insider tips on restaurants, markets, and must-see neighborhoods.

To uncover the stories behind the flavors of Jordan, join one of our Jordan day tours, where expert guides show you the country’s highlights while pointing out the best local eateries and hidden food gems. You can take your adventure a step further with our Jordan Package Tours, designed to immerse you fully in the country’s flavors, sights, and culture. We also plan all your hotels, transfers, and guided excursions, making your getaway both stress-free and unforgettable.

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