Where to Eat in Petra? Best Local Options

Located in the heart of Jordan, Petra is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. This ancient city, carved into the sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago, is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Nabataeans. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra attracts millions of visitors each year, and with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder why. But amidst the ancient ruins and majestic monuments, there’s another aspect of Petra that’s just as fascinating – its culinary scene. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of dining in Petra, exploring the best places to eat, drink, and indulge in local flavors.

Traditional Jordanian Cuisine

When it comes to Jordanian cuisine, Petra is the perfect place to experience the authentic flavors of the region. Traditional dishes like Mansaf, a hearty lamb and rice dish, and Muhammara, a spicy pepper paste, are staples of the local cuisine. Visitors can find these dishes on menus throughout Petra, often served with a side of Sumac, a tangy Middle Eastern spice.

Must-Try Dishes

• Mansaf: A classic Jordanian dish made with lamb, rice, and a rich sauce.
• Muhammara: A spicy pepper paste served with pita bread or crackers.
• Kunafeh: A sweet dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup.
• Shawarma: A popular street food made with thinly sliced meat, served in a pita with vegetables and tahini sauce.

Local Ingredients

The Jordanian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s geographical location, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients like olive oil, dates, and fresh herbs. Visitors can find these ingredients used in various dishes throughout Petra, adding to the authentic flavor of the local cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Petra

From traditional Jordanian cuisine to international flavors, Petra has a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the best restaurants in Petra:

High-End Dining

Mid-Range Options

• The Petra Kitchen: A mid-range restaurant serving traditional Jordanian cuisine.
• The Siq Restaurant: A mid-range restaurant located in the heart of Petra, serving international cuisine.
• The Basin Restaurant: A mid-range restaurant serving traditional Jordanian cuisine.

Budget-Friendly Options

• The Petra Street Food: A budget-friendly restaurant serving traditional street food.
• The Shawarma Place: A budget-friendly restaurant serving shawarma and other Middle Eastern dishes.
• The Falafel Place: A budget-friendly restaurant serving falafel and other Middle Eastern dishes.

Best Cafes in Petra

From coffee to cakes, Petra has a range of cafes to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the best cafes in Petra: (See Also: Where to Eat in Upper West Side? Best Kept Secrets)

High-End Cafes

Mid-Range Cafes

• The Petra Coffee Shop: A mid-range cafe serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
• The Siq Cafe: A mid-range cafe located in the heart of Petra, serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
• The Basin Cafe: A mid-range cafe serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

Budget-Friendly Cafes

• The Petra Street Food Cafe: A budget-friendly cafe serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
• The Shawarma Place Cafe: A budget-friendly cafe serving shawarma and other Middle Eastern dishes.
• The Falafel Place Cafe: A budget-friendly cafe serving falafel and other Middle Eastern dishes.

Food Markets in Petra

Visitors to Petra can experience the local food culture by visiting the various food markets throughout the site. Here are some of the best food markets in Petra:

Traditional Food Markets

• The Petra Food Market: A traditional food market selling local produce, meats, and spices.
• The Wadi Musa Food Market: A traditional food market selling local produce, meats, and spices.
• The Siq Food Market: A traditional food market selling local produce, meats, and spices.

Street Food Markets

• The Petra Street Food Market: A street food market selling traditional Jordanian dishes like shawarma and falafel.
• The Wadi Musa Street Food Market: A street food market selling traditional Jordanian dishes like shawarma and falafel.
• The Siq Street Food Market: A street food market selling traditional Jordanian dishes like shawarma and falafel.

Recap

In conclusion, Petra is a culinary paradise, offering a range of traditional Jordanian cuisine, international flavors, and local ingredients. From high-end dining to budget-friendly options, there’s something for every taste and budget. Visitors can experience the local food culture by visiting the various food markets throughout the site, or by trying traditional dishes like Mansaf and Muhammara. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a taste of local culture, Petra has something to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional Jordanian cuisine is a must-try in Petra.
• International flavors are also available in Petra, with a range of high-end and mid-range restaurants.
• Local ingredients like olive oil, dates, and fresh herbs are used in various dishes throughout Petra.
• Food markets are a great way to experience the local food culture in Petra.
• Visitors can find a range of budget-friendly options in Petra, including street food and cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Q: What is the best restaurant in Petra?

The best restaurant in Petra is subjective, but some popular options include The Movenpick Hotel Petra, The Petra Marriott Hotel, and The Mövenpick Resort Petra. These high-end restaurants offer international cuisine and a range of dining options. (See Also: Where to Eat in Prati? Culinary Delights Await)

Q: What is the best cafe in Petra?

The best cafe in Petra is also subjective, but some popular options include The Movenpick Hotel Petra Cafe, The Petra Coffee Shop, and The Siq Cafe. These cafes offer a range of coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

Q: What is the best food market in Petra?

The best food market in Petra is the Petra Food Market, which sells local produce, meats, and spices. Visitors can also find street food markets throughout the site, selling traditional Jordanian dishes like shawarma and falafel.

Q: What is the best budget-friendly option in Petra?

The best budget-friendly option in Petra is the Petra Street Food Cafe, which offers a range of traditional Jordanian dishes like shawarma and falafel. Visitors can also find budget-friendly cafes and street food markets throughout the site.

Q: Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Petra?

Yes, visitors can find vegetarian and vegan options in Petra, including traditional dishes like Muhammara and Kunafeh. Many restaurants and cafes also offer vegetarian and vegan options, so it’s worth asking your server for recommendations.