What vegan and veg-curious travelers need to know about Jordan
Jordan is a mesmerizing travel destination located along the east bank of the Jordan River. It has coasts on both the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. The country is known for its archaeological wonders, rugged desert landscapes, monuments, and temples, as well as its excellently preserved ancient ruins. These include the famous Petra, Wadi Rum Desert Nature Reserve, and the eclectic capital city of Amman. Although Jordanians are predominantly meat-eaters, their food culture relies on fresh produce, lentils, beans, legumes, spices, and herbs. Awareness and understanding of vegan diets are emerging in Jordan, while many dishes are inherently vegan-friendly, making it a very easy destination for both vegan and non-vegan travelers. If you're planning a trip to Jordan as a vegan, consider these tips from Tourist Jordan Tours, who have seen a recent spike in vegan travelers in the Middle East.
It's Mezzemania!
One of the most enjoyable parts of food in Jordan is the concept of “mezze”. Common in Mediterranean dining, mezze refers to many small dishes served at once, often before the main dishes are served and shared at the table. In Jordan, almost all dishes included with mezze accompaniments are vegan-friendly. Dishes usually include Hummus, Musabbaha, and Mutabbal, typically vegan at most restaurants, though a few may include yogurt. Falafel, Foul Mudammas, Mujaddara, Qalayet Bandora Musaqqa'a, Muhammara, Baqleh, Khubaizeh, Yalanji (grape leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables), Maqdous, Baba Ghanoush, and Bulgur with vegetables are all delicious vegan choices. Additionally, an assortment of salads like Fattoush and Tabbouleh add refreshing flavors to the mix. There is also bread served with all the small dips and salads, as well as manaqish, pita bread, and shrak. Be careful not to confuse non-vegan dishes like cheese, yogurt, and kebbeh with vegan-friendly dishes.
Get a handle on what to order
Many traditional Jordanian dishes are vegan-friendly or can be adapted to accommodate vegan diets. Knowing what to look for on menus can make it easier to order and find suitable options. Street foods include falafel, usually served in pita bread or laffa. Falafel is served with salads, tahini, and sometimes French fries. Other popular dishes to look out for include Makloubeh, which generally includes meat but can be ordered without. In addition, Freekeh is a dish made of bulgar topped with vegetables instead of meat, making it vegan-friendly. Shorbet Adas (lentil soup) and Fasolya (white bean soup in tomato broth) are also vegan-friendly options.
Become familiar with the basics of Arabic
Arriving prepared is an important part of dining out, regardless of the location. However, traveling to a foreign country and not knowing the native language can add extra challenges. Knowing a few key phrases in Arabic can make it easier to find vegan options. For example, saying "Ana nabati (male) / Ana nabatiye (female)" means "I am vegetarian." As vegan is not a widely recognized concept, the phrase for vegan and vegetarian is the same. It is also possible to say, "Ana mabakolsh el-montagaat el’hayawaaniyya," which means "I do not eat the products of animals." Other phrases include "Ana – laa – akool" (I do not eat), "Lohoom (Lahma)" (meat), "Shorbet- lohoom" (meat broth), "Lahm- khanzir" (pork), "Ferakh OR (Dajaj)" (chicken), "Samak" (fish), "Bayd" (eggs), and "Montagat – Alban" (dairy products).
Search for vegan-friendly accommodations
When traveling as a vegan, it's not just about finding vegan food, but also about finding suitable accommodations. Vegan-friendly accommodations are available in Jordan. Many hotels and guesthouses cater to vegan diets, offering vegan options at breakfast and in-room dining. The Green Fields Country Club, located near the Dead Sea, is a vegan-friendly hotel with a vegan restaurant on-site. Other accommodations such as Airbnb offer the option to filter for vegan-friendly accommodations, making it easy to find a place that caters to vegan diets.
Become familiar with the vegan community in your area
Connecting with local vegans can be a helpful way to learn more about vegan options in Jordan. There are several vegan groups on social media platforms such as Jordanian Vegans. These groups can provide valuable information about vegan-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and markets. They can also offer tips on how to order vegan food in Arabic and share their own experiences of being vegan in Jordan.
Traveling to Jordan as a vegan may seem stressful at first, but it's easier than you might think. With mezze platters, traditional vegan dishes, and accommodations that cater to vegan diets, Jordan is a vegan-friendly destination waiting to be explored. By following these tips and doing some research ahead of time, vegans can enjoy a truly authentic experience in this beautiful country.
