Are you spending some time in Amman, Jordan before exploring Petra? The middle east is known for having some of the best falafel in the world. In this post, we’ll go over exactly where to find the best falafel in Amman – guaranteed!
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I think you’ll agree with me when I say that trying out the yummy local cuisine is half the reason we travel to new places! I also think that most people haven’t heard of falafel unless they’ve tried Greek falafel – which isn’t exactly served the same way.
In the capital city of Amman, is this restaurant with THE BEST and cheapest falafel I have ever had. And as a vegan, I’ve eaten a lot of falafel in my life. This place is ranked as one of the top places in the city and you don’t want to miss out.
Whether you’re a falafel lover or have never tried it, Amman is the perfect place to binge on this amazingly delicious cuisine. I promise you’ll want to go back for a second and even third trip – like I did!
What Is Falafel?
Falafel is a traditional middle eastern dish made mostly from ground chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and fresh herbs and spices. It is then shaped into balls and deep-fried. It’s usually served with hummus and moutabel.
Hummus is a dip also made from blended-up chickpeas. It’s tangy, creamy, and the perfect falafel topping. My favorite thing about this hummus is that they actually served it with whole pieces of chickpeas which added a nice texture to it.
Moutabel is a similar dip only it’s made from eggplant. This can require an acquired taste as it can be a little bitter at first. You should still give it a chance as it may surprise you. Moutabel is quite similar to baba ganoush as well.
Falafel is also well known and eaten in Greece. However, they generally eat the falafel in a pita with veggies and tzatziki (cucumber Greek yogurt) sauce. This is also delicious and I would recommend it. This is the first way I was introduced to falafel before my vegan days.
It’s just not how it’s served in Jordan so keep that in mind. Besides chickpeas, parsley is the next main ingredient which is what gives the inside of the balls its green color. Because of this, it’s easy to spot when falafel may not be made correctly – just look for the green.
The Best Falafel: Hashem Restaurant Amman
The Place
Hashem Restaurant in Amman is not only known as one of the best falafel shops but it’s ranked as one too. I normally don’t like to visit top-rated, tourist restaurants, but this one is an exception!
From the moment you walk in, you can’t help but notice that there’s actually quite a decent amount of locals dining in there too. This is a great sign that shows you the food is traditional and popular among the people that live there.
This is a rather large area with outdoor seating available and it’s generally pretty busy. It’s located in the heart of Amman and easily found on Google Maps. It’s also opened 24 hours a day! How great is that?
If I seem TOO excited about this it’s because falafel is easily one of my favorite go-to meals. And it was wonderful to be able to try the traditional kind in Jordan. This is why I love to travel. I have tried to replicate the recipe many times since my visit. Although it’s quite tasty, it’s nowhere near as heavenly as it was at Hashem.
The Food & Price
Hashem Restaurant doesn’t actually have a menu so don’t bother looking or asking for one. This is because they only serve falafel! How great is it to find a place that really knows to make something so good that it’s the only thing they sell?
However, the falafel is served with hummus, moutabel, pita, and a few veggies on the side. One order of all of this will cost you 3 JD or just 4 US dollars. How amazing is that? It’s not only a delightful dish but it’s unbelievably inexpensive.
Needless to say, my husband and I went back several times and even got some falafel and hummus to go for our road trip around Jordan. It was that delectable!
If you are landing in Amman, you will likely spend a few days there before you venture off to the rest of Jordan. Be sure to visit Hashem Restaurant. You will not be disappointed and you’ll have the best falafel ever to add to your list of favorites!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is falafel made of?
Falafel is a vegan fried ball made primarily from blended chickpea (garbanzo beans) plus fresh herbs and spices. It’s a delicacy in the middle east in countries like Jordan. Parsley is the second main ingredient which is what gives the inside its green color.
Where is the best place to eat falafel in Amman?
Hands down the best place to eat falafel in Amman is Hashem Restaurant. Just take my word for it, try it, love it, go back for seconds, and then thank me.
How much does falafel cost in Jordan?
The average falafel (sandwich) can cost anywhere from 70 US cents to 4 US Dollars. This depends on if you’re dining in a restaurant or eating street food. Regardless of where you eat, it’s a pretty inexpensive dish.
For more Jordan information, you may also like:
- The Best & Complete Jordan Road Trip Itinerary (With Map)
- How To Visit The Dead Sea In Jordan For Free (2023)
- Fantastic 17-Day Itinerary For Remarkable Egypt And Jordan Trip
