Amman is often overlooked as a culinary destination, but those who visit quickly discover a city defined by generous hospitality, deeply rooted food traditions, and a vibrant street culture. From humble breakfast dishes to elaborate celebratory meals, food in Jordan is not just sustenance, it is a s…Amman is often overlooked as a culinary destination, but those who visit quickly discover a city defined by generous hospitality, deeply rooted food traditions, and a vibrant street culture. From humble breakfast dishes to elaborate celebratory meals, food in Jordan is not just sustenance, it is a shared cultural experience that brings people together.
In this episode, we explore Amman through its kitchens, markets, and local neighborhoods with insights from a local food tour operator, Lindsay Nieminen from AmanFoodTours.com. The conversation highlights how stepping beyond hotel buffets opens up a more authentic and memorable understanding of Jordanian cuisine and culture. With its welcoming atmosphere and accessible food scene, Amman stands out as one of the Middle East’s most rewarding cities for culinary exploration.
Top Things to See & Do
Amman Food Tours – Guided culinary walks led by local female guides offering insight into Jordanian food, culture, and daily life.
Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative – A hands-on cooking experience showcasing traditional recipes while supporting local women.
Rainbow Street – A lively stretch of converted homes filled with restaurants, cafés, and shisha lounges, especially vibrant in the evening.
Where to Eat & Drink
Habiba – A famous alleyway dessert shop known for its iconic kunafa, often with lines of locals waiting.
Windmills Restaurant – A classic spot for mezze-style dining with an extensive selection of traditional appetizers followed by hearty mains.
Abu Jbara – A popular casual eatery blending street food and restaurant dining, known for dishes like fatteh.
Hashem Restaurant – A legendary, no-frills vegetarian institution serving falafel, hummus, and tea around the clock.
Can’t-Miss Experiences
• Trying mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, typically served during celebrations
• Watching maqluba flipped tableside and shared among a group
• Sampling ful for a traditional Jordanian breakfast
• Indulging in fresh kunafa from a local sweet shop
• Exploring late-night markets and tea culture across the city
Amman rewards travelers who are curious, open, and willing to engage with local culture through food. It is a city where meals are shared, conversations flow easily, and visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth. For those seeking an authentic and approachable Middle Eastern experience, Amman delivers with depth and character.
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Come explore Jordan with me! I'm breaking down how we spent four unforgettable days exploring Petra at sunrise, eating fantastic meals in Amman, and sleeping under the stars in the Wadi Rum Desert. Join me to learn everything you need about planning this bucket list trip!
The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 Best Podcasts for Travel by the New York Times. It's hosted by Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director for the Frommer's guidebooks, and President of FrommerMedia LLC, which publishes Frommers.com (12 million page views per month) and the Frommer's guide…The Frommer's Travel Show was named one of the 13 Best Podcasts for Travel by the New York Times. It's hosted by Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director for the Frommer's guidebooks, and President of FrommerMedia LLC, which publishes Frommers.com (12 million page views per month) and the Frommer's guides.
This week's episode features James Hammond, host of the "Winging It Travel Podcast," discussing his adventures in the Middle Eastern nation of Jordan.
In the he covered:
• Why Jordan is such an exciting and
• What the fallout is, miles-wise from the recent JetBlue/United partnership
• Which hotel chain gives the most valuable points
• And ways for people to get started on the "game" that is reward travel.
If you enjoy the podcast, we hope you'll give us a good review and rating wherever you listen to it. Doing so helps us keep creating impartial, journalistic (ie no "pay for play") travel information, both here, on Frommers.com, and in our books. Too much travel information is simply disguised marketing, and we're trying to stem the tide.
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Today we’re heading to the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea in Jordan. Known for its extreme salinity, healing mud, and dramatic landscapes, it’s a place where visitors come to float, rejuvenate, and connect with history. Joining hosts David Brodie and award-winning travel writer Tim Johnson, as …Today we’re heading to the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea in Jordan. Known for its extreme salinity, healing mud, and dramatic landscapes, it’s a place where visitors come to float, rejuvenate, and connect with history. Joining hosts David Brodie and award-winning travel writer Tim Johnson, as they explore what makes this destination so unique.
We’ll cover:
• Getting There – The short drive from Amman to the Dead Sea and why it’s worth more than just a day trip.
• Where to Stay – Insights into luxury resorts like the Dead Sea Marriott Resort and Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, both offering pools, spas, and unforgettable views.
• Floating Experience – What it’s like to “swim” in the Dead Sea, why you can’t sink, and the famous mud treatments that draw travelers from all over the world.
• Nearby Highlights – A visit to Bethany Beyond Jordan, believed to be the baptism site of Jesus, and one of the most significant biblical landmarks in the region.
• Food & Flavors – From traditional mezes to standout dining, including Sufra in Amman and a culinary gem in Madaba, Carib House, redefining Jordanian cuisine with creative twists.
The Dead Sea isn’t just a bucket-list float – it’s an immersive travel experience blending relaxation, history, and culture.
Note: Some of the above links are affiliate links. By booking your hotels and activities through them there is no additional cost, but a small portion of your booking goes to help support this podcast.
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Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
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Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
In this episode of Travel in 10, David and Tim dive into the vibrant capital of Jordan: Amman. Often described as a city like an onion — the more layers you peel, the more you uncover — Amman offers a blend of ancient history, buzzing modern neighborhoods, and exceptional hospitality that makes ever…In this episode of Travel in 10, David and Tim dive into the vibrant capital of Jordan: Amman. Often described as a city like an onion — the more layers you peel, the more you uncover — Amman offers a blend of ancient history, buzzing modern neighborhoods, and exceptional hospitality that makes every visit feel both surprising and welcoming.
Highlights from this Episode
First Impressions of Amman
• David shares his recent visit, arriving on the inaugural nonstop Royal Jordanian flight from Washington, D.C.
• Both hosts reflect on Amman as a calm, welcoming modern city
Where to Stay in Amman
• St. Regis Amman – A classic luxury choice with sweeping city views, one of the best rooftop bars in town, and a unique spa where guests can reserve private spa suites with steam rooms and pools at no extra cost.
• W Amman – A stylish, centrally located hotel near the city’s top restaurants and shops. Notable for “The Canyon,” an art installation evoking Petra, and a lively pool scene.
• Fairmont Amman – A polished luxury property with a standout spa (though spa pool access requires booking treatments).
• Soho Midtown – A new boutique option in a trendy district filled with art galleries and cafés, perfect for travelers seeking a stylish, lower-cost base.
What to Do in Amman
• Wander the city’s souks and markets, especially around the Roman amphitheater, which stays lively well into the night.
• Explore Rainbow Street for indie theater, live music, and nightlife.
• Discover Jabal Amman, home to street art, artisan shops like the J.O. Shop, and cultural tours.
• Take a guided Underground Amman street art tour with local artists to see the city from a creative perspective.
• Visit the Citadel, a hilltop archaeological site with Bronze Age, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic layers of history.
Food & Dining Experiences
• Hashem – A legendary falafel spot beloved by locals (and even the King of Jordan).
• Sufra – A must-visit on Rainbow Street for traditional Jordanian cuisine in a historic setting.
• Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Association – Offers immersive cooking classes where visitors prepare Jordanian meals alongside local women while supporting a sustainable community project.
• Jordan also surprises with a small but excellent wine scene and a growing specialty coffee culture.
Can’t Miss
• Sweifieh Village – A trendy new district with cool restaurants, an ice cream favorite (Gerard Ice Cream), and a speakeasy-style bowling spot called the Bowl Room.
Note: Some links above are affiliate links. By booking or visiting through them, you support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has …For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved?
SHOW NOTES:
Meet The Man Living in The Lost City Carved in Stone
Jordan: Petra's tourism authority cracks down on Bedouin cave dwellers
The tribes paying the brutal price of conservation
“There is no future for Umm Sayhoun”
Jordan’s Young Bedouins Are Documenting Their Traditions on TikTok
Check out Sami's company Jordan Inspiration Tours more
Join us on the slow track as we take you behind the scenes with us, walking along the Jordan Trail from Dana to Petra and beyond, meeting Bedouins and discovering stories and history lessons, and a little bit of that Jordanian magic along the way.
- Join JUMP PodChats: https://jumpadventures.com/p…Join us on the slow track as we take you behind the scenes with us, walking along the Jordan Trail from Dana to Petra and beyond, meeting Bedouins and discovering stories and history lessons, and a little bit of that Jordanian magic along the way.
