Aqaba is a foodie's paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city's rich history and diverse culture.
The city's restaurants not only serve up delicious food but also offer a captivating atmosphere with warm lighting and authentic music. Aqaba's chefs take pride in maintaining the quality of their dishes and providing a personalized experience for each guest. Many restaurants also offer outdoor dining, where visitors can enjoy their meals with a stunning view of the Red Sea.
With a commitment to staying true to their unique identities, Aqaba's restaurants are a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in exquisite cuisine and immerse themselves in the city's rich culinary culture.
Satisfy your taste buds with a local favourite, sayyadieh, a deliciously spiced fish dish served on a bed of rice. Or keep it simple with fresh Red Sea fish like hammur or sultan ibrahim cooked to perfection on the grill and served with a side of crisp salad.
Indulge in the delectable Aqabawi Desserts, also known as Al-Hooh, made with layers of pastry stuffed with nuts or dates, fried in ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup.
Start your day off right with a traditional breakfast that includes creamy humus, flavourful mutabbel, tangy white cheese, fresh pickles, juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, creamy yoghurt and labaneh all served with local pitabread and hot tea with a hint of fresh mint.
Don't miss out on Jordan's national dish, mansaf, a hearty and filling mix of mutton, rice, and pine nuts served with a delectable jameed sauce made from yoghurt. It's a must-try dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and craving more!
Treat yourself to a tasty snack or light lunch with pastries (mua’janat) stuffed with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes, or indulge in a traditional manakish zaatar, a breakfast pie made with a flat dough topped with a mix of thyme, sumac, sesame grains, and olive oil, then oven baked.
You can easily find these delights at most restaurants, bakeries, and speciality shops throughout Aqaba. Bread is a staple of Jordanian cuisine, and you won't want to miss the whole wheat pita bread, commonly served with meals.
Keep an eye out for the Bedouin bread shrak, perfect for making sandwiches, and tabun, a thicker flatbread ideal for pairing with soup and other hot dishes.
Looking for a delicious and filling snack? Try Aqaba's falafel and shawarma sandwiches, made with lightly fried chickpea balls or spit-grilled lamb or chicken served in shrak bread.
Aqaba's sweet treats are not to be missed! Head to any of the city's sweetshops and you'll be met with an array of mouth-watering options. Start with baklawa, a fine pastry made with layers of hand-prepared filo dough, generously filled with pistachios and baked to a golden brown.
For something less sweet, try mamul, a semolina pastry stuffed with dates or nuts and lightly perfumed with rose water or orange blossom essence. The sweetshop windows are beautifully arranged with mountains of these delicious treats, ready to be discovered by you!
You can also share all these awesome delights with your family and friends by buying travel size packages of any sweet of your treat, in addition to other pre-packaged ones like halava and honey dipped nuts which are available at most supermarkets or sweetshops.
Indulge in maqlubeh, a scrumptious dish made of layers of fried vegetables, meat, or chicken and rice. Or try musakhan, a delicious chicken dish cooked with onions and sumac on a thin layer of bread fried in olive oil.
For meat lovers, kababs made of ground lamb seasoned with fresh mint, cilantro, parsley, ginger, and green chilli paste are a must-try! These traditional dishes are full of flavour and will give you a taste of Jordan's rich culinary heritage.
If you're looking for a light and refreshing snack, head to Aqaba's fruit and vegetable market for a choice of locally grown produce that's perfect for a picnic or a quick snack on the go.
Don't miss out on the local juice stalls where you can indulge in fresh and delicious juices made to your liking. These stalls offer a range of flavours that are sure to awaken your taste buds without breaking the bank.
The stalls have quite a competitive game and you will enjoy the fun and friendly conversations of the juice makers. Some may even treat you to a fruit juggling show or sing you a nice tune while you wait for the refreshing fruity goodness.
Don't miss the opportunity to break your fast at sunset with the locals during the holy month of Ramadan. Join in the tradition of Iftar and indulge in the apricot-based drinks, qammaraddine and tamerhindi.
And be sure to try the qatayef, the small pancakes filled with cheese or walnuts, fried, and soaked in syrup. This sweet treat is an essential finale for any Iftar meal. Share in the warmth and hospitality of the Aqaba community during this special time of year.
Looking for some familiar flavours? Aqaba has a growing expat community which means you can find international cuisine from all over the world. From Arabic, Mediterranean to Chinese, there's something for everyone. And if you're looking for a quick bite, Aqaba has plenty of fast-food options to choose from.
Whether you're craving a burger, pizza or some fries, you'll find it all here. So go ahead and indulge in some fast-food favourites or try something new from the diverse international food scene in Aqaba.
Want to indulge in something sweet and vibrant? Head over to one of the many cafés or ice cream shops in Aqaba, where you can choose from a variety of local Arabic ice cream flavours. And for the ultimate coffee experience, check out the Turkish coffee stalls scattered around the city.
With various service styles, you can watch your coffee being brewed on the lava hot sand while enjoying the oriental tunes and sipping your coffee. Want to take your coffee on the go? No problem!
Many stalls offer a car-side service, where you can learn the hand gestures and whistle sounds to order your perfect cup. Don't miss out on this unique coffee adventure in Aqaba!
Aqaba is not only a destination for sun, sea, and relaxation but also hosts exciting events and festivals. Music lovers can enjoy some of the most famous global, Arabic, and Middle Eastern artists at hot and happening music parties and events in Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
Apart from the music scene, the city of Aqaba also offers a chillaxing nightlife experience. Visitors can enjoy sitting outside in the numerous cafes and bars located along the seafront while savouring delicious seafood dishes and cocktails.
Jordan values the importance of socializing, and visitors can find trendy bars, live music, and DJs in city and beachside bars.
When it comes to nightlife, Aqaba's hotels have got you covered! From trendy bars to awesome beachside experiences, the atmosphere and vibe are always on point.
Check out Romero, Rover’s Return, Trio, Bar Thirteen and many other speciality restaurants and bars that offer delicious food and cocktails to keep you going all night long.
For a unique and unforgettable experience, head to Ayla Oasis, Saraya or Tala Bay, where you can indulge in beachside bars and restaurants that aim to inspire all the senses. From the music to the food, these venues have everything you need to make your trip to Aqaba unforgettable!
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