My Amman Life

Though Jordanians love their lahmeh (meat), it is not hard to be a vegan in this country. Middle Eastern cuisine is full of options for both vegans and vegetarians alike.

Though falafel, hummus and pita bread are delicious, there are plenty of other ways to keep your stomach full and happy without straying from vegetarianism or veganism.

Below are some of my favorite go-to vegan-friendly dishes to order straight off the menu at traditional Middle Eastern cuisine restaurants:

Hummus

Main ingredients: chickpeas, tahini, olive oil

Shorbet Adas (lentil soup)

Falafel

Main ingredients: fried chickpeas, spices

Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)

Maqdous (mini stuffed eggplants)

Main ingredients: baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts, red chilies, garlic and preserved in olive oil

Mujaddara

Main ingredients: lentils, rice, carmelized onions

Bamya (okra stew)

Main ingredients: okra, tomatoes, onion, parsley

Tip: Bamia can also be made with meat, so make sure you ask first

Fasolya (white bean tomato soup)

Yakhni Sabanekh (spinach & chickpea stew)

Manaqeesh Zaatar

Main ingredients: bread with olive oil and zaatar spice (thyme, sumac, oregano, sesame seeds)

Tabbouleh

Main ingredients: bulgur, parsley, mint, tomato, cucumber, lemon juice

Fattoush

Main ingredients: cucumber, tomato, onion, parsley, mint, lemon juice, sumac, grape molasses dressing, fried pita croutons

Salata Tahini

Main ingredients: tomato, cucumbers, tahini

and…

don’t forget that the staples like pita bread, olives and pickles are vegan-friendly too