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
4 thoughts on “Vegan-friendly menu options in Jordan”