Jordan Sweets

A Sweet Journey Through Jordan: Exploring Jordanian Desserts

Jordan is not only famous for its historical sites and breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich culinary heritage, especially its array of delicious sweets. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the most beloved Jordanian desserts that you must try during your visit, along with the best places to enjoy them.

Kanafeh

Description:

Kanafeh is a rich, creamy sweet made from thin, crispy pastry filled with gooey cheese and soaked in sweet syrup. It comes in two main varieties:

 Knafeh Na’meh: Features a fine, semolina dough topping.

 Knafeh Khishneh: Topped with shredded phyllo dough for a crunchier texture.

Where to Eat:

 Habibah Sweets (Amman): One of the most famous places for kanafeh, known for its authentic taste and long-standing tradition.

 Al Aqsa Sweets (Amman): Another popular spot for enjoying this cheesy delight.

Baklava

Description:  

Baklava is a classic Middle Eastern dessert made of layers of filo dough, nuts (typically pistachios or walnuts), and sweetened with honey or syrup. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and crispy texture.

Where to Eat:

 Zalatimo Sweets (Amman): A renowned bakery offering a variety of traditional baklava.

 Habibah Sweets (Amman): Alongside kanafeh, their baklava is also a must-try.

Basbousa (Hareeseh)

Description:

Basbousa, also known as hareeseh, is a semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup and often flavored with coconut and orange blossom or rose water. It’s typically topped with almonds and has a dense, moist texture.

Where to Eat:

 Habibah Sweets (Amman): Known for their delicious basbousa with perfect sweetness and texture.

 Sufra Restaurant (Amman): Offers traditional Jordanian desserts including a great basbousa.

Qatayef

Description:

Qatayef is a stuffed pancake traditionally eaten during Ramadan. The pancakes are filled with nuts, sweet cheese, or cream, then folded into a crescent shape, deep-fried until crispy, and drizzled with syrup.

Where to Eat:

 Shams El Balad (Amman): A great place to enjoy qatayef, especially during Ramadan.

 Jafra Restaurant (Amman): Offers delicious qatayef with various fillings.

Barazek

Description:

Barazek are sesame and pistachio cookies that are both crispy and flavorful. These cookies have a unique texture, with one side coated in sesame seeds and the other in crushed pistachios and honey.

Where to Eat:

 Zalatimo Sweets (Amman): Famous for their perfectly crunchy and sweet barazek.

 Habibah Sweets (Amman): Offers a range of traditional Jordanian cookies including barazek.

Halawet El Jibn

Description:

Halawet El Jibn translates to “sweet cheese.” This dessert is made from thin rolls of sweetened cheese dough filled with ashta (clotted cream) and topped with crushed pistachios.

Where to Eat:

 Habibah Sweets (Amman): Their version of halawet el jibn is light and creamy, a real treat.

 Al Aqsa Sweets (Amman): Known for their fresh and delightful halawet el jibn.

Umm Ali

Description:

Umm Ali is a type of bread pudding made with pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins, and is flavored with cinnamon and coconut. It’s often enjoyed warm and is a comforting, sweet treat.

Where to Eat:

 Fakhreldin Restaurant (Amman): Offers a rich and creamy version of Umm Ali.

 Reem Al Bawadi (Amman): Another excellent place to enjoy this comforting dessert.

Luqaimat

Description:

Luqaimat are small, fried dough balls soaked in syrup. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a delightful treat. Often enjoyed during Ramadan, these sweets are simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Where to Eat:

 Shams El Balad (Amman): Known for serving delicious luqaimat, especially during festive seasons.

 Jafra Restaurant (Amman): Their luqaimat are a perfect treat after a meal.

Helbeh (Fenugreek Cake)

Description:

Helbeh is a semolina cake flavored with fenugreek seeds, giving it a unique and slightly bitter taste that pairs well with the sweet syrup it’s soaked in. It is considered a healthy dessert and is often given to new mothers in Jordan.

Where to Eat:

 Sufra Restaurant (Amman): Offers a traditional and flavorful helbeh.

 Reem Al Bawadi (Amman): Known for their traditional Jordanian desserts including helbeh.

Muhallabia

Description:

Muhallabia is a creamy milk pudding flavored with rose water and topped with pistachios or almonds. It’s a light dessert that is perfect for cooling off on a warm day and is enjoyed across Jordan.

Where to Eat:

 Fakhr El-Din Restaurant (Amman): Known for their smooth and creamy muhallabia.

 Shams El Balad (Amman): Offers a delightful version of this light dessert.

Conclusion

Jordanian sweets offer a delightful journey into the country’s rich culinary traditions. From the iconic kanafeh to the unique helbeh, each dessert provides a glimpse into Jordanian culture and hospitality. Be sure to try these sweets during your visit to Jordan, and experience the sweet side of this fascinating country.