Quick answer
For an authentic taste of Amman's street food scene without spending much, Hashem Restaurant Downtown offers the quintessential experience with its bustling atmosphere and delicious, simple dishes.
- Best overall
- Hashem Restaurant Downtown
- Best budget
- Al Quds Falafel
- Best experience
- Hashem Restaurant Downtown
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Amman's best cheap eats is based on extensive local research, popular reviews, value for money, and the authenticity of the experience. We prioritized establishments renowned for their quality, affordability, and consistent local appeal, ensuring a true taste of Jordanian cuisine that locals cherish and recommend.
Hashem Restaurant Downtown
An Amman institution, Hashem Restaurant has been serving simple, delicious, and incredibly cheap vegetarian food for decades. With no menu and an always-bustling atmosphere, it's a must-visit for an authentic local experience. Sit outdoors, soak in the energy, and enjoy their legendary hummus and falafel.
🍽️ What to order
Hummus with foul (fava beans), fresh falafel, mutabal (eggplant dip), and a glass of mint tea.
💡 Insider tip
Go during off-peak hours (late morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid the biggest crowds, though the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. Don't be shy about asking for refills of bread and pickles!
"You can't go to Amman and not eat at Hashem. It's an absolute classic, delicious and so cheap. Best falafel in the world."— r/travel user
Al Quds Falafel
Widely regarded as serving Amman's best falafel sandwich, Al Quds is a small, unassuming shop that's always busy. Their falafel is crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and packed into fresh bread with a perfect mix of salad and tahini. It's the ultimate quick, cheap, and satisfying meal.
🍽️ What to order
Falafel sandwich (make sure to ask for it spicy if you like a kick).
💡 Insider tip
Parking can be tricky in this area, so consider walking or taking a taxi. Be prepared for a short wait, especially during lunch hours, but service is quick.
"Hands down, Al Quds Falafel makes the best falafel sandwich I've ever had. So simple, so fresh, and unbelievably tasty. It's my go-to every time I'm near First Circle."— r/Amman user
Shawarma Al Reem
Shawarma Al Reem is an Amman legend, famous for its juicy chicken shawarma wrapped in thin saj bread. This no-frills stand has been satisfying cravings for decades with its consistently delicious and perfectly seasoned meat. It's a quick, cheap, and utterly delightful experience.
🍽️ What to order
Chicken shawarma sandwich (the classic choice).
💡 Insider tip
There's often a line, but it moves quickly. Grab your sandwich and find a spot to eat it standing up or sitting nearby – this is a true street food experience.
"When anyone asks where to get shawarma in Amman, the only answer is Shawarma Al Reem. It's consistently good and hits the spot every single time."— r/food user
Abu Jbara
Established in 1957, Abu Jbara is a local favorite renowned for its exceptional hummus, foul, and fatteh. It offers a slightly more formal sit-down experience than Hashem, but maintains the same high quality and affordability. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
🍽️ What to order
Hummus with pine nuts, Fatteh with meat (chickpeas, toasted bread, yogurt, and sometimes meat), and a side of fresh vegetables.
💡 Insider tip
They often close earlier in the day once they run out of certain items, so it's best to visit for breakfast or an early lunch. Don't skip the fresh bread straight from the oven!
"Everyone talks about Hashem, but Abu Jbara is a serious contender for the best hummus and fatteh. It's usually less crowded and the quality is superb."— r/Amman user
Awni Express
Awni Express is a popular bakery chain known for its fresh manakish and other baked goods. Manakish are flatbreads topped with various ingredients like za'atar, cheese, or minced meat, baked to perfection. It's a fantastic spot for a cheap and quick breakfast, lunch, or snack.
🍽️ What to order
Za'atar manakish (traditional), Cheese manakish (popular), or a mixed cheese and meat fatayer.
💡 Insider tip
They bake fresh constantly, so everything is warm and delicious. Pair your manakish with a hot cup of tea or fresh juice for a complete meal.
"Awni Express is my daily go-to for manakish. The za'atar and cheese are always on point and it's so cheap for such a filling meal."— r/Amman user
Malak Bros Falafel
Another strong contender in Amman's falafel scene, Malak Bros offers consistently crispy and flavorful falafel sandwiches. Their portions are generous, and the ingredients are always fresh. It's a beloved spot for locals looking for a reliable and cheap falafel fix outside of downtown.
🍽️ What to order
Falafel sandwich with a side of pickles.
💡 Insider tip
Their falafel often comes with a generous amount of tahini and salad, so if you have specific preferences, mention them when ordering. It's a great spot for a late-night bite.
"If you're in Shmeisani and craving falafel, Malak Bros is the spot. It's not as famous as Al Quds but equally delicious and often less crowded."— r/Jordan user
Hamada Restaurant
With multiple branches, Hamada Restaurant on Rainbow Street offers a slightly more modern, yet still very affordable, take on traditional Jordanian and Palestinian cuisine. It's a great spot for a sit-down meal featuring staples like mansaf (a national dish) or musakhan (roast chicken on bread), served in a comfortable environment.
🍽️ What to order
Mansaf (if available and you're with a group to share), or Musakhan rolls, and fresh juices.
💡 Insider tip
While mansaf can be a bit pricier than other cheap eats, it's a cultural experience worth having. Check if they have smaller individual portions or musakhan rolls for a cheaper taste.
"Hamada on Rainbow Street is a solid choice for a cheap but proper Jordanian meal. Their mansaf is surprisingly good for the price, and the atmosphere is welcoming."— r/Amman user
Zorba Restaurant
Located near the Roman Theatre, Zorba Restaurant offers a more extensive menu of traditional Jordanian dishes at very reasonable prices. It's a great place to sample a variety of mezze, grilled meats, and home-style cooked meals in a casual, family-friendly setting. The portions are generous.
🍽️ What to order
Mixed grill plate, chicken mandi, or a selection of hot and cold mezze like mutable and vine leaves.
💡 Insider tip
Ideal for a larger group to share several dishes and try a bit of everything without overspending. It's conveniently located for a meal after exploring the Roman Theatre.
"Zorba is a hidden gem for cheap, authentic Jordanian food. Their mixed grill is fantastic value, and the service is always friendly. Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you."— r/travel user
Manoush Basha
Manoush Basha specializes in freshly baked manakish and other savory pastries, similar to Awni Express but with its own loyal following. Their dough is light and fluffy, and the toppings are generous. It's perfect for a quick breakfast, a casual lunch, or a satisfying snack on the go.
🍽️ What to order
Lahm Bi Ajin (minced meat flatbread), Halloumi cheese manakish, or a classic Za'atar.
💡 Insider tip
They often have unique topping combinations, so don't be afraid to try something new. They also offer delivery, which is great if you're staying nearby.
"Manoush Basha's lahm bi ajin is my weakness. It's so flavorful and satisfying, and you can't beat the price for such fresh-baked goodness."— r/AmmanFood user
Falafel Al-Akawi
Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Falafel Al-Akawi is a small, traditional spot that consistently serves up delicious and incredibly affordable falafel. It's a local secret for many, offering a simple yet perfect falafel sandwich that hits all the right notes.
🍽️ What to order
Falafel sandwich, perhaps with a side of pickled turnips.
💡 Insider tip
Al-Weibdeh is a great neighborhood for a stroll; grab your falafel and enjoy it while exploring the art galleries and cafes. It's a true 'hole-in-the-wall' experience.
"If you're in Weibdeh, you absolutely have to try Falafel Al-Akawi. It's a no-frills place, but their falafel is incredibly fresh and tastes exactly how falafel should."— r/Amman user
Salah Al-Din Bakery
While not a full meal, Salah Al-Din Bakery is an essential stop for a cheap 'eat' that represents Amman's sweet tooth: knafeh. This warm, gooey cheese pastry topped with crisp semolina dough and soaked in sweet syrup is a national obsession. They've been making it fresh for decades.
🍽️ What to order
Knafeh Nabulsiyeh (the traditional orange version) - get it 'na'ameh' (soft) or 'khishneh' (rough).
💡 Insider tip
Knafeh is best eaten hot and fresh. They often have multiple sizes, so you can get a small plate for yourself or a larger tray to share. Pair it with a cup of Arabic coffee.
"You haven't truly experienced Amman until you've had hot knafeh from Salah Al-Din. It's pure magic, especially on a cold day. Don't even bother with other places."— r/travel user
Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar Bakery
A well-loved local bakery, Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar offers a wide array of freshly baked pastries (fatayer), including spinach, cheese, and meat options, as well as various breads. It's a perfect spot for a quick, wholesome, and incredibly cheap snack or a light meal. The quality is consistently high and ingredients fresh.
🍽️ What to order
Spinach fatayer, Cheese fatayer, or a mini pizza.
💡 Insider tip
Visit in the morning when everything is coming fresh out of the oven. It's a great place to pick up items for a picnic or a budget-friendly group breakfast.
"I grab my breakfast from Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar almost every day. Their spinach fatayer is so good and so cheap, perfect fuel for the morning."— r/Amman user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food is considered 'cheap eats' in Amman?
In Amman, 'cheap eats' typically refer to traditional street food and local eateries specializing in dishes like falafel sandwiches, shawarma wraps, hummus, foul (fava bean dip), manakish (flatbreads with toppings), and various pastries. These are often hearty, flavorful, and can be enjoyed for just a few Jordanian Dinars per person, providing excellent value.
How much should I expect to pay for a cheap meal in Amman?
You can expect to pay anywhere from JOD 1-3 ($1.50-4) for a simple falafel or shawarma sandwich. A more substantial meal with a few dishes at a traditional sit-down restaurant like Hashem or Abu Jbara might cost JOD 3-7 ($4-10) per person, depending on what you order. These prices make Amman incredibly budget-friendly for foodies.
Are there vegetarian or vegan cheap eat options in Amman?
Absolutely! Many of Amman's most iconic cheap eats are naturally vegetarian or can easily be made vegan. Falafel, hummus, foul, mutable, and za'atar manakish are all excellent plant-based options widely available and incredibly delicious. Hashem Restaurant Downtown, for example, is entirely vegetarian and a must-visit.
Is it safe to eat street food in Amman?
Yes, eating street food in Amman is generally very safe and highly recommended for an authentic culinary experience. Look for busy stalls with high turnover, as this indicates freshness. Reputable and well-established places like Hashem, Al Quds Falafel, and Shawarma Al Reem have been serving locals for decades with excellent hygiene standards.
What's the best time to try cheap eats in Amman?
For breakfast, many places open early, around 7-8 AM. Lunchtime (1-3 PM) is a peak period, especially for falafel and shawarma. Many spots, particularly downtown, are open late into the evening, making them perfect for dinner or a late-night snack. Some, like Hashem, are open almost 24/7.
Should I tip when eating at cheap eat establishments?
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly expected at very cheap, fast-food style establishments. If you're at a sit-down restaurant, even a casual one, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (around 5-10% for good service) is customary. For street food, a simple thank you is usually sufficient.
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