Quick answer
For an authentic and quintessential Amman street food experience, Hashem Restaurant Downtown is the undisputed champion, serving classic falafel and fuul in a lively atmosphere.
- Best overall
- Hashem Restaurant Downtown
- Best budget
- Al Quds Falafel
- Best experience
- Habibah Sweets (Downtown)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Amman's best street food was curated by local food critics and travel experts, considering authenticity, taste, value, and overall cultural experience. We prioritized establishments with consistent high reviews and a strong local following, ensuring a true taste of Amman's culinary heart.
Hashem Restaurant Downtown
An Amman institution for over 90 years, Hashem offers a no-frills, authentic experience. It's famous for its delicious falafel, creamy fuul (fava beans), and humble atmosphere where locals and tourists alike gather on plastic chairs to enjoy simple yet perfect Middle Eastern breakfast and lunch staples.
🍽️ What to order
Falafel platter, Hummus, Fuul, and a glass of mint tea.
💡 Insider tip
Go during off-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid the biggest crowds, but embracing the bustle is part of the charm! Don't expect a menu; just point to what you want.
"Seriously, you haven't done Amman until you've had a meal at Hashem Restaurant Downtown. The falafel is life-changing, and the whole vibe is just iconic."— r/travel user
Shawarma Reem
A legendary shawarma spot operating since 1978, Shawarma Reem is famed for its succulent lamb (or chicken) shawarma, thinly sliced and perfectly spiced. The limited menu ensures quality, focusing solely on perfecting their signature dish in a simple, takeaway-focused setting that often has a line out the door.
🍽️ What to order
Lamb Shawarma sandwich. Don't ask for extras, just enjoy the classic!
💡 Insider tip
There's often a line, but it moves quickly. Grab your sandwich and find a spot nearby to enjoy it fresh. Parking can be tricky, so consider a taxi or walking.
"Every time I'm in Amman, my first stop is Shawarma Reem. That lamb shawarma is just pure magic, melts in your mouth every single time."— r/Amman user
Habibah Sweets (Downtown)
Habibah is synonymous with knafeh in Amman. This iconic sweet shop, established in 1951, serves up hot, gooey, cheese-filled knafeh in a bustling stand-up setting. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a truly authentic taste of Jordanian dessert culture that's loved by all generations.
🍽️ What to order
Knafeh Nabulsiyeh (the traditional cheese knafeh).
💡 Insider tip
Be prepared to stand and eat; there's usually no seating. It's incredibly popular, so don't be surprised by a short wait, especially in the evenings.
"If you leave Amman without trying knafeh from Habibah Sweets, you've made a terrible mistake. It's warm, cheesy, syrupy perfection, literally the best."— r/food user
Al Quds Falafel
Tucked away on Rainbow Street, Al Quds Falafel is a local favorite known for its consistently crispy falafel sandwiches, served in fresh bread with generous fillings of salad and tahini. It's a small, unpretentious spot perfect for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal while exploring one of Amman's most vibrant streets.
🍽️ What to order
Falafel sandwich with all the fixings.
💡 Insider tip
Grab a sandwich and take a stroll down Rainbow Street, enjoying the views and atmosphere. It's vegetarian-friendly and great for a quick snack.
"After a walk on Rainbow Street, nothing beats a falafel sandwich from Al Quds Falafel. Simple, cheap, and so incredibly good."— r/travel user
Abu Jbara
While Hashem is famous downtown, Abu Jbara has established itself as a go-to for quality falafel and breakfast staples across Amman's more modern neighborhoods. Known for its fresh ingredients and clean, family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a slightly more comfortable sit-down experience than some of the older downtown spots, without sacrificing authenticity.
🍽️ What to order
Hummus with minced meat (Hummus bi Lahme), crispy falafel, and a fresh salad.
💡 Insider tip
Great for breakfast or a hearty lunch. They also offer takeaway, which is convenient if you're on the go.
"People rave about Hashem, but Abu Jbara is my personal favorite for consistently amazing hummus and falafel, especially their Khalda branch."— r/Amman user
Sandwichat El-Maestro
A bustling local spot specializing in delicious grilled sandwiches and skewers. El-Maestro is famous for its grilled chicken, liver, and meat sandwiches, prepared fresh on the spot with flavorful marinades and served in soft Arabic bread. It's a vibrant, lively place where you can watch your food being cooked.
🍽️ What to order
Chicken liver sandwich (Kibdeh sandwich) or Shish Tawook sandwich.
💡 Insider tip
This place gets very busy, especially in the evenings. It's more of a stand-and-eat or grab-and-go experience.
"The grilled liver sandwich from Sandwichat El-Maestro is my guilty pleasure in Amman. So rich and savory, perfect late-night grub."— r/food user
Fakher Bakery
Fakher Bakery is a popular chain across Amman, renowned for its fresh mana'eesh – savory flatbreads baked in a stone oven with various toppings. From classic za'atar and cheese to more elaborate options, it's a staple for breakfast or a quick snack, offering a consistent and high-quality taste of this beloved Levantine treat.
🍽️ What to order
Mana'eesh Za'atar (thyme and olive oil) and Mana'eesh Jibneh (cheese).
💡 Insider tip
Mana'eesh is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven. Pair it with a cup of tea or fresh juice for a perfect start to your day.
"For a quick, delicious breakfast, you can't go wrong with Fakher Bakery. Their za'atar mana'eesh is just so satisfyingly fresh and flavorful."— r/Amman user
Mister Potato
A modern take on street food, Mister Potato offers indulgent loaded fries with a variety of toppings, from melted cheese and sauces to chicken and jalapeños. It's a popular spot, especially among younger crowds, for a satisfying and customizable snack or meal that blends international fast-food trends with local flavor preferences.
🍽️ What to order
The 'Amman Fries' with special sauce and crispy chicken, or build your own loaded potato.
💡 Insider tip
Great for a casual evening snack or if you're craving something different from traditional Arabic street food. Portions are generous.
"After a night out, Mister Potato in Abdoun is my go-to for insane loaded fries. Their 'Amman Fries' combo is surprisingly good."— r/Amman user
Shawerma Al Dayaa
Shawerma Al Dayaa offers a fantastic alternative to the more traditional shawarma spots, focusing on high-quality ingredients and a slightly cleaner, modern presentation. Their chicken shawarma, marinated with unique spices and often served with a special garlic sauce, has garnered a strong following for its rich flavor and consistent quality.
🍽️ What to order
Chicken Shawarma (either in Lebanese bread or saj bread).
💡 Insider tip
They often have great combo deals. It's a good spot if you prefer a less crowded, more straightforward takeaway experience than some downtown options.
"Forget the old classics, Shawerma Al Dayaa's chicken shawarma is seriously underrated. The garlic sauce is next level."— r/Amman user
Falafel Al-Furat
Falafel Al-Furat is another beloved spot known for its consistently fresh and crispy falafel, served hot and fast. Locals flock here for their satisfying falafel sandwiches and platters, often accompanied by fresh vegetables and pickles. It's a testament to Amman's strong falafel culture, offering reliable quality outside the immediate downtown area.
🍽️ What to order
Falafel sandwich or a small falafel platter with hummus.
💡 Insider tip
Good for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go. The service is efficient, even when busy.
"My favorite falafel outside of downtown is definitely Falafel Al-Furat on Gardens Street. Always fresh, always delicious."— r/food user
Al Kalha
Al Kalha is a popular choice for traditional Jordanian breakfast and lunch, specializing in ful medames, hummus, and falafel. With multiple branches across the city, it offers a reliable and authentic taste of these staples, known for generous portions and a lively, local atmosphere that draws families and workers alike.
🍽️ What to order
Fuul b’zeit (fava beans with olive oil) or Hummus bi tahini.
💡 Insider tip
Perfect for a hearty, authentic breakfast experience. Many locations have comfortable seating, unlike some downtown spots.
"If you want a truly local experience for breakfast, Al Kalha has amazing fuul and hummus. It's less touristy than Hashem sometimes."— r/travel user
Zalatimo Sweets
While Habibah is famous for knafeh, Zalatimo Sweets has a long-standing reputation (since 1860) for a wider array of exquisite Arabic pastries, especially mutabbaq and baklava. Their dedication to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients makes it a destination for those seeking a more varied sweet experience, offering delicate, rich, and perfectly balanced treats.
🍽️ What to order
Mutabbaq (a thin pastry filled with cheese or nuts) or a selection of Baklava.
💡 Insider tip
Great for picking up gifts or trying a variety of sweets beyond knafeh. They usually have comfortable seating where you can enjoy your dessert with coffee.
"Everyone goes for Habibah, but Zalatimo Sweets has the best mutabbaq, hands down. It's a different kind of sweet perfection."— r/food user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amman street food safe to eat?
Yes, Amman street food is generally very safe to eat. Most establishments, especially the popular ones, have high turnover of fresh ingredients and operate with good hygiene standards. Stick to places that are busy with locals, as this is often a good indicator of freshness and quality. Always use your best judgment.
What are the most popular street foods in Amman?
The most iconic street foods in Amman include falafel sandwiches (fried chickpea patties), shawarma (sliced roasted meat in bread), hummus and fuul (fava bean dip) for breakfast, and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry) for dessert. Mana'eesh (savory flatbreads) are also a hugely popular quick bite.
How much does street food cost in Amman?
Street food in Amman is very affordable. A filling falafel or shawarma sandwich typically costs between JOD 2-5 ($3-7 USD). A substantial breakfast of hummus and fuul might be JOD 3-7 ($4-9.5 USD) per person, and a piece of knafeh usually costs JOD 1-2 ($1.5-3 USD). You can eat very well on a budget.
Are there vegetarian or vegan street food options in Amman?
Absolutely! Amman is very vegetarian and vegan-friendly when it comes to street food. Falafel, hummus, fuul, and mana'eesh (especially za'atar or vegetable-topped) are all plant-based and widely available. Just ensure to specify no dairy for mana'eesh if you are vegan.
What's the best time of day to enjoy Amman's street food?
Amman's street food scene is vibrant all day long. Falafel, hummus, and mana'eesh are staples for breakfast and lunch. Shawarma is popular for lunch and dinner, often extending late into the night. Knafeh and other sweets can be enjoyed at any time, but are especially popular after meals or in the evening.
Do street food vendors in Amman accept credit cards?
Most smaller, traditional street food vendors, especially those that are cash-only, will not accept credit cards. It is highly recommended to carry Jordanian Dinars (JOD) in small denominations when exploring the street food scene. Larger, more modern fast-food style street food spots might accept cards, but cash is king for authentic experiences.
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