Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ture St in Shmeisani or Waqalat St around the 7th Circle in Swafei, and just pop into
whichever of the many restaurants appeals the most.
Note that many of the pubs and bars in Amman also serve food - for listings, check
out
Click here
.
Although there are small grocery stores throughout the capital, the larger
supermarkets are located in the more affluent and far-flung suburbs.
DOWNTOWN
Hashem Restaurant$
(Al-Amir Mohammed St; the works JD3; 24hr)
You haven't tried falafel until
you've eaten here. To fit in with the locals, pop in a handful of mint leaves first, park a
wedge of raw onion between your teeth and don't touch the scalding copper vats of beans
(harder than you'd imagine given the space available). This legendary eatery, run for half
a century by a Turkish family, is so popular with locals and visitors alike that there's stiff
competition for tables, many of which overflow into the alleyway. Aim for an early lunch
or supper if you want to avoid the queues, although it has to be said that Hashem does a
fantastic job of feeding the multitude in record time. Mid-afternoon, it makes a great place
to sup a mint tea and watch downtown slide towards siesta.
FELAFEL
WILD JORDAN CAFÉ
Don't visit the RSCN booking office without sparing time for a bite at the wonderful, ecofriendly
Wild Jordan
Café
( 4633542; Othman Bin Affan St; mains JD7-12; 11am-midnight; )
. The emphasis is on locally
sourced produce, healthy wraps, organic salads and locally plucked herbs. Smoothies are a welcome change from
the ubiquitous coffee of cafes elsewhere. The glass walls and open-air terrace offer vistas of the Citadel and the
downtown area - a great way to gain a perspective of Amman's main sights. While you're there, pop into the
Wild
Jordan Nature shop
where you can buy olive-oil soaps and handcrafted silver earrings; profits are returned to the
local communities that made them. Before you leave, pick up a downtown walking-trail brochure for some back-
street revelations.
Afrah Restaurant & Coffeeshop$$
MIDDLE EASTERN
