Amman Jordanian Cooking Class & Dinner with Locals

Summary

Home-Cooked Jordanian Food Experience in Amman

Step inside a local family’s home in Amman to cook classic Jordanian dishes together—no experience needed. You’ll share stories over baba ganoush and maqluba, sit down for dinner on floor cushions, and leave with recipes (and memories) to bring home. It’s the kind of warmth you’ll remember long after your trip.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this—my mother always says it’s better with extra lemon,” Mohammed grinned as he handed me a spoonful of baba ganoush. I’d just arrived at his family’s house in Amman, shoes off at the door, and honestly, I was a little nervous about my total lack of cooking skills. But the kitchen was already full of laughter—his wife stirring something fragrant on the stove, their baby babbling from a playmat, and me awkwardly chopping parsley for the fattoush salad (I definitely didn’t get it as fine as they do). The air smelled like roasting eggplant and cardamom tea. It felt like visiting old friends, even though we’d only just met.

We cooked maqluba together—a sort of upside-down rice dish with chicken and vegetables. I tried to flip the pot onto the serving plate like Mohammed’s mom does (she coached me through it), but mine came out a bit lopsided. Everyone clapped anyway. We sat cross-legged on cushions around a low table, sharing stories about Jordanian weddings and how every family has their own secret spice blend. There was this moment when his daughter offered me a piece of bread—just quietly, without fuss—and I realized how much food can say without words.

Dinner stretched out for hours, honestly—I lost track of time between bites of um ali dessert and swapping travel stories with the other guests. Mohammed emailed us all his family recipes after, so I could try making maqluba back home (though I doubt mine will ever taste quite like theirs). Walking back out into the cool Amman night, I kept thinking about that table: noisy, generous, real. If you’re looking for a cooking class in Amman that actually feels like being welcomed into someone’s life—not just ticking off a recipe—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jordanian Cooking Experience

• Join host at family house
• Cook typical Jordanian meal
• Eat meal sitting on the floor
• Receive cooking book via email

Top questions

Is this Jordanian cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, anyone is welcome—no cooking skills are required.

Where does the experience take place?

It takes place in Mohammed’s family home in Amman.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegan and vegetarian meals can be prepared upon request.

How long does the cooking class last?

The experience lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours.

What dishes will we cook during the class?

You’ll make baba ganoush, maqluba (chicken/rice/vegetables), salads like fattoush or tabbouleh, and desserts such as um ali or muhalabieh.

Do we eat what we cook together?

Yes, everyone shares the meal together after cooking.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the house.

Will I get recipes to take home?

Yes, you’ll receive all recipes by email after the class.

What’s included

Your evening includes hands-on cooking instruction in a local Amman home with Mohammed’s family, all ingredients for traditional Jordanian dishes (with vegan or vegetarian options if you want), dinner shared together on floor cushions in true local style, plus digital recipes sent by email so you can recreate everything when you’re back home.