Mensaf, also called mansaf, is often considered the national dish of Jordan. And not only because of its flavor, but also because of all the social ritual that it usually entails. In this post we tell you what it consists of and where you can try it, if you want to add a traditional gastronomic touch to your trip to this country.
What is the mensaf and what does it have?
Mensaf is a simple dish in terms of its ingredients and preparation. It is presented in a large platter or round tray, at the base of which is placed a layer of thin bread, called Markook or Shrak bread. On top of that layer is another layer of rice, and on top of it, pieces of meat, usually lamb or goat, all seasoned with jameed dry yogurt. In addition, this last layer can be crowned with nuts, especially almonds, walnuts or pine nuts. And as a striking touch, the head of the animal whose meat has been used in the preparation is usually placed in the center of the dish.
These ingredients are usually cooked separately. On the one hand, lamb or goat meat is cooked in yogurt. And on the other, the rice is prepared in water, to which turmeric has been added, hence the characteristic yellowish color that its grains acquire.
Its origins are related to the Bedouin communities, which also contribute other typical dishes to the local cuisine, such as zarb. And, in fact, it is a dish with ingredients that are easily accessible to people who follow this type of nomadic life, based on itinerant livestock farming: meat and dairy products from their own animals.
The social ritual of mensaf in Jordan
As we said, what makes mensaf a genuinely Jordanian dish is the social ritual that goes with it. And that is why, at the time of writing this content (April 2024), it was proposed on the UNESCO Tentative List to become an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The preparation is already a ritual in itself, usually carried out by the women of the community, who gather to prepare the dish and, at the same time, talk about their daily lives, sing or even transmit teachings to other members of the community, usually girls and boys.
And the moment of eating the dish is also an event: the dish is placed in the center of a table, where there are usually about six people. And each of them takes their portion with their right hand, leaving the left (considered impure in Muslim culture, because it is related to personal hygiene) on their back. It is, therefore, the favorite dish at large social banquets, with slight variations in the north and south of the country.
Where to eat mensaf in Jordan
The most traditional and ideal way to eat mensaf in Jordan would be to join one of the aforementioned social banquets, which take place on special dates or important family gatherings. This, of course, is often difficult for a traveler who has no ties to the country.
But luckily, you can also taste mensaf in many of the restaurants in the country, especially those of a certain level. Therefore, in these cases, the habit of eating the plate with the right hand is usually dispensed with, replacing it with the classic cutlery that allows you to cut the message and bring it to your mouth more comfortably.
And a final interesting and very traditional proposal is to receive some simple cooking classes, as a masterclass with local chefs or, better yet, with housewives who open the doors of their homes to share this social ritual with the participants. In Jordan Exclusive we can organize this activity in cities such as Madaba, where this dish and hospitality towards tourists are deeply rooted.
