Arayes is a traditional Jordanian dish that you will find readily available throughout your trip, as it is very popular among Jordanians themselves. In this post, we will tell you what it consists of, and you will discover that it is a simple preparation but full of flavor, easy to eat, even if you have little time for lunch: in fact, that is one of its main advantages. Take note and do not miss the opportunity to try it.
Name and Origin of Arayes
As is often the case, Arayes is a traditional dish in Jordan, but perhaps not strictly Jordanian: it is a preparation common throughout the Mediterranean Levant and, by extension, in the Near East. Its origin is believed to be in Lebanese cuisine, which is also true for other dishes we have analyzed on this blog, such as tabbouleh or stuffed grape leaves.
Its name means “brides” in Arabic, and various hypotheses have been put forward to explain this. The most probable is that, in the past, it was a common dish at wedding celebrations of Arab desert tribes, despite its simple preparation. As we will see, it is a sandwich-type dish, so it can sometimes be used as a synonym for any type of dish with bread, but it most commonly refers specifically to the one we describe below.
What Arayes Contains
As mentioned, Arayes is a type of local sandwich, but with a traditional and special bread: Arabic bread, also known as khubz. Due to its appearance, it is often confused with pita bread, but in this case, it does not contain yeast, its final form is flat and larger, and it is usually cooked in a stone oven.
The ingredients that characterize Arayes are placed as a filling between two pieces of this bread. Generally, pieces of meat are used, usually lamb, although it is also common to use chicken. This meat is arranged in thin slices, and it is common to cut them from the classic skewer of meat, typical of shawarma, which is why it is often considered a version of it.
Along with the meat, cheese is added, usually akkawi cheese, which is typical of the Palestinian region. And of course, a mixture of vegetables, spices, and juices, which gives it its special touch. Typically, tomatoes and onions are always present, along with lemon juice and olive oil. Among the condiments, parsley is common, as are other spicy elements, to achieve a truly intense flavor.
All of this is toasted on both sides, achieving a dual effect: the exterior of the bread becomes crispy while the filling remains juicy, and thanks to the cheese, all the ingredients bind together and to the bread, so it remains compact. In fact, it is usually cut into triangles and served as is, to be eaten by hand, along with other sauces as an accompaniment.
Where to Eat Arayes
As mentioned, it is a truly popular dish, easy to find in all types of restaurants. This includes street food establishments, as it is a dish that is prepared quickly and easily, and equally quick to eat, making it an ideal option for a quick lunch.
However, it can also be served in more relaxed, sit-down dinner restaurants, or even shared among several people, as it is served already cut into portions. Either way, trying Arayes will be a delicious and traditional culinary experience for your trip.
