If Amman is known for its wide range of shopping malls, Irbid is famous for its delicacies amongst the majority of Singaporean students. Going international, Irbid offers a wide range of dishes that students can opt for to satisfy their cravings. From Jordanian cuisine to Asian and Western cuisines, I will be sharing the top 5 go-to food restaurants that are affordable and loved by our Singaporean students! 

 

1. Hadra 

First, we have a Jordanian restaurant called Hadra in Irbid. Some of its most popular dishes would be Fahsah, a flatbread filled with sweet toppings called Martabak Hilu (similar to roti prata in Singapore), Biryani Rice with Lamb/Chicken Meat, and its famous warm beverage called Shay 'Adni/'Adni Tea (شاي عدني). The unique scent of Shay 'Adni comes from its ingredients which are: cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. 

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One thing to note when drinking Shay 'Adni: Do not stir your drink as all its mixture will start to emerge at the surface of your cup. It will then make your drink taste stronger - unless you are fine with the overwhelming taste. 

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2. Akiid (أكيد غير شكل) 

If you are looking for Western cuisine, Akiid is the perfect place for you. Ranging from American burgers to Italian pastas, its Western menu is popular even amongst the Jordanian youths. It's also interesting to note that some of its meals consist of burgers as the main and pasta as its side menu. Overall, the portion is filling and worth purchasing as it's also cheap. 

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3. Selatan 

Craving for some Thai food? 

Head to Selatan to get their best fish dishes like Ikan 3 Rasa, Ikan Stim Lemon and Ikan Rhad Prik! They also offer shell out menus and Thai dishes like Tom Yam Goong and Pad Kra Pao. 

Selatan is also considered one of the rare places to get drinks with boba/pearls in Irbid. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Nur Malaysia

What's better than enjoying food that is similar to food back in our beloved homeground, Singapore? Nur Malaysia is a famous restaurant in Amman and Irbid. 

There are usually buffet-style spreads (pre-COVID) during breakfast hours and they serve menus like: Nasi Lemak, Maggi Goreng, Bihun Goreng Singapore, Nasi Goreng Kampung and many more! It will definitely cure (a little bit, at least) of our longing for our local food. 

 

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5. WOFL 

Dessert time! After getting yourself a good meal, there's always space for some desserts 😉

If you have a (really) sweet tooth, WOFL is the perfect place for you to buy desserts! Similar to another dessert place called Crepello, WOFL serves a wide range of yummy desserts like chocolate lava cake and waffles drizzled with your choice of toppings. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All 5 of the restaurants also offer delivery services - so if you don't feel like dining in, you can always choose to have it delivered to your doorstep. 

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There are other popular restaurants as well, like Al-Sahl Al-Akhder (best kunefes in town!) AEC, Chinese Restaurant, Malabari and Dale' (similar to Arnold's Fried Chicken in Singapore). For students who cook less at home -especially during exam week- there are so many food options out there which are affordable and suitable for a quick fix. Let's not forget our famous trio; kebab, falafel and hummus which are part of our go-to combinations here in Jordan!