MY AMMAN, LOCAL TIPS BY DIMA AL SHARIF

Amman is great for food – but there are two restaurants that stand out… The first is Al Bustan, which located at the top of Gardens Street and serves to-die for seafood and mezza. I can easily spend a whole afternoon there. The second is “Jafra” in down-town (photo above), with an interior reflecting the old culture and lifestyle. A trip to downtown is an experience in itself – and the mouthwatering platters of traditional food make it well worth the journey.

No trip to Amman would be complete without a trip to the Dead Sea, which is just 20 minutes away from the city. The mud and sea water are famous for their skin benefits. The area is also a beautiful and unique place to visit. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the Kempinski Spa is hugely relaxing. It’s the perfect escape from the city.

Dima Sharif – a Jordanian national from Amman who lives and works in Dubai – is a food artisan and gourmet chef. She runs a successful company, Dima Sharif™. which offers various culinary courses and cooking workshops. She  has shared her favourite places to visit in Amman, one of the must-see cities in the Middle East that should be top of your holiday wish list along with Petra and the Gulfe of Aqaba.

“Darat Al Funoon” in Weibdeh seems to have gone unnoticed by Amman residents, but this place offers a getaway from the city’s busy streets and gives a glimpse of its art and cultural scene. The building is filled with art displays, including paintings, photography arts, and sculptures. The grounds are stunning too, with greenery and rose trees that will take your breath away. It feels like you have gone back in time to the Old Amman.

Amman is mountainous, which keeps the weather cool even in the summer. To enjoy the cool evening breeze, I love going to “Salute’s Beer Garden” with my friends. Located in the old town of ‘Jabal Amman’, it feels very different from the new city and is full of authentic character. It serves amazing pizzas, which is always a bonus – and don’t forget to ask for the fresh, raw peanuts!

For an authentic shopping experience, head to Souq Jara. The outdoor market has stalls from different artists, tailors, and crafts people. You can buy cross-stitching pillows and frames, custom-designed jewellery, art deco pieces, and lots more. Souq Jara is usually held on a Friday, from morning until late, in Rainbow Street. And you might even get a chance to catch rising Jordanian stars in concert there!