Megan Ryder-Burbidge’s Field Notes from Jordan
Courtesy of Megan
Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. Get the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, Sororal founder, Megan Ryder-Burbidge, shares her notes from Jordan.
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a remarkable destination for those wishing to dip their toes into traveling in and around the Middle East. For culturally-focused travelers and those seeking experiences slightly different from typical tourism hot spots, Jordan offers rich history, warm hospitality, and a safe environment for women and solo travellers alike. While visiting, I chose to forgo the cookie-cutter options and focused primarily on local gastronomy, indigenous farming, the agrifood scene, and connecting with local women-led organizations and service providers.
Below are some of my recommendations. You can’t go to Jordan without doing some sort of cooking class. Since I was touring its gastronomy scene and learning about its Indigenous farm-to-table experiences, it only made sense to start in Amman with some local gems.
Shop
Madeena The Doll, owned by entrepreneur Dima Abu Qaoud, is a true labour of love, crafted with passion and historical significance. All the dolls are handmade with precision and care, each one dressed in a unique thoub, representing the cities of Palestine and Jordan. Handstitched by local women and refugees in Amman, Dima uses this doll-making tradition to preserve their cultural roots and promise a brighter tomorrow. Note: 10% of the proceeds from each Madeena doll support the Badwa Centre for Special Education in Jordan, empowering local women and children with special needs.
Do
If anyone knows me, they know I love a good walking tour, especially after a long flight. On this trip, I booked a graffiti tour with Underground Amman, which offers fascinating street art tours and intros to the hip-hop community as an artistic catalyst for social change. They have excellent English-speaking guides and offer opportunities to join a larger group tour or a private option. If you can, ask for Hannah, one of the co-founders!
Courtesy of Underground Amman
Eat
I highly recommend Sufra, which offers traditional Jordanian dishes in a beautiful old stone villa in the Jabal Amman area, near the famous Rainbow Street. Pro tip: make sure you book well in advance via their online booking system – spaces fill up fast!
Also included in her notes:
A cooking experience run by three sisters who aim to keep their grandmother’s recipes alive
A regenerative farming masterclass at a family-run farm
“Hands down one of the best meals I have ever eaten” in a quietly lit restaurant
The all-female Jordanian band you have to see
A concept store that is “great for splurging on higher-end local curios”
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