If you look up must-eat restaurants in Amman, I’m pretty sure Hashem Restaurant is on every single list. It’s one of those places whose walls are absolutely festooned with photos of all the various celebrities and politicians who’ve eaten there. Apparently the King is a big fan. It’s legendary.
The falafel is generally known as the thing to order here, but the hummus is (justifiably) famous as well. I also tried the ful, which is made with fava beans, and msabaha, which is like hummus, but with more whole chickpeas, and with a wetter consistency thanks to the chickpea water they’ve mixed in.
Everything was quite tasty. All three dishes are way above average, and are pleasantly kicked up thanks to the green, garlicky sauce they put on top (not to mention the healthy dollop of good quality olive oil). The pita bread it comes with is super fresh, with just the right amount of fluffiness.
Then there’s the falafel, and yeah, it’s easy enough to see why it’s so famous. It’s really tasty, with a perfectly crispy exterior and a light, fluffy interior. Combined with some hummus on that fresh pita bread, you’ve got a perfect bite.
Location: King Faisal Street Amman, ʿAmman
How to find it: Look for the outdoor seating area and the big green sign.