Suhaila (connecting through cooking)

Authentic Jordanian Cooking in Aqaba: A Review of Suhaila’s Connecting Through Cooking Experience

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with Jordanian culture beyond the typical sightseeing tour, Suhaila’s small-group cooking class in Aqaba offers a warm, personal experience that goes beyond just food. With a friendly family hosting in their home, this approximately three-hour session combines hands-on cooking, storytelling, and shared meals — all for under $50.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the intimacy of a small group of just four to six people means plenty of attention and interaction. Second, the authentic family environment provides insight into Jordanian life and customs. Third, the delicious, traditional recipes are vegan and vegetarian-friendly upon request, making the experience quite inclusive.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers feel the experience might be a little short for the price, especially if expecting a broader culinary journey or market visit. Still, if you’re after genuine connection and home-cooked Jordanian flavors, this tour is a compelling choice. It caters well to those who love immersive cultural activities and relaxed, friendly atmospheres — perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking meaningful local interactions.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size ensures hands-on involvement and individual attention.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Cooking in a family home offers an intimate look at Jordanian daily life.
• Cultural Stories: The host shares anecdotes and insights that enrich your understanding of Jordanian culture.
• Inclusive Menu: Vegan and vegetarian options are available, emphasizing hospitality and flexibility.
• Shared Meal Tradition: You’ll sit on the floor to eat, staying true to local customs.
• PDF Recipe Book: After cooking, you receive a digital recipe guide to recreate dishes at home.

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The cooking tour is hosted at Suhaila’s family home in Aqaba, a welcoming space where she, her wife, daughter, and 9-month-old son open their doors to curious travelers. From the outset, the atmosphere is friendly and informal, making even novice cooks feel comfortable.

The itinerary typically follows these steps:

Joining the Family in the Kitchen:
As soon as you arrive, Suhaila will introduce you to a selection of ingredients and explain their significance in Jordanian cuisine. You’ll learn about local spices, vegetables, and staples that form the backbone of traditional dishes. Reviewers consistently mention how approachable and generous Suhaila and her family are — “wonderful and kind,” as one put it — making it easy to feel at home.

Cooking Traditional Jordanian Dishes:
Expect to prepare a variety of dishes, such as lentil soup, main courses (like vegetable or vegan options), and dips. The focus is on genuine recipes, often with stories behind each. Despite the modest scope, reviewers note the dishes are “very delicious,” and some mention that even in a short session, they learned a lot about Jordanian flavors. One guest appreciated that the ingredients were explored in detail, and they enjoyed sharing anecdotes about the recipes’ origins.

Sharing a Meal on the Floor:
After cooking, you’ll gather around a low table and enjoy your creations sitting on the traditional floor seating. This communal aspect is often highlighted as a memorable part of the experience, giving you a taste of local hospitality and family-style dining. Guests comment on how the relaxed, friendly setting facilitates conversations and cultural exchange.

Post-Meal Connection:
Once the meal concludes, Suhaila shares a PDF recipe booklet via email, allowing you to recreate the dishes back home. This thoughtful touch helps extend the experience beyond the moment, especially for those eager to replicate Jordanian flavors.

Why the Small Group Matters

A key advantage of this tour is the small group size — generally limited to four travelers. This setup ensures you get personalized attention and plenty of hands-on involvement. Unlike larger classes, you won’t feel rushed or overlooked, and you’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions and chat with the host.

Reviewers repeatedly praise Suhaila’s knowledgeability and warmth. One commented, “The host opened his house to our family, and we learned about cooking traditions and Jordanian life.” Another appreciated the storytelling aspect, which offered context about the ingredients and cultural practices surrounding food.

The Authenticity and Cultural Significance

This experience isn’t just about cooking; it’s about observing and participating in Jordanian family life. The host shares anecdotes and insights that reveal the country’s customs, religious influences, and daily routines. For example, discussions might include the significance of certain spices or how food plays a role in social gatherings.

Guests often remark on the welcoming atmosphere. According to reviews, they felt like part of the family rather than participants in a tourist activity. The opportunity to sit on the floor and eat as locals do enhances this sense of authenticity.

Valuing the Price

At $45 per person, this tour is reasonably priced considering the personalized service, home-cooked meals, and culture. While some viewers feel the experience is somewhat brief for the cost, it’s clear that most value the quality of interaction and genuine hospitality. The fact that you’re cooking and dining in a family home, rather than a commercial kitchen, adds a level of sincerity and intimacy that’s hard to match.

Plus, the inclusion of a PDF recipe book means you leave with practical tools to continue your culinary journey at home, multiplying the value of the initial cost.

Practical Details and Logistics

Meeting Point and Timing:
The tour begins at 6:00 pm at a conveniently located spot in Aqaba (GXWW+V76). The experience ends back at the same meeting point, making it straightforward to organize your evening.

Duration:
Approximately 3 hours, which is enough time to cook, share, and learn without feeling rushed.

Group Size:
Limited to 4 travelers maximum ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention.

Accessibility:
Near public transportation, making it easy to reach without fuss.

Booking in Advance:
Most guests book about 38 days ahead, reflecting good planning for this popular experience.

Special Requests:
Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request, highlighting the host’s flexibility and hospitality.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelmingly positive reviews reflect the genuine warmth and quality of the experience. Ines S. called it “wonderful and kind,” noting her family was welcomed with open arms, and the food and stories made it unforgettable. Mau C. described it as “the best experience ever,” emphasizing the cultural conversations, including topics like religion and daily life.

While a reviewer named Carole D. pointed out that the experience felt a little short for the price, she still appreciated the friendliness, good food, and the opportunity to cook traditional dishes. The host’s response clarified that the price partly covers TripAdvisor fees and ingredients, and the focus remains on sharing authentic recipes and stories.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience caters to travelers seeking more than just sightseeing — those who want to connect with local culture through food. It’s ideal for foodies, curious travelers, or families who enjoy relaxed, intimate interactions. If you’re open-minded and eager to learn about Jordanian life in a genuine setting, you’ll find this tour both enjoyable and meaningful.

It’s also suitable for vegetarians or vegans, thanks to the flexible menu. Those expecting an elaborate, multi-course meal might feel the session a bit brief but still will come away with a richer understanding of Jordanian cuisine and hospitality.

The Sum Up

Suhaila’s Connecting Through Cooking tour in Aqaba offers a rare glimpse into Jordanian family life through the lens of food. The personalized attention, warm atmosphere, and authentic recipes make for a memorable cultural experience. This is not a commercialized cooking class; it’s a heartfelt exchange that leaves you with new friends, new skills, and a taste of Jordan’s culinary soul.

If you’re eager to step into a local home, learn about Jordanian dishes firsthand, and enjoy a relaxed meal sharing on the floor, this experience is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes — there’s no pressure to have prior cooking skills. The focus is on learning about the dishes and enjoying the process, not on perfection.

Can I request vegan or vegetarian options?
Absolutely. The host mentions that vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request, making it flexible for different dietary needs.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at a meeting point in Aqaba, specifically at the location GXWW+V76, which is accessible via public transportation.

How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to cook, eat, and share stories without feeling rushed.

What do I receive after the class?
You’ll get a PDF recipe booklet via email, so you can recreate the dishes at home.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations less than 24 hours beforehand aren’t refunded.

Is this experience suitable for families with children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed and family-oriented nature suggests it could work well for families, especially with children interested in local culture and food.

How many people will be in the group?
The group is limited to 4 travelers, ensuring an intimate and engaging environment.

This authentic Jordanian cooking experience in Aqaba promises a warm welcome, delicious food, and cultural insights — a perfect way to truly connect with the local way of life.