Sayadieh at Ali Baba Restaurant
Sayadieh — fragrant rice cooked in a rich fish broth, crowned with a whole grilled Red Sea catch and scattered with caramelised onions and toasted nuts — is the dish that defines Aqaba's coastal identity. Ali Baba Restaurant on the Corniche has been serving it to locals and travellers for decades, and a table here at sunset is one of the most satisfying meals in Jordan.
The Dish That Defines Aqaba
As Jordan's only coastal city, Aqaba has a culinary identity shaped by the sea, and Sayadieh is its proudest expression. The dish layers spiced basmati rice — scented with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric — with a whole fish (often red snapper or grouper) that has been grilled or fried to order, then finished with a drizzle of tahini sauce and a handful of pine nuts.
The flavour is deeply satisfying without being heavy: the rice absorbs the fish broth and spices into something that tastes unmistakably of the Levantine coast. Order a side of fresh fattoush salad and a cold Aqaba-brewed soft drink to complete the meal.
Ali Baba & the Corniche Dining Scene
Ali Baba Restaurant is one of the most reliable and long-standing spots for honest Jordanian seafood on the Corniche, with an outdoor terrace that puts you close enough to the water to feel the evening breeze. A full Sayadieh for two with sides and drinks typically comes in under 20 JOD — exceptional value for the quality.
For a more street-level experience, Al-Shatt Street near the Corniche is lined with sunset shawarma stalls and fresh juice carts where locals gather after work. Grab a chicken shawarma wrapped in paper-thin flatbread and watch the Gulf of Aqaba turn pink and gold — it costs around 1 JOD and tastes like a million.
More of Aqaba
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Aqaba →
