Eynon Family Adventures: Enjoying the culinary delights of Zarqa

It is always a privilege to go and experience different things within a new culture, shops, restaurants and markets, the sorts of things that are often hidden away in our western culture and yet are full of vibrancy and heritage. In the past, I have thought of myself as the adventurous type, willing to try anything (well almost) and last week I found myself in the most delightful place, a restaurant in Zarqa.

To give you some background, Zarqa is a fairly large city that is made of military facilities and manufacturing, there is a lack of cosmopolitanism to this place, an absence of Starbucks, a cinema and some other high street brands makes for an interesting adventure when trying to find clothes or daily necessities that you wouldn't worry about finding in your local Walmart or Tesco. By in large, most of the shops and restaurants are family run and with a scattering of fast food chains such as KFC and Pizza Hut. Despite this lack of west food chains and their standards, the Jordanians make up for it in the hospitality and real desire to please you and GREAT food. These people are amazing, they want to be friends , drink coffee and want to learn English from you. Occasionally I have been a victim of poor hygiene standards and a weak stomach. The few ill fated experience have taught me not to eat at the bus stations or street vendors, unless recommended and yet these experiences have not deterred me from exploring and trying new things.

Mr Asraf's Restuarant on 36th Street, New Zarqa

Mr Asraf and Fraser

So back to last week, Fraser and myself were taken to a great restaurant in New Zarqa by our trusted friend and school bus driver, Adnan. The chef and owner, Mr Asraf tempted our empty stomachs with freshly produced and high quality arabic food, some I can barely pronounce and most definitely cannot spell! It was a delight as we watched him prepare our food with care and a willingness to please us, the fresh hoummous that had been prepared that morning in his kitchen (which later he showed us) and the overwhelming smell of freshly baked bread to accompany our feast.

The food was an absolute delight, full of vibrance in colour and taste that completely surpassed my expectations. After being well satisfied with the quality and deliciousness of the food, Mr Asraf gave us an official tour of his restaurant, the kitchens, family areas and even the toilets!! For me it was a joyous occasion to not only be well fed, but be in such a delightful environment that at the same time was immaculate - which is rare experience in Zarqa.

A wonderful expereince which I hope to enjoy again and again...and maybe again!!