02-03-2025
Jordanian Chef's 'Mansaf Qatayef' Sparks controversy during Ramadan
ALBAWABA - A viral video of a Jordanian chef preparing an unconventional version of Qatayef, a popular Ramadan dessert, has ignited a wave of criticism. Instead of the traditional cheese, cream, or walnut filling, the chef stuffed the deep-fried dough with Mansaf ingredients—rice, lamb, and jameed (fermented yogurt)—and soaked it in Mansaf broth rather than sugar syrup.
In the video, the chef explains his process:
"I start by cooking the meat, then adding it to the Mansaf rice. I take the Qatayef dough, seal it slightly, fill it with the rice and meat mixture, and fry it in oil—just like regular Qatayef."
However, this fusion dish was met with strong backlash, with many Jordanians criticizing it as a distortion of their traditional cuisine. The combination of Mansaf, Jordan's national dish, with Qatayef, a Ramadan favorite, was seen by some as an unnecessary alteration of deeply rooted culinary heritage.
Not the First Attempt at Reinventing Mansaf
This is not the first time Mansaf has been fused with other dishes. Previously, a well-known restaurant in Amman introduced 'Shawarma Qatayef', announcing it on Facebook with a post stating:
"New on the menu: Shawarma Qatayef, available with chicken or beef!"
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The announcement received divided reactions, with some welcoming the innovation, while others found it amusing or questioned the need to alter traditional foods.
While some appreciate culinary creativity, others see it as tampering with traditional dishes that hold deep cultural significance. As Ramadan continues, the debate over food fusion in Jordan remains a hot topic.
