Ahlan wa sahlan! I’m Kitty. Welcome to my small corner of the internet, I’m glad you’re here! Let me tell you a few words about myself, the story behind this website, and what you’ll find here.
Welcome2Jordan: Home to Jordanian Food & Travel
Welcome2Jordan is all about Arabic food and travel.
The main part of this website consists of Middle Eastern recipes. Jordan shares the same cuisine as its neighboring countries, the so-called Levant. The Levant is a geographical term for a large area in the Eastern Mediterranean region that falls under the Middle East. The food that you’ll find in Jordan falls under the umbrella term Levantine food, Middle Eastern food or Arabic food, though every country has its own variations and twists. Jordanian or Levantine food has a lot in common with Turkish cuisine (as the region was once part of the Ottoman empire). However, Levantine cuisine is very different from North African cuisine in terms of cooking methods and ingredients.
I focus on Levantine cuisine that you’ll find in Jordan and the Eastern Mediterranean. Most of my recipes are authentic Middle Eastern recipes from my own family, but I also love playing around with ingredients and spices. You’ll find my family’s recipes and tips in my cookbook Mezze for Beginners. I also share some of my recipes on my blog and my YouTube channel.
My goal is to inspire you to experience all the beautiful things that Jordan has to offer, by providing a complete view on the country, its culture and people. Are you planning to visit Jordan? Check out my Jordan travel guide that provides you with reliable information and countless insider tips to help to plan an unforgettable vacation. This book is the result of many years of hard work. It contains all the information you need to plan your perfect trip. You will find many useful tips about the country, its people and the culture.
My Jordan travel guide and my cookbook are self-published. This means that all information is based on my own experiences and honest opinion.
About Kitty (My Story)
Now that I told you a bit about Welcome2Jordan, let me introduce myself. My name is Kitty. I’m the founder of Welcome2Jordan and the author and photographer behind this website. In case you’re wondering, Kitty is my nickname. Although I’m more of a dog person, Kitty has stuck with me since my childhood.
I consider myself a multicultural foodie and adventurer. Growing up, I was lucky enough to live in 6 different countries across 3 continents: Jordan, Germany, France, the UK, the US and the Netherlands. I studied business administration (in France and the UK) and landed my first job in the marketing department of a local bank in Jordan after graduating. Fast forward a few years, I quit my corporate job, have deepened my passion for cooking, and also live in a completely different area, at the Dutch-German border (near Venlo) with my family.
Having studied and worked in several countries brings the major advantage of speaking several languages (I’m fluent in 5 languages). Besides, I was exposed to very different cultures and people which made me who I am today.
Cooking is one of my favorite things to do, especially when having guests. Middle Eastern food has always been my favorite cuisine and that’s what I’m most familiar with. Be it classic Falafel with Hummus for breakfast, a scrumptious rice dish for lunch or a varied dinner buffet on special occasions – I love it all.
Another passion of mine is traveling. In my early 20’s, I developed a huge interest in hiking and cycling. Gotta burn those calories… But more than that, hiking is a great way for me to unwind and explore the beauty of nature.
Why I Started Welcome2Jordan
Welcome2Jordan is all about my beloved country Jordan, from food to culture. It’s a project very dear to my heart where I share with you my travel tips for Jordan, insights into the Arabic culture and language, as well as delicious Middle Eastern recipes. It’s my way to share with the world all the beautiful things that this part of the world has to offer.
I truly believe that food is a universal language that brings people together. Sharing a meal is a moment of togetherness and happiness. In fact, some of my favorite memories connecting with people involve food!
An idea was born: A website about Jordan that would provide a deeper understanding of Jordan’s rich culture. It’s meant to be a source of inspiration for anyone who would like to travel to Jordan or explore authentic Middle Eastern recipes to make at home.
Welcome2Jordan has been up and running since October 2018. A few years later, I launched the shop where you can purchase my Jordan travel guide and my Jordanian cookbook.
Let’s Connect!
Do you have questions about Jordan or any of my recipes? Post your question in the comments section below, drop me an email or reach out through social media.