Beit Sitti: Where Grandma's House Becomes Everyone's Home

Beit Sitti: Where Grandma's House Becomes Everyone's Home

Beit Sitti Restaurant in Amman

The words “Beit Sitti” translate to “Grandma’s House”, which are the two words that have always been attached to cosiness and tastefulness in the mind of every Middle Eastern person, for Grandma’s house is always decorated in soulful old ways, and her food is always done according to authentic recipes passed down from generation to generation.

The uniqueness of the experience has led three Jordanian sisters, Maria, Dina, and Tania, to turn their grandmother’s house into a restaurant where everybody gets to live, or relive, the experience.

After walking into one of the oldest neighbourhoods in downtown Amman, the French doors will open to show you framed black-and-white photographs and a vintage Singer sewing machine in a corner, evoking a sense of tradition and belonging. The smell of fresh ingredients is not any less relaxing than the sight.

Inspired by their fond memories of cooking with their grandmother, the sisters envisioned the restaurant not only as a dining destination but also as a place where guests can learn to prepare authentic Arabic dishes from local women.

By employing dozens of local women as cooking instructors, Beit Sitti has created a valuable source of income in their community. The sisters foster an entrepreneurial spirit among their employees. As a result, many of the women have started their own businesses with the sisters' encouragement. This support has helped to create a thriving local network of small businesses and empowered women to achieve financial independence.

Beit Sitti offers a diverse menu of traditional Jordanian dishes, carefully chosen to showcase the country's rich heritage. Indulge in exotic flavours such as Mandi, Maqloubeh, Kousa, Freakeh, Fattet Magdoos, and Falafel. Guests get to learn to prepare these traditional dishes themselves, with instructions provided for each course: main course, side dish, salad, and dessert. Prices vary depending on group size, with rates starting at 30 JOD per person for groups of five or more, and increasing to 100 JOD for private sessions with one person, making it an affordable option for both locals and tourists alike.

As guests savour the flavours of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, they contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of female entrepreneurship. Beit Sitti embodies the spirit of Amman, an ancient city with a warm heart, welcoming visitors with open arms and a taste of tradition.

Over the years, Beit Sitti has played host to numerous celebrities and influential figures, drawn to its warm ambiance and authentic cuisine, including Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, who joined a group of orphans from King Hussein Charity Society for Orphans in a group cooking class in 2015.

Located in Jabal Al-Weibdeh, near Khaled Shoman Foundation, Beit Sitti is easily accessible by public transportation. Exact address: Jabal Al Lweibdeh | 16 Muhammad Ali As-Saadi Street, Amman.

So, whether you're craving a taste of home or eager to learn the art of Arabic cooking, Beit Sitti invites you to experience the warmth and flavors of Grandma's house. Cook, dine, and create cherished memories at Beit Sitti – where every meal is a celebration of family, tradition, and community.

You can reserve your cooking class at Beit Sitti and experience the warmth and flavours of Grandma's house online at beitsitti.com/reservations/. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, Beit Sitti invites you to cook, dine, and create cherished memories where every meal is a celebration and preservation of family, tradition, and community.

 

Khaled Jalajel