No, not my nana’s house ;p - Beit Sittee, a relatively new Syrian restaurant (opened since 3 months) that promises you “The authentic taste of Damascus”. Their website is under construction but you can check it out [ HERE ]
You see, I’ve never been to Syria and every time I watch people dining at those old house – turn into cafes / restaurants – I go nuts because I’ve always wanted to try original Syrian cuisine – despite the fact that my mom does the most amazing, mouth watering, yummiest Freekeh EVER!! as well as a couple of Syrian dishes which we occasionally have when she has time to go in the kitchen :/
A friend of mine posted some pics in the FB group Kuwait & Food [ HERE ] and whadya know, the next day I am eating there! I was sooo tempted after seeing the kebbeh meshwayyeh – grilled kebbeh – and the freekeh and I was nagging on the man to take me for Valentine’s although he wanted Burj El Hamam :F and damn right he was my friend, Hammour! This place is pretty good – more like DAMN GOOD! <– I ate like a blind cow which was on hunger strike for at least a week :$
Here are some pictures from our dinner + some good Chikapappi narration ;p
1. The place, decor & ambiance:
The entrance - it’s nice! I never expected to see this inside, I mean it’s paid for
What’s a Syrian joint without Bab el 7ara ! ;)
One of the seating areas inside
I didn’t catch his name but he’s nice :), snapped a photo of me & Bilal which I will not be posting ;p
This is very special, hand made by marble from Syria
I never expected to find a restaurant in such an isolated area and what struck me most is the interior design of the place. It’s very quiet and classy unlike other sheesha joints, I mean it’s decent and provides calmness especially if you’re out with a spouse or family members and don’t wanna worry about seeing el ashkal el ghala6.
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2. Food:
Such a cute menu! It’s a frame as well!
Menu from the inside
Free appetizer, Syrian bleela which is chickpeas with lemon and cumin
The best lentil soup I had in this country! Reminded me of my late nana’s cooking, we both started with that
Not so clear picture of my fattoush but it was amazing! I don’t know if they had debs el remman or not in it. Bilal ordered Rocca salad
Hoummos bel la7ma, we both shared that
Best kebbeh nayyeh I had!! it’s spicy and it had walnuts YUMMM – my order
His order – habra nayyeh, which is basically raw meat with parsley and onions. Didn’t try it but he loved it
a2ras kebbeh meshweyye (grilled stuffed kubbah) - *droooools* - amazing!!
Syrian truffles sauteed with onion- although I don’t like truffles, I had a bite and they too were excellent – his order
This is the star of the evening! Freekeh with chicken for me while he ordered it with meat! EXCELLENT
last but not least, perfect mixed grills dish which was my order and those were soooo tender and delicious! better than Mais Al Ghanim’s !
All in all, the dishes were amazing and we couldn’t finish them because their portions are good. All the chefs are Syrians and the ingredients are brought in from Syria, to assure the quality of the taste. They have a bigger variety on their menu as well as dishes like Shakreyyeh, yalanji (Syrian stuffed grape vines), kebbeh labanneyyeh, just go there and ask for their specials!
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3. Pricing:
prices on the menu are reasonable for two we paid KD 30 (including a good amount for tips) however, that’s because we ordered like for 4! We wanted to try everything but we had little space in our tummies ;p + drinks + sheesha. Not bad I’d say if you’re looking for quality!
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4. Service & atmosphere:
As I said, very quiet dinners – lunches with very friendly staff. The orders didn’t take time to be on the table, so we were not starving ;p
I highly recommend you drop by and try their items, their address is Loule’t Al-Marzouk Complex in Salmiyeh – back side and the number for inquiries and reservations is 25742004. It’s behind the Scientific Center near Raas El Ard club (I am not sure if that’s the right name). Oh! They also have those golf carts that offer you a ride to your car instead of walking ;p
The place is owned and run by 2 brothers, of which I met Mr. Abdul Wahhab – very very nice man – and he’s more than happy to welcome all of you readers to Beit Sittee for a real taste of Syria ;) and to support him even more; visit their FB group [ HERE ]
I’ll be there a lot :)
