With Feryal Karadshel, restaurant owner
In the heart of Madaba, nestled among winding alleys and sun-washed stone walls, stands a house that once belonged to a grandfather. Today, it tells a new story—one that speaks through the scent of maqlouba and the generosity of a woman who turned nostalgia into hospitality.
The story began in 2013 when Feryal Karadshed started hosting international guests in her own home. She cooked traditional Jordanian meals with her own hands, offering more than just food—she offered warmth, a welcoming table, and a glimpse into the heart of Jordanian family life.
“My uncle suggested I restore my grandfather’s abandoned house and turn it into a space where tourists could feel like they’re visiting a real Jordanian home—not just a restaurant,” Feryal recalls. Encouraged by her uncle and husband, and supported by USAID, the dream took shape—and “Hekayet Sitti” was born.
But Hekayet Sitti is no ordinary restaurant. Feryal, who proudly calls herself “queen of the kitchen,” blends her own spice mixes by hand, creating flavors rooted in heritage and love. The menu is carefully chosen based on the type of guests. Most requested dishes? Maqlouba and, of course, the iconic Mansaf.
What sets her apart is not just the food—it’s the feeling. “I welcome every guest as if they were coming into my home, not just a table at a restaurant,” she says with sincerity. “I love to hear that visitors enjoyed the space, the meal, and the overall experience.”
While she admits to being shy by nature, she spares no effort to make every detail shine—from cleanliness to décor—because she believes excellence silences criticism.
Driven by her passion for cooking and a desire to uplift others, Feryal also chose to empower women in her community. She began training other women in the art of Jordanian cuisine, helping them gain skills, confidence, and a source of income—while ensuring that culinary traditions are preserved and passed on.
At Hekayet Sitti, you don’t just eat—you connect. You taste a story, sit in a memory, and carry home the warmth of a Jordanian kitchen that still beats with the rhythm of heritage.
