Lebanon has many aspects to be proud of. Whether its traditional architecture, its perfect seasonal weather, or its lifestyle for always a good and fun time. While we differ in the way we each appreciate what we have, one thing none of us can argue about and that is the blessing of our food. And when it comes to Souk El Tayeb and all that it gathers of natural homemade products, we all high-five and salute!
Souk El-Tayeb, which gathers hometown produce and homemade food in one place in the city, is now celebrating its 15th year anniversary. Fifteen years of providing Lebanese and tourists with the most delicious homegrown crops, the richest jars filled with long-lasting preserves such as labneh (strained yogurt), stuffed eggplant pickles and olives, authentic Lebanese sweets, and also homemade crafts and soaps. and traditional ready-to-eat meals.
Founder of Souk el-Tayeb, Kamal Mouzawak, started this innovation fifteen years ago to allow local producers to venture into a stronger capital.
Their sales grew efficiently with this advancement from the rural areas in Lebanon to selling their homemade products in the heart of Beirut, where consumer demands for homegrown food are always higher.
The opportunity for farmers was exceptional as it favored them to engage directly with consumers and bring them a taste of their hometown.
The Soul El-Tayeb’s venture grew exponentially through the years, bringing together over 100 farmers and producers to showcase their products on Wednesdays in Clemenceau and every Saturday in Beirut Souks.
As of 2009, Souk el Tayeb expanded and began opening concept restaurants called “Tawlet”, which is a Lebanese term that indicates meal tables. The concept behind these restaurants is that every day there is a new different cook who brings in regional traditions and creates a related home-based menu.
This reminds locals and allows foreigners to try famous regional food from all around Lebanon.
Eventually, at its growing success in demands, the concept evolved with a decision to make Tawlet permanent, thus creating “Beit”, meaning home. Beit is now located in four different locations in Lebanon: Beit Douma, Beit El-Qamar, Beit Ammiq, and Beit El-Hamra.
These innovations have granted everyone in Lebanon easy access to the true food traditions of Lebanon. Instead of traveling far into the authentic Lebanese villages for natural homegrown food and homemade products, they are brought all the way down to the heart of the Lebanese urban cities.
