In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian woman has turned her culinary dreams into reality in the face of the region’s male-dominated culinary scene. Leading an all-female team serving an exclusively female clientele, Amena Al-Hayek has established “Sabaia VIP,” a recently opened eatery that specializes in light meals such as chicken sandwiches and pizza. In a conservative and congested enclave where some women struggle to find private and secure leisure spaces, the restaurant has quickly gained popularity.
Amena Al-Hayek, the chef at Sabaia VIP, pursued her culinary training at a hotel restaurant where, despite her enthusiasm, she faced gender bias. Despite openings for new chefs, she was consistently overlooked, with the administration expressing a preference for a male chef. Undeterred, Hayek persevered and eventually found her place as the head chef at Sabaia VIP.
The restaurant’s name, Sabaia, translates to “Lasses” in Arabic, reflecting the playful choice of catering exclusively to women of all ages, with no male patrons allowed. The concept emerged from a desire for a private space where women could enjoy their independence and privacy.
Reham Hamouda, the owner of Sabaia VIP, has assembled an all-female staff of eight, supplemented by others who prepare food from their homes. This employment initiative provides much-needed income in Gaza, where unemployment rates hover around 50%.
Hayek emphasized the significance of their achievement, stating, “We proved to the world that we were able to open a restaurant and succeed without a man’s supervision.” Sabaia VIP stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in Gaza to carve out spaces for themselves in traditionally male-dominated fields.
