House 101 on Lane 8905 in Sidab will bring you to the doorstep of this cocoon of hope, aspirations and all things positive and vibrant. Sidab Women’s Group, a live testimony to the importance of collective efforts and determination to rise above the economic and social limitations, packs in the essence of Oman in its little home; breathing its customs and traditions and holding on to memoirs that are woven in bags and baskets. 
Amongst its many ventures is the catering service that has taken a cue from the growing demand for responsible tourism to open up options for travellers and tourists to experience the country like a local.
Cocooned along the roadside leading to the picturesque Sidab village, it has, over the years, become a pilgrimage of sorts for tourists seeking to savour a slice of Oman from close quarters. Sidab’s hauntingly endearing old world charm, with boats anchored along the shoreline reflecting its prosperous maritime life and the little hamlet capturing the laidback mood of the days gone by, has proven to be attraction enough for people to drive on this winding by-lane.
The presence of Sidab Women’s Centre has given visitors a reason to stop and soak in the charm, while indulging in little shopping or tucking into traditional Omani food cooked up by the ladies involved in the Centre.
The centre, which was recently brought under the umbrella of Dar Al Atta’a is the brainchild of Badriya Al Siyabi, who mastered a plan to involve women in activities that could help supplement the family income. The centre has since grown into a landmark for travellers and visitors wanting their share of Oman.
Although Muscat has its share of traditional local food outlets, it is the ambience of a typical Omani home that makes the Centre so significant. The Centre, in effect, is housed in an old local home and is immediately reflective of the times when rooms had certain flexibility despite their restricted sizes and lack of large furniture. Traditional floor seating welcomes guests to feel the warmth of Omani hospitality – there are, of course, benches and stools to cater to guests who have health issues that restrict seating on floors. But the general feel one gets within the Centre is of a home away from home.
It is a world apart, as if with the close of the door behind, the world outside has been switched off to welcome you to one where life can be paused to savour little delights. Food being the most relative.
The buffet style catering, featuring traditional mandoos-styled chafing dishes, is concentrated in an inner room, which can accommodate about 20 people. While food is an excuse to learn more about the centre and check out the displays of mats, bags and other crafts produced by the ladies of Sidab, there is a lot of thought that has gone into conceptualising the menu to complement the requirements of the guests, who are also 
treated to traditional Omani music as they partake in the meals. As Lamis Al Kiyumi, Manager of the Centre, points out, the menu can even be tailored to suit different palates of the visiting guests, provided the same is communicated in advance.
Visitors, following a prior booking (at least 3 days in advance), can opt for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even snacks. There are three different menus for main meals, with starters, salad, bread and dessert same in all the three – Sambosa (chicken, vegetables with Arabic spice), Katchori (potato balls with lemon and Arabic spices), yoghurt with pepper and cucumbers, Margoof bread and Gemat khabeesa (dumplings). For the mains, Menu A has on offer Ersiya Chicken with Turshi, Qabooli with meat and Vegetarian Curry; Menu B features Fetta with meat, Qabooli with meat and Chickpeas vegetarian dish; Menu C has Mathrooba with chicken, Biryani and Vegetarian Curry. Coffee and tea are part of all the 
menus. On the breakfast menu are scrambled eggs, chickpeas, chapati, Lolah, Mindazi Sambosas, Katchori, tea and coffee. Visitors can also come for coffee/tea and dates and to check out the wares produced by local women.
A visit to Sidab Women is an education of sorts, as every room has a dedicated purpose. Whether it is the majlis where women of the centre meet to discuss the proceedings, the catering room, the display area with handmade crafts, or the henna room, visitors are guaranteed a memorable experience. The henna room, decorated in ceremonial colours with mannequins dressed up in finery, is open for visitors to take photographs. The Centre at best is an interactive forum where the attendees get to see and hear about the activities from one of the representatives.
