Five newcomer women are building Vancouver food businesses from family recipes

Food is often the first thing we share when we're building a new life somewhere unfamiliar. For five newcomer mothers in Vancouver, it's also become the foundation of new businesses, a way to preserve family traditions, and a means of introducing their cultures to a new community.

These women are part of Dream Cuisines, a food business incubator operated by Flavours of Hope, a Vancouver non-profit that supports newcomer refugee and immigrant women through cooking, storytelling, community-building, and entrepreneurship. Through mentorship, workshops, access to commercial kitchen space, and community partnerships, the organization helps women transform culinary skills and family recipes into viable businesses.

On June 26, the public will meet the latest cohort at "From Mother's Land to Mother's Table," Flavours of Hope's annual Dream Cuisines business launch. The evening celebrates five mothers who are transforming cherished family recipes into food businesses while sharing the stories, traditions, and flavours of the countries they left behind.

"The newcomer women entrepreneurs are incredible mothers who work hard to support their family, nourish our community, and proudly represent their culture through food," says Flavours of Hope founder Trixie Ling. "They want to bring a taste of home to our community and share their memories and stories through their food business."

The 2026 Dream Cuisines Cohort

Tanga Spice Kitchen by Amina Kihange showcases the flavours of Tanzania through dishes such as pilau, a fragrant rice dish made with warming spices, potatoes, and beef or lamb.

Lasarte Bake Shop is helmed by Chef Caro Lasarte, who draws on experience gained in Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina to create baked goods inspired by family traditions and the comfort of home.

Levant Gourmet celebrates Syrian cuisine through dishes such as ouzi and musakhan rolls, with recipes rooted in family heritage. Founder Reham Zarzour brings generations of tradition to each dish.

Dough Re Mi is the creation of former Hong Kong dessert entrepreneur Shellica Lai, who creates nostalgic treats inspired by beloved East Asian flavours including Ovaltine chocolate and White Rabbit candy.

Happy Bites brings the flavours of Colombia to Vancouver through baking and traditional recipes inspired by family gatherings and home cooking, created by Veronica Uribe.

Why This Matters Beyond the Meal

Founded in Vancouver, Flavours of Hope aims to create opportunities for newcomer women to build social connections, achieve economic empowerment, and share their cultures with pride. Ling started the program after recognizing that many participants face language barriers, financial challenges, limited professional networks, and difficulties accessing affordable commercial kitchen space while trying to launch a business in a new country.

Through its eight-month Dream Cuisines food business program, participants receive mentorship, one-on-one support, business resources, startup funding, and access to community partnerships that help transform culinary talent into sustainable businesses.

For many participants, the businesses are about more than entrepreneurship. "Food is part of who we are, where we come from, and our connections to our past ancestors, present community, and future generations," Ling says. Food can be especially meaningful for newcomers rebuilding their lives in a new country, serving to maintain cultural connections while creating a sense of belonging in their adopted community.

Alumni Businesses Returning to Celebrate

Several Dream Cuisines graduates will also participate in the launch celebration. Sabor a Yucatan shares authentic Yucatecan dishes and drinks inspired by family recipes passed down through generations. Ruka Cocina specializes in Chilean empanadas and baked goods inspired by founder Rocio Valderas's upbringing in southern Chile. Angeliz Colombian Food showcases Colombian flavours through handcrafted empanadas and traditional desserts such as arroz con leche.

The Event

"From Mother's Land to Mother's Table" takes place Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at And-Co Offices, 1575 W Georgia St., Vancouver. Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting future participants in the Dream Cuisines Food Business Program. Food will be available for purchase from the current cohort and alumni entrepreneurs, and the evening will feature food stories and cultural celebration.

Organizers hope the event encourages deeper connections between cultures. "I hope that people who come to our event will learn more about the diverse cultures represented in our community through food and stories from newcomer women entrepreneurs," Ling says. "My hope is that people will reflect on their own food and memories from their motherland and build a deeper sense of connections and community."