An example of Tayybeh’s phenomenal catering services. Photo by Andrea Marvan.

By Tayvie Van Eeuwen
@tayvieeee

Challenging the unwritten stereotypes of both social constructs and cuisine in the city, Tayybeh—one of Vancouver’s most sought-after catering companies—has carved out a unique space to nurture a community for Syrian refugee women, while producing delectable cuisine.

Tayybeh: A Celebration of Syrian Cuisine started in 2016 as a one-time pop up event. Two years later, the social enterprise has since become a household name for those in need of catering services, and aspires to supply newly arrived Syrian women with employment, financial security, and social integration. In return, they bring their recipes, skills, and techniques to create authentic Syrian food in Vancouver’s untouched market.

“Having suffered loss of family members, loved ones, PTSD, and more, what Tayybeh provided at the beginning was an emotional anchor,” says founder Nihal Elwan. Prior to Tayybeh, Elwan had a professional background in International Development and women’s issues. Elwan moved to Vancouver in 2014, and before committing to her dream of operating Tayybeh full-time, she consulted on regional projects in the Middle East, focusing on gender-based violence.

Since Tayybeh’s inception in October 2016, the initiative has grown from a group of four Syrian women into a team of thirteen. Together, they run a full-scale catering business—including services such as pop-up dinners, food truck set-ups, and cooking classes.

“Tayybeh became a safe place where they could meet other Syrian women and [it gave them a reason] to wake up in the morning,” explains Elwan.

“You have to understand, these women lost everything; clothes, jewelry, family photos, belongings, homes. The only thing they could carry with them are these recipes and the skill, these techniques, this food. So that’s the way they connect with these new homes they are building here and for people here to get a sense, taste, and scent of where they come from.”

The success of Tayybeh’s pop-up dinners are not without reason. Their dinner events have been known to sell out in minutes, met with overwhelming praise and stellar reviews. Without any advertisement or paid-promotion, Tayybeh has garnered an enthusiastic and loyal following. Vancouverites have truly latched on to the idea of ever-evolving, homestyle Syrian meals. Every pop-up dinner promises a new selection of cuisine, met with music, poetry, entertainment, movies, and more. Elwan labels the events as “food extravaganzas.”

“There’s nothing to get people closer together than a beautiful meal around a table. Since the beginning, the women [at Tayybeh] have said, ‘I don’t speak any English, this is my only medium to connect to someone else,’” says Elwan.

“The women of Tayybeh get to extend their hand and reach out with the only manifestation of their culture they presently have,” continues Elwan.

Through Tayybeh, the women employed have cultivated meaningful friendships. In coming together everyday for a mutual purpose, bit by bit, their bond has extended beyond the workplace. “I know that everyday they’re either having dinner or coffee together, or going out,” recalls Elwan. “I think that Tayybeh facilitated that by creating that space that they have to work and collaborate together.”

The sense of family at Tayybeh is not the only force behind their remarkable transition. By working within a commissary kitchen, their space has had to accommodate others from varying businesses. Shared appliances, ovens, stoves, and equipment has slowly allowed Tayybeh to develop in more ways than one.

The kitchen has created a safe space to interact with others and practice coexisting in a new and unknown environment. While generating delicious foods made with distinct care, Tayybeh has also helped to broaden Vancouver’s perception of the food industry.

“Dining has become something fast and lonely that maybe you do in small groups, or with your bestie or partner. But at these events, you are at a table with at least eight other people that you don’t know,” Elwan says. “A lot of times we have had people say, ‘I think I’ve met somebody who I can think can be my friend,’ then they’ve attended again with that friend,” adds Elwan. “So I think the social aspect of it is something that people really love.”

Tayybeh has altered the fabric of these women’s lives, allowing them to flourish with a newfound sense of financial independence, community, and purpose.

“When other women see that this is a 100 per cent women led enterprise, they get so excited. It’s wonderful to see that the work of women supporting each other is blossoming through Tayybeh.”

Tayybeh will be offering classes sponsored by the Parks Board of Vancouver in the next coming months- all of which are currently sold out. As well, paid classes through Tattle will be offered and announced soon. See their Facebook page to keep updated on what Tayybeh is up to next.

A self-declared witch, Tayvie spends her time with all things magic. She loves a good sunset, iced coffee, and every known essential oil. Catch her chilling with her black-cat sidekick, Shadow, and hiding by the ocean. Look for her bold eyebrows and vintage style, and you’re bound to find her.