If you haven’t been keeping tabs on Vancouver’s culinary scene lately, you’ve likely still heard about Tayybeh—a renowned Middle Eastern catering company run by Syrian refugee women. Beginning in 2017, this social enterprise started with ticketed pop-up Syrian dinners across the Lower Mainland, showcasing the talents of an all-female culinary team. Over the past seven years, Tayybeh has evolved from its humble beginnings in community centers, mosques, and schools to become a prominent fixture in Metro Vancouver’s food landscape. They’ve expanded their offerings beyond events to include buffets, banquets, community cooking classes, and even a food truck.
Now, much to the delight of Vancouverites, Tayybeh has opened its own cafe in Kitsilano. Soft-opening its doors on February 1st, the cafe welcomes patrons for both dine-in and takeaway service. The menu boasts hot meals like chicken shawarma and kebabs, along with delectable appetizers such as kibbeh and cheese samboosak. Excitingly, the cafe’s first major event is an upcoming Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a five-course meal of Syrian dishes not previously available in their catering repertoire. To complement the culinary experience, there will be live entertainment by the musical duo Rasha Youssef and Grace.
Tayybeh Kitsilano
Address: 2836 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Instagram: @tayybeh.syrian
Photo by cindy fernandez on Unsplash