alumni food businesses
Find and support Dream Cuisines alumni at the Vancouver Farmers Market! You can also order food through their websites or find them in selected stores. For catering requests, please contact us.
Claudia Alejandra Ilarraza, Teque Love Venezuelan Bites
Claudia brings the true essence of Venezuelan tequeños to your table - a beloved cheese snack that represents celebration, tradition, and a love for great food. Tequeños are more than just an appetizer; they are a staple of Venezuelan culture, always present at gatherings, parties, and special moments.
“Starting my business means to me I am not doing any job, I am doing something I love. It’s not survival but meaningful work.” - Claudia
Rocio Valderas, Ruka Cocina
Specializing in Chilean-inspired empanadas and baked goods, Rocio draws inspiration from her heritage and upbringing in Southern Chile, where food played a central role in family and community celebrations. Rocio is passionate about sharing the flavours and traditions of Chilean cuisine while incorporating local and seasonal ingredients. For her, food is a universal language that connects people and cultures.
“I feel a sense of belonging in the culinary scene and food industry in Vancouver. I have met many chefs and food businesses. I have worked as a baker in a company, but now I feel more like a chef in the community.” - Rocio
Emem Nwogwugwu, La Pax Foods (currently taking a break)
Emem is a passionate entrepreneur, dedicated to sharing the flavours and love of her Nigerian heritage through flavourful spices and snacks. Inspired by her mother's recipes and cooking legacy, Emem aims to nourish her community with healthy, authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients and a dash of love.
“Being in the program pushed me to work and make money, and experience a sense of purpose.” - Emem
Liza Riascos, Angeliz Colombian Food
Liza brings the vibrant flavours of Colombia to the table, blending traditional family recipes with her own creative twists. She makes different kinds of empanadas and arroz con leche (rice pudding) and shares bold, delicious flavours that showcase the warmth and spirit of Colombian cuisine.
“Because of the program I am not on survival mode anymore and I have clarity about what I want my future to be.” - Liza
María Yvett Cueto, Dulce Zaza
Maria is a talented baker behind a culinary journey that celebrates the warmth of home and the joy of shared memories. Her passion for dessert-making is rooted in her childhood memories of baking with her cousins. Her goal is to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and togetherness with every dessert she creates. Maria offers a variety of Peruvian desserts including alfajores, lime pies and Chocolucuma Lava cake.
“The program gave me more confidence - a sense of confidence that I can do more things (not just business)” - Maria
Delia Fuentes, Delia’s Mexican Bite
Delia offers authentic Mexican sweet bread and treats. Delia loves to share her family's beloved baking recipes, like tres leches cake, conchas, and pan de muerto, inspired by her mother's passion for baking. She puts her heart into every treat, perfecting each recipe to share a taste of her heritage with the community.
“The program helped me to believe in me, that I was capable to do it. It’s faster when you go by yourself but it’s better when you have people walking with you, you get better results that way.” - Delia
Chaima Chmale offers authentic Moroccan cuisine passed down from generations of talented Moroccan cooks. Chaima’s signature dishes include lamb tagine, seafood pastilla, Moroccan cookies, cheesecakes and more. Each dish is a flavorful expression of Chaima's passion for sharing the tastes of her homeland with the community, offering a culinary journey to the heart of Morocco.
“It’s hard to be in a new country, and starting a new business is hard. With Dream Cuisines, someone is always beside me to support me.” - Chaima
Bushra Elias and her daughters, Lora and Loujein, specializes in Za'atar, a traditional Syrian blend of dry herbs. With love and dedication, they work together to create their signature Everything Za'atar Spice mix, alongside delectable croissants, crispy pita chips, and freshly baked manakesh (Middle-Eastern flatbread) all infused with flavourful Za’atar.
“Trust the community that you’re in, that they will support you and be ready to give back support. The community you already have is your foundation.” - Bushra
Samira Mohammed offers traditional Palestinian and Saudi Arabian dishes. Samira's food is like a warm embrace, where the Arabic phrase 'Dar Darak' (my house is your house) comes to life. Samira's passion for cooking was inspired by her Palestinian mother and grandmother's traditional recipes, igniting her to share her delicious creations with friends and family. Treat yourself to her iconic falafel, hummus, and desserts like warbat, kanafa and more!
“At Flavours of Hope, we work together as a group and we always help each other. At the markets we support each other, we hug each other, tell each other not to worry, we borrow each other’s things, we share tables, I feel I have support like a big family.” - Samira
Zahra Babajanipour offers traditional Persian breads like Barbari (Persian flatbread), Poacha (cardamom bread), Simit (round braided bread with sesame seeds), and Frinda (savoury flatbread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and more). Zahra prides herself in using traditional ingredients and simple recipes to create something special.
“My family helps me with my products – my daughter helps me with toppings – that’s her favourite part. My business is named after her, so she likes to paint the design on the baked goods. She also comes with me to the markets and loves speaking with people.” - Zahra
Rana Alkari, a skilled artisan specializing in crafting intricate maamoul cookies, invites you to savour the treasures of Syrian culinary heritage. Maamoul cookies have a rich history that spans centuries, dating back to ancient times. Sweet, crumbly and comforting, these cookies are known to represent kindness and hope. Among Rana's cherished maamoul flavors are pistachio, date, and pecans, each inviting you on a delightful journey through the flavours of Syria.
“Many of my friends tell me that I have inspired them and see me as a role model. Having a positive impact in the community makes me feel good. My community is growing and I feel more connected with the community. I am sharing what I am learning and people ask me how I do it. That makes me feel proud.” - Rana
Aborrajadas, papas rellenas, empanadas, and beyond—these are the very essence of Colombian street food dreams! Colombian Antojitos, crafted by the talented Viviana Rojas, has won over many with her mouth-watering snacks that keep customers coming back for more. Viviana's dedication to sharing the flavours and traditions of Colombian street food through her cooking and baking has been truly inspiring and heartwarming.
“The program made me more visible in the community. Forever grateful with Flavours of Hope for helping me connect with the community in different ways.” - Viviana
Experience the exquisite fusion of traditional Indian sweet and savoury snacks and desserts, such as pistachio saffron cake, chutney cheese puffs, masala veggie brioche and more with Elaichi Patisserie. Meticulously crafted by talented baker Vinaya Waghmode, the traditional fusion treats are not only unique but also evoke a profound nostalgia for her Indian roots and cherished childhood memories. Indulge in a world of new flavours with Vinaya's baking and feel the vibrant streets of India, where culture and flavour come alive!
“I have a very good relationship with the women of the program. I am surprised at how helpful each of them have been for me. We have a fluent communication and support each other in our businesses.” - Vinaya
Indulge in the warmth of Mexican comfort food at Sabor a Yucatán, founded by the Molina family. Their commitment to crafting an experience that transports you to the cozy ambiance of a Yucatecan home-cooked meal has earned them a special place in the hearts of many. Featuring two beloved dishes, the comforting frijoles and the iconic cochinita pibil, these cherished recipes have been lovingly passed down through generations in the family, preserving the essence of their rich Yucatecan heritage from Mexico.
“The program has greatly impacted my life by helping me grow and evolve as a person and entrepreneur. It has a positive impact on me, my life, and my family.” - Laura
Rehab Elsayed, Egyptian Bites
Egyptian Bites was born out of Rehab Elsayed's heartfelt longing for the authentic flavours of Egypt. Inspired by the traditional foods of her homeland, Rehab has become a master in the craft of making feteer, a flaky pastry delicacy deeply woven into Egyptian culinary history. Her delectable feteers, whether generously filled with savoury vegetables and meat or adorned with honey, molasses, or cheese, have left a lasting impression on many.
“What I learned here changed my life. I attended a lot of programs during the last 4 years and I couldn't find the support I needed until I found the Dream Cuisines program. I feel lucky to join this program.” - Rehab
Vijaya Bhat, Super Awesome Eats (currently taking a break)
Vijaya Bhat, a passionate baker from India, turned her dream of Super Awesome Eats, a vegan sourdough baking venture, into reality within two and a half years. Inspired by her mother's culinary legacy, she envisions a future cafe offering nostalgic treats like Mangalore buns, while her signature sourdough cinnamon buns showcase South Asian flavors. Proud member of the Dream Cuisines alumni, Vijaya celebrates strong women in the culinary world.
“I would have never proceeded with my business had I not had support of the program. I see myself now building a successful business and being able to support myself with it in the future.” - Vijaya
Rose Minachi, Rose Royal Persian Bakery (currently taking a break)
Rose Minachi and her daughter Ariana came to Canada from Iran two years ago. A talented and dedicated baker, Rose is proud of her roots and excited to share her Persian desserts with a wider audience. Rose Royal Persian Bakery will represent Rose’s meticulous craft and passion for Persian treats, offering such delights as traditional chickpea cookies and Malake Badam, an almond tart with rosewater, cardamom, and saffron.
“I want to support other newcomer women by sharing my stories and experiences with them. One day, I dream of having a Persian cafe so I can support my daughter with our business and give people good jobs.” - Rose
Angeles Canedo, Mis Cazuelas Mexican Food
Through Mis Cazuelas Mexican Food, Angeles serves up delicious, zesty, nourishing dishes like her signature green pozole—traditional recipes, made with familial history, fresh ingredients, care, and love. Angeles is a longtime Flavours of Hope community member, her delicious Mexican food having graced many pop-up dinners and cooking classes.
“Instead of trying to become someone else to be able to fit in a new place, I decided to plant my roots into new soil and share my fruits with pride. I hope that my food brings you the same warmth and sustenance that it brings me and my family, and that it inspires you to try new things.” - Angeles
Huda moved to Canada almost four years ago from Egypt with her husband, daughter, and son. She serves up flavourful fare such as koshery, Egypt’s national dish, and hawashi, a popular Egyptian street food through Super Dishes Egyptian Halal Cuisine. With warming Middle-Eastern spices, tasty herbs, and vegan options, her cooking has something for everyone.
“I cook Egyptian dishes like my mom did, filled with love and bursting with flavours. I’m looking forward to having you try my dishes: all high quality, and made fresh and by hand.” - Huda
Angelica Davalos Ramirez, Tinkerbake (currently taking a break)
Angelica comes from Mexico, and is a proud mama, sweets enthusiast, and artisan dessert-maker who makes custom cookies, cupcakes, cake pops and donuts. Through Tinkerbake, Angelica shares her sweet-tooth satisfying treats, meticulously detailed icing design, and Mexican flavours.
“Baking has given me the opportunity to grow, and to share a part of my heart through each creation. I am going to embrace it with all my might, because today more than ever, I believe in myself and every woman who fights every moment for her family and her dreams.” - Angelica