Food without borders
Where food tells stories of resilience
Trixie Ling — Building community, one meal at a time
In Vancouver, a city of converging cultures and quiet resilience, Trixie Ling has woven a lifeline for immigrant women through Flavours of Hope. Born in Taiwan, Trixie’s childhood was a whirlwind of moves across different countries. Her arrival in Canada she was a firsthand witness to her family’s struggles: building friendships, integrating into a foreign society, the quest for belonging and the fracture of languages. But it was within these struggles where she discovered the universal rhythm of food—a language that neither divides nor judges, but binds and heals.
What began as a series of pop-up dinners where immigrant women shared their migration stories and culinary traditions has since evolved into the Dream Cuisine program, a formal nine-month initiative launched in 2021. The program equips participants with the tools to establish successful food businesses, providing access to commercial kitchens, mentorship, and opportunities to sell their products at farmers’ markets.
"The narrative around immigrants and refugees portrays them as needing or taking from the community. I want to change that perspective and show they can be contributors and leaders in our communities.”
Today, fifteen women have launched ventures infused with the flavours of Syria, India, Morocco, and beyond. Her vision extends beyond financial success; she measures impact in the friendships formed, the confidence gained, and the pride participants feel in their identities.
Looking to the future, Trixie dreams of creating a dedicated space where women can cook, connect, and grow. She envisions a vibrant hub that includes a café, commercial kitchen, co-working areas, and childcare facilities.
Through Flavours of Hope, Trixie is reminding us that food, in its simplest form, can be an act of hope.
Trixie Ling, founder and executive director of Flavours of Hope / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Trixie Ling, founder and executive director of Flavours of Hope / Photo by Bismah Mughal
A cardamom-scented journey from Bombay to Vancouver
Meet Vinaya
Born and raised in India, Vinaya followed a traditional path: earning degrees in engineering and business administration and working in corporate India. Yet, amid the demanding work culture, she found herself gravitating toward the warmth of her kitchen.
“I used to have a corporate job back home in India, but I didn’t like the culture. I would enjoy my time in the kitchen the most,” she recalls. With encouragement from her husband, who told her, “What are you waiting for? You don’t need a second chance; you can do it now,” Vinaya began her transition from corporate to culinary.
After a short course in French pastry in France, she was stranded there due to COVID-19 restrictions. When the world began to open up, she faced a choice: return to India or move to Canada. She chose Canada.
In Vancouver, she worked at a French pastry shop for eight months before stepping away to care for her newborn. During this period, her passion for baking flourished, and she began exploring ways to start her own business.
With the support of Flavours of Hope, Vinaya launched Elaichi Patisserie, blending the sophistication of French pastry with the bold, comforting flavours of South Asia. Her creations, such as pear and chai masala croissants, have become beloved staples in her growing business.
Vinaya’s dream for Elaichi Patisserie is to expand her product line and venture into wholesale, supplying her baked goods to stores and cafes. She also envisions hosting pop-ups and introducing limited-edition flavours to surprise and delight her customers.
Vinaya representing Elaichi Patisserie at the downtown farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Vinaya representing Elaichi Patisserie at the downtown farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Vinaya experimenting in the kitchen before her farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Vinaya experimenting in the kitchen before her farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Vinaya helping a customer at the downtown farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Vinaya helping a customer at the downtown farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
From Colombia's heart to Vancouver's soul
With love, from Viviana
Viviana moved to Canada five years ago, leaving behind the familiar warmth of Colombia. The transition wasn’t easy—she arrived alone, navigating a new language and culture. Her sister Tatiana was her first lifeline, helping her settle and find her footing in this unfamiliar place.
"It is hard to start from zero, but when you focus and put love into everything you do, success follows."
But Viviana always carried a piece of home with her: the flavours and traditions of Colombian food. With encouragement from Tatiana and support from Flavours of Hope, she turned her passion into a business, launching Colombian Antojitos, a small venture specializing in traditional Colombian snacks.
“Flavours of Hope was like an angel in my life,” she says. “They helped me believe in myself and gave me the tools to follow my dreams.”
Starting from scratch wasn’t easy. Canadian food regulations were a steep learning curve, and managing a business in a second language came with its own set of challenges. Yet, Viviana persisted, pouring her heart into every arepa and empanada she made. Word-of-mouth referrals have kept her customer base growing, but she knows there’s more work to be done—especially online.
Running Colombian Antijitos takes up most of her time, but Viviana is proud of what she’s accomplished. Her next goal? Opening a café to create a dedicated space for her food and community.
"It is hard to start from zero," she says, "but when you focus and put love into everything you do, success follows."
For Viviana, Colombian Antojitos is a way to honour her roots while building a future in Canada. With her sights set on opening a café, she remains focused on growth, both personally and professionally, proving that resilience and community can turn challenges into opportunities.
Viviana (right) and Edilma (left) preparing food in a commercial kitchen in downtown Vancouver. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Viviana (right) and Edilma (left) preparing food in a commercial kitchen in downtown Vancouver. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Edilma making arepas while Viviana prepares skewers for the farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Edilma making arepas while Viviana prepares skewers for the farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Za'atar across borders
Bushra & Lora
For Bushra, leaving Syria was both a necessity and an act of courage. With her daughters by her side, she stepped into an unknown future, carrying the weight of separation from her family back home, and the fragile hope of starting anew. Canada became her sanctuary, offering a better future but also unfamiliar challenges—a new language, a distant family, and the need to rebuild from the ground up.
Along with her daughter, Lora, Bushra created Everything Za’atar, a business that folds the essence of Middle Eastern flavours into every dish. Rooted in their heritage, it is both a tribute to what was left behind and a bridge to what lies ahead. Through Flavours of Hope, they found not just mentorship but the tools to shape their culinary dreams into something tangible.
Everything Za’atar whispers stories of home: the warmth of za’atar, the aroma of beloved spices, the quiet resilience of a mother and daughter weaving new threads into an old tapestry. The dishes speak for them, connecting them to strangers who become part of their extended story.
Bread in the oven at a commercial kitchen, as Bushra and Lora prep for the farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Bread in the oven at a commercial kitchen, as Bushra and Lora prep for the farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Though longing follows her like a shadow, Bushra has found small anchors—moments of connection, shared meals, and the quiet satisfaction of building something lasting. Through her work, she reminds us that food can carry the weight of memory and the promise of belonging.
Bushra and Lora prep for farmer's market at a commercial kitchen in downtown Vancouver. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Bushra and Lora prep for farmer's market at a commercial kitchen in downtown Vancouver. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Bushra, co-founder of Everything Za'atar, with fresh dishes she prepared for the farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Bushra, co-founder of Everything Za'atar, with fresh dishes she prepared for the farmer's market. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Za'atar, a Middle Easter spice mixture is big seller. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
Za'atar, a Middle Easter spice mixture is big seller. / Photo by Bismah Mughal
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