2026 Cohort of Dream Cuisines

At Vancouver Farmers Markets, we’re thrilled to introduce the 2026 cohort of Dream Cuisines, a meaningful initiative from Flavours of Hope. This non-profit social enterprise envisions newcomer women flourishing and experiencing belonging through cooking, storytelling, community-building, and entrepreneurship. The program helps them to break down barriers of being immigrant women of color and earn an income of dignity while sharing the rich culinary traditions of their home countries.

Flavours of Hope provides these talented women with the skills, knowledge, and community connections to bring their food dreams to life. Coho Commissary, the program’s long-standing kitchen partner, offers commercial space for these budding entrepreneurs, while Vancouver Farmers Markets proudly provides them with a platform to sell their goods and connect directly with our vibrant local community.

Now in it’s sixth year, this year’s Dream Cuisines cohort showcases the diverse and delicious flavors from around the world, with five incredible women-led businesses ready to share their culinary heritage. Let’s meet the 2026 cohort:

Amina Kihange, Tanga Spice Kitchen

Amina is the founder of Tanga Spice Kitchen, a business that blends professional culinary skill with the rich food traditions of Tanzania. Amina’s cooking is her way of honouring her roots while introducing her community to the bold, aromatic flavours that define home for her. Her signature dish, pilau, is a fragrant spiced rice dish made with beef or lamb, potatoes, and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin.

Caro Lasarte, Lasarte Bake Shop

Caro is a professionally trained chef who studied and worked in Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina. She’s currently pursuing a teaching degree in pastry, with the hope of sharing not just the wisdom and expertise she’s gained over the past years, but also the joy that comes with being in the kitchen. Caro’s work is a legacy of “artisanal love,” recreating the joy and warmth of a grandparent’s home.

Reham Zarzour, Levant Gourmet

Deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of her family, Reham focuses on the authentic flavours of Syria through dishes like ouzi and musakhan rolls. Beyond representing traditional dishes, Levant Gourmet is all about uplifting and refreshing flavours that bring people together. Reham is thrilled to share the connecting power of Syrian cuisine alongside her mother, who is a Dream Cuisines alumna and fellow food business owner.

Shellica Lai, Dough Re Mi

Shellica is a self-taught baker who previously ran a dessert business in Hong Kong. Her recipes are inspired by childhood nostalgia, specifically familiar East Asian snacks like Ovaltine chocolate and White Rabbit candy. Through her creations, she hopes to provide her customers a “small escape” from daily stress, bringing playfulness to everyday life.

Veronica Uribe, Happy Bites