Tayybeh caters SFU's International Day of the Lebanese Emigrant

About The Event

This past March, the Tayybeh team had the pleasure of catering a large-scale reception at SFU Harbour Centre in celebration of the International Day of the Lebanese Emigrant. The event followed a film screening and welcomed nearly 200 guests to enjoy a reception-style experience filled with vibrant Middle Eastern flavours.

SFU’s Meetings and Events team reached out with an order for eight different finger food options and a custom drink order of Jallab for a crowd of 190 guests. Our team was excited to take on the challenge and help make the evening memorable.

How It Came Together

Reception-style events of this size, especially off-site, require detailed planning, coordination, and flexibility. With the prep area typically serving as a classroom during the day, our team arrived early to convert the space. We also brought four servers who plated all dishes on-site and ensured a smooth, engaging experience by circulating trays and engaging warmly with guests.

Our service plan was to serve the first four dishes in the initial 20 minutes, followed by the next three, then ending with dessert. Each server was assigned specific items to guarantee every guest had the opportunity to try each dish.

Event Menu Highlights

Cheese Samboosak - Flaky pastry filled with savoury cheese.

Cucumber Labneh Canapés - Cool and creamy with a fresh bite.

Falafel Bites - With tahini drizzle and cherry tomato garnish.

Hummus Cups - Paired with pita chips (with gluten-free requests accommodated).

Mhammara Canapés - Bold and flavourful pepper and walnut spread.

Middle Eastern Meatballs - Served in a savoury red sauce.

Mini Chicken Skewers - Grilled and served with a spiced marinade.

Baklava - Sweet, flaky, and crowd-pleasing.

Jallab Drink - A custom-ordered, refreshing Lebanese drink.

Key Takeaways

The feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive, with many complimenting both the quality of the food and the friendly, accommodating warmth of our staff.

Our servers ensured that every dish reached every guest and responded graciously to special requests, proving once again that thoughtful service is just as important as the food itself.

Speaking of food, the most popular dishes this time around were our Cheese Samboosak, Chicken Skewers and the Falafel Bites!

Your Turn

Hosting a reception or special event?

Call us at 236-471-6257 or contact us online to start planning your next unforgettable gathering.

Feature Photo Credit: Lebanese Canadian Society of British Columbia