Asking the Founder: A Special Q&A with Tayybeh's Nihal Elwan

Hello, Tayybeh community!

This month, we're pleased to present a special Q&A with Nihal Elwan, the founder and CEO of Tayybeh.

We hope you enjoy it!

After a long time focused on catering and events, Tayybeh opened its first restaurant’s doors in Kitsilano, Vancouver eight months ago, how has the experience been so far?

Opening a restaurant after years of catering has been incredible. It had been a long-time dream for the team to have our own physical space and when we did open in February of 2024, it felt like Tayybeh was embarking on an exciting new adventure and a new chapter. 

There are so many emotions tied to having your own space, almost like having a new baby that you need to care for and nurture along with excitement, thrill, some tinge of anxiety and feeling like things are coming full circle. 

The reception from the Kitsilano community that has supported Tayybeh since our pop-up dinner days has been nothing short of wonderful. It is truly beautiful to see guests walk in and tell us they had tried our food at an event a few years or months ago and now they are thrilled that we finally have a space where they can come in and savor our food any day or time they like.  

It is wonderful to feel that we've honed our skills in the catering world, navigating events and delighting clients, and now we have a space where the community can meet and our most popular Syrian dishes can truly shine.

Kitsilano is a vibrant neighbourhood, especially during the summer. How did Tayybeh cater to the increased foot traffic, tourism and other seasonal demands?

It has definitely been a fascinating learning curve for us and we are still learning. We have had to quickly adjust by adding more front-of-house staff, training more kitchen staff on how to produce food for the restaurant, we got on all the delivery apps and on Open Table to make it easier for guests to book tables. 

Most importantly, we put emphasis on fresh seasonal ingredients and dishes such as our dips and salads that are perfect for summer. 

Looking back at operations throughout the year, how had your heritage and upbringing shaped your approach to food and hospitality while launching and running the restaurant side of the business?

Our Middle Eastern heritage and upbringing have profoundly shaped Tayybeh's approach to food and hospitality. In our culture, food is at the center of all family events and community gatherings and we put great emphasis on communal dining and on creating spaces that encourage connections, joy, warmth and making everyone feel like they are part of the family. 

For us, the inviting and hospitable atmosphere of our restaurant is as important as the quality of the food and flavours. Ultimately, for the Tayybeh team, our approach to food is rooted in love and the belief that sharing a meal can bridge gaps and build relationships.

From your perspective, for the many Syrian newcomers in Vancouver, how does Tayybeh serve as a bridge between Syrian culture and the broader Vancouver community?

Tayybeh serves as a significant bridge between Syrian culture and the broader Vancouver community. By offering authentic Syrian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, it not only introduces locals to the flavours and traditions of Syria but also fosters cultural exchange. Tayybeh provides a platform for Syrian refugees and immigrants to share their stories and heritage, helping to promote understanding and appreciation among diverse communities. 

Additionally, by hosting events and community gatherings, it strengthens connections and encourages dialogue around cultural diversity.

What are you most excited about at work for the fall and winter months?

We are very excited about the Holiday season! We have many bookings for catering with our delectable holiday menu.

We also have several group bookings and events happening at our restaurant and we are incredibly happy to see our restaurant slowly turn into a hub for the community where good food, traditional Middle Eastern hospitality and warm atmosphere meet and everyone feels like it is a home away from home. 

I am very excited to see our team growing and the Tayybeh name becoming a household favourite throughout Vancouver. 

Stop into Tayybeh at 2836 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC. Learn more about our restaurant here.