Our Family’s Journey: From Syria to Victoria, With Love

When we arrived in Victoria from Syria, our dream was simple: to build a peaceful life for our children. We started with the flavours of home, sharing our grandmother's recipes. This is the story of how that dream, with the help of many, became Syriana.

December 6, 2025

Leaving Home to Build a Home

Every story has a beginning, and ours starts with a difficult choice. Before we were a restaurant, we were a family in Syria living through the daily reality of a civil war. It is hard to describe a life where the sounds of rocket attacks are common, and the fear of losing a friend or family member is always present. For any parent, in a situation like that, the choice eventually becomes clear: you must find a safe place for your children to grow.

Our two young sons were our entire world, and our dream was simple: to give them a peaceful future. So, with little more than the clothes on our backs and a single toy for the boys, we made the decision to leave our home. When we first landed in Canada as refugees, we had very little in our pockets, but we carried a lifetime of hope in our hearts.

Finding a Community in Victoria

Our journey led us to Victoria, a city that was not entirely new to our family. Decades earlier, relatives had settled here and built a wonderful life, and their story was a beacon of hope for us. But we quickly learned that family extends beyond blood relatives. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by a private sponsorship group of about 20 incredible people who became our first Canadian family. They were our lifeline, helping us navigate a new country, learn English, and settle into our new life.

That spirit of generosity extended to the entire Victoria community. From Esquimalt to Oak Bay, we were met with an embrace of warmth and kindness that we will never forget. It was this immediate and heartfelt support that made us feel we weren't just visitors; we were truly home.

From a Sponsor's Kitchen to the Farmer's Market

One of the first things we wanted to do in our new home was share a piece of our old one. We began cooking for our new sponsor friends, filling their homes with the familiar aromas of our family's kitchen. For them, it was a delicious new experience; for us, it was a way to say thank you. It was a taste of our history, our culture, and our love, all served on a plate.

Their reaction was immediate and filled with encouragement. They told us that this food was too special to keep to ourselves and that we should share it with the wider community. The idea took root, and we took our first small, exciting step into the world of business. Our first "storefront" was a simple table at the Moss Street Market, and our first product was our family's recipe for baklava. Our first sales team was our two young sons, who would proudly help us at the market, a true family business from the very first day.

Even the desserts are a work of art. From delicate pastries to indulgent chocolate creations, they provide the perfect ending to the evening. Each bite leaves a sweet impression that lingers long after the last sip of coffee.

CHEK News: Years after fleeing Syria, Esquimalt family nears opening first restaurant

The Little Facebook Page That Changed Everything

The wonderful reception at the market gave us the confidence to take the next step. In March 2021, after getting our Food Safe certification and finding a commercial kitchen to work from, Syriana Catering was officially born. To get the word out, we created a simple Facebook page and shared a post in a local community group, hoping for a few orders.

We were not prepared for what happened next. Within a month, our inbox was flooded with messages and requests. We were struggling to keep up with the demand, completely overwhelmed by the community's response. It was the moment we truly understood. Victoria wasn't just hungry for good food; they were hungry for authentic food, for a taste of home, and for a connection to the stories behind it.

Our Promise to You

Every meal we packed in that commercial kitchen, and every kind word we received on that little Facebook page, was a step closer to our ultimate dream. The incredible wave of support from the community turned a hopeful "what if" into a tangible reality. It was the final push we needed to take the biggest leap of all: opening the doors to the Syriana Restaurant & Catering you see today.

This restaurant is more than just a business to us; it is the culmination of our journey and a piece of our heart. It is our way of sharing the beauty and richness of our culture in the best way we know how—through food. When you dine with us, we are doing more than serving you a meal; as we've said before, "we hope to give people a sense of our country's beauty when they come to eat here.”

None of this would have been possible alone. To our sponsors, who became our first Canadian family; to the entire Victoria community, who welcomed us with open arms; and to every customer who has ordered a meal or sat at one of our tables—thank you. You have become a part of our story, and we are honoured to welcome you into the Syriana family.

HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY

4.8 STARS FROM OVER 1,000 REVIEWS

We are incredibly grateful for the love our community has shown us. We pour our hearts into every dish, and the feedback we receive is our greatest reward. Here is a taste of what our guests are saying.