Vancouver cookbook clubs reveal secret ingredients to making new friends
“Food is an easy common denominator”
Rebekah Ho is a digital marketer by day and the host of the No Pressure Cookbook Club by night. She was inspired to launch the quarterly gathering by a friend who joined a cookbook club to meet new people when they moved to Montreal.
“I thought it was a fantastic idea and wanted to start one here because I constantly hear about how hard it is to make friends in Vancouver, especially as an adult,” Ho told Daily Hive.
“At the heart of it, No Pressure Cookbook Club is about community. Yes, it’s about food and cooking and trying something new, but the most important thing is showing up and bringing something to the table.”
No experience is required for the No Pressure Cookbook Club. Participants pick a recipe from the selected cookbook, cook it at home, and then gather to eat the shared meal.
No Pressure Cookbook Club
“I do try and pick cookbooks that have recipes that range in difficulty so people can find something that suits their skill level,” explained Ho. “This is meant to be fun and low stress, which means the dish you bring doesn’t have to be perfect.
“I even say if the dish you tried doesn’t work out, feel free to purchase something to contribute to the potluck.”
Ho is teaming up with The Bad Academy for her third No Pressure Cookbook Club in September, spotlighting Pamela Anderson’s I Love You: Recipes From The Heart. Tickets are already sold out, but there is a waitlist for those keen on hopefully snagging a seat.
“Quite a few people come alone or maybe with a friend, but they come ready to talk to strangers and make friends. I think there’s a magic in that. Food is an easy common denominator.”
“Sharing a dish is a way to share a piece of yourself”
Josh and Cynthia Mendoza, creators and hosts of the Vancouver Cookbook Club, agree that food is a great way to bring people together.
Vancouver Cookbook Club
“The inspiration behind the Vancouver Cookbook Club came from our love of hosting family and friends,” said Josh. “Over the years, we’ve seen how the effort we pour into not just the food, but also the thoughtful and personalized details, has made our guests feel truly cared for.
“That got us thinking — how could we extend that same warmth and hospitality beyond our circle and into the wider community? That’s when the idea of a cookbook club was born.”
Vancouver Cookbook Club is a monthly gathering centred around a unique theme. Once the venue is confirmed and the cookbook is chosen, Josh and Cynthia send out invitations to those who signed up through the interest form on their website.
Vancouver Cookbook Club
“On the day of the event, everyone arrives with their dish in hand, and we gather around to try each other’s home-cooked creations and build meaningful connections,” explained Josh.
The cookbook clubs’ events are open to all levels of cooking experience and are a delicious way to step outside of your comfort zone.
“Sharing a dish — no matter how simple — is a way to share a piece of yourself, and we believe there’s something truly special in that,” added Cynthia. “In a city like Vancouver, where loneliness is often quietly felt, we hope to offer something a little different: a table to gather around, stories to be shared, and a community to belong to.”
“It’s so rewarding to watch strangers turn into friends”
Kayan Hamadeh, a private chef based in Vancouver, also believes in the joy of connection over food. That’s why she loves hosting her monthly Supper Clubs in addition to her other cooking services.
Food Filosophy
“I wanted to create a space where people could connect, share a meal, and build community — something I’ve felt has been missing in Vancouver,” Hamadeh told Daily Hive.
“Food is something that naturally creates a space that everyone can connect with, especially when collectively sharing a meal. When people are seated at a table together, they aren’t just sharing food, they’re sharing stories and experiences, which in turn brings them together.”
A few days before each Supper Club, guests receive an email from Hamadeh with details about the event. Then, on the day of, the secret location is revealed via email.
“When guests arrive, there’s time to mingle, grab a drink, and settle in,” explained the founder of Food Filosophy. “It’s a relaxed, welcoming vibe that encourages conversation and connection.
“Once everyone is seated, the evening begins. Guests are treated to a thoughtfully curated meal and spend the night sharing great food and conversation.”
Food Filosophy
While Hamadeh enjoys the creativity of cooking and getting to share her cultural background through her dishes, her favourite part about hosting Supper Clubs is seeing new friendships flourish.
“It’s so rewarding to watch strangers turn into friends in one evening without any distractions, just food and conversation.”
The next Supper Club is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4, and is described as an evening of al fresco dining with a disco twist.
Have you attended cookbook clubs in Vancouver? Do you have a favourite activity to make new friends in the city? Let us know in the comments.
And for more great food events around the city, check out more Dished online.
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