Ask Sharon Ferrer what Van + Pie is really about, and she doesn’t start with the food.
“Van + Pie brings together my Filipino roots, the community I call home, and my belief that simple food can create connection, curiosity, and comfort,” she says.
Roots
Sharon grew up understanding food as something bigger than a meal. “I learned that food is more than nourishment. It’s storytelling, generosity, and tradition,” she explains. “My Filipino background shaped the way I think about comfort food: meals made with care, shared with others, and rooted in flavour.”
Living in Vancouver added another layer. “Experiencing its diverse food culture and vibrant farmers market communities inspired me to create something that reflects both my heritage and my community,” she says.
The Gap
The idea for Van + Pie took shape while Sharon was on the other side of the market table. While managing the Pitt Meadows Farmers Market from 2024 to 2025, she noticed something missing.
“I noticed a gap in the market for savoury handpies,” she says, “warm, handheld comfort food that is convenient to enjoy on the go while still being hearty and satisfying.”
The Menu
“We created Van + Pie to bring warm, portable meals to the community using local ingredients and globally inspired flavours rooted in Filipino comfort food,” Sharon says. “Our menu blends familiar classics with Filipino-inspired flavours like adobo and ube, creating locally made handpies with global influences.”
The goal, she says, is food that welcomes everyone to the table. “Through Van + Pie, I hope to offer food that is approachable, memorable, and community-centered.”
What’s Next
Summer 2026 marks Van + Pie’s inaugural season. “We’re excited to share our handpies at farmers’ markets across the Lower Mainland,” Sharon says. Find the schedule and menu at vanpie.ca.