Students enjoying a lunch break at Eat X Dignity (Photo: Eat X Dignity)
There's a growing number of restaurant and cafe owners in the city who have started their own eateries with a strong belief for social causes. Check out these dining initiatives that give back to the society, be it to help at-risk youth or empower autistic individuals.
These sister outlets specialise in Western — think juicy grilled chicken chops, hearty burgers and fries — and Malaysian food such as nasi kerabu ayam percik and innovations like the cendol waffle. What makes the restaurants extra special is that diners can also pay for an additional meal, or a suspended meal as it is called, for someone in need. Operating on a no-questions-asked basis, the aim is to provide anyone who is unable to pay for their food with a warm meal.
Lot G-13, Perdana The Place, Jalan PJU 8/5G, Damansara Perdana, PJ. 03 7732 4116. Daily, 11am-10.30pm. For more, see here.
De’Divine Café, Brickfields
The café is the vocational arm of MySkills Foundation that works with at-risk youth, the majority of whom have dropped out of formal education. A continuation of the skills training provided by the foundation, the friendly youngsters who run the café can whip up local dishes such as nasi lemak and pasembur. A cendol smoothie and selection of cakes are also available to end the meal on sweet note.
33-1-4, Scott Villa Condominium, Jalan Scott. 03 2272 3363. Tues-Fri, 10am-7pm. See more details here.
Autism Café Project Malaysia, Puchong
Born of a father’s determination to create a positive environment for his son, who is on the autistic spectrum, the inclusive café is staffed by his son and other youngsters on the spectrum as well as those with special needs, who are provided training and learn to earn an independent income. Besides serving a mean meal, Autism Café Project invests a lot of time and effort in raising awareness of autism and other special needs.
Located at the iM4u Sentral, Jalan TTP 1/7, Taman Perindustrian Puchong. For details, call 012 349 0813 or visit here.
Part of the Dignity for Children Foundation, this café in the heart of Sentul provides work experience for underprivileged children from the foundation. Offering great food in a creative space, diners can enjoy a wide range of dishes — such as satay lilit topped with Thai Green Curry sauce, nasi dagang, burger and fries or fried chicken — sip a cup of coffee or treat their sweet tooth to cakes or brownies with ice cream.
25-G Jalan 11/48A, KL. 03 4050 3387. Daily, 10.30-9pm. See more here.
This article first appeared on Nov 26, 2018 in The Edge Malaysia.
