Dining in Singapore does not always mean it is a luxurious affair for yourselves. You can satisfy your cravings at an affordable price and help someone in need at the same time.

There is an increasing number of entrepreneurs and cafe owners who have started small businesses in the F&B industry with a strong belief for social cause(s) and to give back to society. A meal at these places actually mean playing a significant role in showing support for the same cause.

From helping the poor to employing ex-convicts and those with special needs in the hopes of teaching them new skills, here is a list of restaurants in Singapore where you can dine for a cause.

Photo Credit: Straits Times

ART BAR

The Art Bar is a special collaboration between Pathlight School and Starbucks Singapore.

The bar aims to promote the talents of young adults with autism by teaching them the ropes of being a professional barista. Have a sip of the Cafe Americano (S$2.90) and Milo Smoothie (S$4.50) or bite into cookies and muffins that are priced at S$2 onwards.

After lunch, drop by The Art Faculty Shop run by Autism Resource Centre where you will find brilliant artworks by the students.

The Art Faculty By Pathlight
#01-07 Enabling Village
20 Lengkok Bahru
Tel: +65 6513 0706
Mon to Sat: 9am – 8pm

Photo Credit: Bliss Restaurant

BLISS

This social enterprise has gone all out to give back to society. Apart from providing employment opportunities to all (including the disabled), Bliss stands by four corporate social responsibilities to make this world a better place. They tackle environmental issues such as recycling waste oil to biodiesel and using biodegradable disposable corn ware, as well as helping the elderly with lower income by donating used carton boxes and groceries to them.

Bliss has a menu of Western food options, from pasta variations to steaks and seafood.

Cheng San Community Club
6 Ang Mo Kio Street 53
Singapore 569205
Tel: +65 6280 3389
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 1am

Photo Credit: Yelp

BREAKTHROUGH CAFE

This is where all the dim sum lovers should head to. This Asian cuisine cafe is born out of the intention to help former drug addicts return to society by developing their character and honing their skills during the time spent in the rehabilitation programme.

When you support their cause by dining there, you are helping to boost their confidence and give them the encouragement they need to step back into the working community. Breakthrough Cafe also caters buffet receptions for your events.

101A Upper Cross Street
#01-02C People’s Park Centre
Singapore 058358
Tel: +65 6533 5977
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat: 7am – 3pm

Photo Credit: Asia City

CROSSINGS CAFE

Everyone should be given equal opportunities at work. This is a highly regarded belief held by the team at Crossings Cafe who employs the disadvantaged, giving them a chance to be independent. The cafe has teamed up with Assumption Pathway School to train students with special needs in skills that are required in the food and beverage industry. They also provide internship opportunities and hire graduates from the school to work in the cafe.

Visitors can enjoy Asian and Western cuisines such as Char Siew Pork Ribs, Signature Chilli Crab Pasta and Truffle Mac and Cheese. All items on the menu are below S$20.

55 Waterloo Street
Singapore 187954
Tel: +65 6336 6203
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 10pm

Photo Credit: AsiaForGood

E&I CONCEPTS

The masterminds behind E&I Concepts are also the owners of Garçons, who opened their fourth outlet in less than a year. The social enterprise hires young ex-offenders and youths at risk. The founder of E&I Concepts himself walked out from a dark past and started this side business as a way of helping those who are struggling to return to society.

Make a trip to E&I Concepts if you happen to love gourmet European cuisine that is wallet-friendly. The chefs are young boys who came out from the boys’ home and are given job opportunities with the hopes of moving on to reputable restaurants in the future.

95 East Coast Road
Singapore 428793
Tel: +65 6447 0710

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food For Thought is committed to bringing people together to dine for a good cause. Part of their profits goes to providing clean water and free food for the poor. This food establishment goes beyond helping the disadvantaged in Singapore and aims to raise funds for third world countries.

There are currently three outlets in Singapore. Find them at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Art Museum and Queen Street.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road #B1-00
Tel: +65 6338 4848
Daily: 8am – 9pm

Photo Credit: Pepperminter

JOAN BOWEN CAFE

The story behind Joan Bowen Cafe is indeed a heartwarming one. Jeanne Seah is the owner of the cafe and a mother to Joan Bo Wen, who was born with special needs. To encourage her daughter and to be a pillar of support to others, Jeanne set up the cafe to provide working experience for those with special needs. Employees at the cafe learn how to whip up a good meal, run the kitchen and pick up social skills by attending to customers.

Have a go at the Sesame Chicken Wings, Chilli Crab Spaghetti or Bangers and Mash before ending your meal with an Oreo Cheesecake.

The restaurant closes from 3pm to 5.30pm so that the staff can take a break.

9 Jalan Wangi
Singapore 349354
Tel: +65 6281 3629
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 9.30pm

Photo Credit: Hawker

NEW RASA SINGAPURA

Conveniently located near Orchard Road, New Rasa Singapura serves up local delights such as Curry Fish Head, Chicken Rice, Laksa and Char Kway Teow. The organisation hires those who are recovering from medical conditions such as hearing impairment and stroke. They also lend a helping hand to those who are suffering from long-term unemployment as well.

Job responsibilities differ from person to person, depending on the situation. Employees with mobility issues are provided with seats when they prepare food, and some who are recovering from mental illnesses are trained to be part of the service crew.

56 Tanglin Road
#B1-02 Tanglin Post Office
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 9818 8102
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: withloveyuting

NOX

Learn to appreciate your senses when you dine in the dark with a companion at Nox. Most of the staff are blind, and they will be the ones leading you to your table. Even your food will be served by them! The restaurant works with the Singapore Association for the Visually Impaired as the owner believes that no one else can do a better job than them.

At a price of S$88++ per person, you get to choose over 12 dishes for a three-course meal. The menu is mysterious and changes every month, so it is always a different experience with every visit.

269 Beach Road
Singapore 199546
Tel: +65 6298 0708
Mon to Fri: 6pm – late
Sat: 5pm – late
Sun: 5pm – 11pm

Photo Credit: Silverkris

SOUL FOOD

Youths with special needs are trained at Soul Food to serve up three-course set lunch menus with impressive mains that you and I may not be able to come up with! Look forward to indulging in barbeque prime pork ribs, stewed beef medallions and Roast Stuffed Cornish Hen. These set lunches range from S$25 to S$30.

Follow them on Facebook as they update regularly on the set menu which changes every two days. Call them to make reservations as they are closed for private events on certain days.

20 Lengkok Bahru
#01-10 Enabling Village
Singapore 159053
Tel: +65 9823 4455
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 2pm

About the writer:
Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.