By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Equal parts ethical and deliciously edible, these Sydney cafes for a cause are proof that brunch tastes even better when served with a side of social conscience!
Whether they focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing or supporting charitable causes, these cafes ensure that every sip you take contributes to a more equitable world:
Hungry for hoppers? Then hop on over to Colombo Social - a popular weekend option for lazy lunches (although open for dinner every evening) that is so much more than a mere meal.
Instead, this social enterprise kitchen is all about serving up soulful Sri Lankan food, while providing employment opportunities, practical experience and training for people seeking asylum.
Some of its key milestones to date include the provision of more than 25,032 hours of training and employment to new Australians looking to start a better life; serving 26,909 + meals to in-need members of the community and, employing and training more than 45 asylum seekers.
The restaurant is brought to you by the Plate if Forward Group - the team responsible for Kabul Social - a similar concept that focuses on celebrating the food, stories, culture and people of Afghanistan.
By dining at either Colombo or Kabul Social, patrons are sure to find the perfect balance between spice and nice!
Nestled along bustling King Street, Parliament on King goes beyond a basic brunch spot offering instead, a welcoming sanctuary for refugees to connect, learn and thrive, with the opportunity for patrons to sample authentic cuisine from across the globe in the process.
While the food is award-winning and sure to satisfy hungry diners, the humanitarian accolades are even more impressive including the receipt of the 2022 NSW Human Rights Medal.
Parliament on King’s various community-led initiatives include Soup Kitchen Saturdays where asylum seekers and refugee Chefs get paid to make bowls of soup for the soul (or noodles, or biryani). These are then donated to the homeless and those in need - who would have thought empowerment, integration and community engagement could taste so excellent?
At The Freedom Hub, every cup of coffee aims to do more than simply satisfy your caffeine cravings. Rather, this Social Traders-certified, Responsible Cafe-verified social enterprise is on a mission to end modern slavery by eradicating exploitation in the supply chain.
Not only does the cafe prioritise social procurement, ethical sourcing and transparency in its ingredients and actions, but it also donates 100% of its profits to supporting survivors of slavery through education and empowerment programs.
With its edgy industrial ambience and ethical ethos, The Freedom Hub offers patrons a chance to indulge in guilt-free dining while making a tangible difference in the fight against human trafficking.
Kerbside Eatery touts its credentials as a place that delivers on ‘Deli. Dinner. Desserts’, ‘Do Good’ could so very easily be added to its official business logo.
That’s because, alongside the delicious subs, salads and sweet slices on offer at either of the Western Sydney stores, you’ll also find several regular community-focused initiatives designed to aid the less fortunate.
One of the most popular is the in-store ‘pay it forward’ corkboard - where patrons can purchase meal vouchers for those in need. These vouchers provide free meals to individuals or families facing hardships, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.
While Kerbside’s biggest contribution to the Sydney street food scene may have previously been its signature cheesecakes on a stick, today, its commitment to a culture of compassion is even more iconic.
Located in Yirranma Place - a community precinct with philanthropy at its heart - Two Good Cafe takes the concepts of feel-good food literally! The eatery’s ethos is an extension of the historic building within which it is housed (which counts the cafe among 20 purpose-driven tenants) - whose biggest initiatives are based on creating employment outcomes for vulnerable women.
Female workers at Two Good generally find employment there following a six-month training program at the business’s associated Eveleigh Head Quarters and Kitchen, where they are taught skills in coffee making, food catering and concierge services.
Beyond this, the cafe menu is also designed with a focus on purpose over profit - featuring like-minded brands including The Bread & Butter Project, T Totaler and MoodTea - a social enterprise that supports youth suicide.
Designed to showcase local artisans and seasonal produce, patrons can expect to feast on wholesome staples such as piping hot baked pastries, fresh salads, cheesy toasties and daily changing specials that redefine the concept of soul food.
Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney is an Australian-first, social impact collaboration between OzHarvest and world-renowned Chef Massimo Bottura and his not-for-profit organisation, Food for Soul, where meals are created using up to 95% ingredients which have been rescued by OzHarvest!
During the day service, those in need can enjoy a nourishing, three-course meal served with dignity and respect - absolutely free! Based on the brand’s zero-waste philosophy, sustainability is at the forefront of operations with rescued ingredients transformed by OzHarvest Chefs into gourmet meals with the menu changing weekly.
Want to make a booking beyond brunch? Every Thursday night, the venue also hosts ‘Pay It Forward Dinners’ allowing guests to dine at Refettorio and learn more. Here, you can enjoy a delicious three-course vegetarian meal along with accompanying housemade non-alcoholic drinks, for $80 per guest.
Every ticket sold means the organisation can serve four people in need of a nourishing three-course meal during the day time service.
