Food for the body is good, but food for the soul is great. You have the opportunity to get both at these restaurants and cafés, which run vocational training programs for street kids. Good cause, good food, good idea. If you’re in the area, why not try one out?
Vietnam
Streets International has just one restaurant for now, but they envision taking this venture and replicating it on a global scale. The revenue of the commercial ‘teaching’ restaurant will ultimately support and fund the associated training facility, housing, medical and other community services for the street kid participants. The founder and president of Streets, Neal Bermas, has ties with the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. The kids participating at the Streets restaurant will undergo the same training – and 18-month curriculum – as students at ICE. As they move through the program, they’ll work in every area of the restaurant, from front-of-house duties to cooking to management. They’ll also have a great support system with medical care, English lessons, and basic life skills courses. And when they’re finished, the kids will graduate with certification that will allow them to apply for jobs in top hotels.
Hanoi
- KOTO: (Know One Teach One) is a stunning 4-storey café-restaurant overlooking the Temple of Literature. It offers local specialities, home comforts, real coffee, fruit shakes and free wi-fi.
- HOA SUA is a shady retreat by day, a dignified diner by night, and an opportunity to experience the perfect blend of East and West. Hoa Sua trains a steady stream of disadvantaged kids for culinary careers.
- CAFE SMILE part of the Hoa Sua family, is a relaxed café-restaurant renowned for its cakes and pastries. But it also serves delicious Vietnamese and western dishes.
