Yummy Food; Good Cause

I’ve mentioned before how my travels are as much about service, support and reparations as much as they serve to quench my wanderlust and curiosity.

One thing I’ve managed to hone into somewhat of an art is to seek out “socially-aware” vegan/vegetarian restaurants. Often affiliated with an NGO (charitable organization), they never fail to satisfy (food) and amaze me (mission).

Most interesting is how prevalent they are, at least in major cities in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and now Cambodia.

I’m writing this from my garden table at the Peace Cafe, as I finish my scrambled tofu breakfast, accompanied by French press coffee and a mango-pineapple-coconut-banana smoothie.

The wait staff, mostly trainees, and the trainers and managers are gentle in demeanor, attentive and engaged, and dear beyond belief. The West would do well to learn from these Buddhist-based cultures. Perhaps we are beginning to. In fact, we all have so much to learn from each other. If only we would travel, be humble and open and aware.
 

Peace Cafe

peacecafeangkor.org/


Peace Cafe provides fresh healthy vegetarian food, a bakery and a fair trade shop - an oasis of tranquility with a beautiful spacious garden filled with bird songs. We offer Khmer traditional vegetarian cooking classes and meditation, yoga, monk chat opportunities. We also offer free Khmer classes and English classes for Cambodians. Our fair trade shop has products made by disadvantaged and HIV- positive people and local artisans.


We work closely with several local NGOs, providing first aid kits, bicycles, shoes, school supplies, clothes, mosquito nets and hygiene education and supplies.


We employ local poor and disadvantaged people that have been trained at Marum (see below). We also work with TIFO (The Institute For Opportunity) supporting teacher salaries, student scholarships and providing books and school supplies.





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HAVEN

havencambodia.com/


HAVEN is a social enterprise and a training restaurant for vulnerable young adults from shelters, as well as underprivileged young adults from very poor rural areas. By teaching quality work skills and important life skills, we empower these young people by preparing them for employment and by helping them in their personal development, creating safe and independent futures.


While enjoying a delicious meal in our tropical garden or traditional Khmer house, you are directly supporting our training program and these wonderful young people. And to make sure your visit and help stay an unforgettable experience, we promise to spoil you with flavourful Asian and favourite international dishes (including many vegetarian and vegan tidbits), honest smiles, and great sound.





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Marum

www.facebook.com/marum.restaurant.kh/


Marum has been working with street children and other marginalized young people since 2005 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Tucked into a lush, peaceful garden, Marum serves up a flavourful blend of Cambodian and international cuisine.  And it’s more than just a meal—Marum is one of  Friends-International's  iconic  restaurants. Every bite supports young people in training as they build brighter futures, acquiring the skills they need for stable employment. So, you can enjoy both a delicious dining experience and support a powerful social cause.   Come for the food, stay for the impact!





Friends International 

friends-international.org/who-we-are/


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The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe 
https://thelittleredfoxespresso.com/


The Little Red Fox Espresso opened in 2014 with a simple vision to bring what we love about Australian cafe culture to Siem Reap and shake it all up with what we love about Cambodia!


Since the beginning we have supported and hosted many community music, art and film projects. The Little Red Fox also focuses on up-skilling, educating and training those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn management skills. Our philosophy is teaching through the practice and freedom of creativity. 


In addition, we are big on socially responsible and environmental business practices. Although The Little Red Fox is not an NGO, we are a business which is passionate about advocating for what is right, both in our cafe and in our community.


  

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