7 Inclusive Restaurants & Cafes That Support Marginalised Sectors

When the pandemic hit, many of us gravitated toward kindness. Out sprang professionals who started fundraising campaigns, organisations that initiated volunteer programmes, and individuals who donated whenever and wherever they could.

Bayanihan continues to stay at the heart of the Filipino, and it shouldn't take a global crisis to practise it. One meaningful way to make a difference is by supporting local businesses with advocacies that empower communities and create more inclusive opportunities. Here are some restaurants and cafes in Metro Manila that continue to champion worthwhile causes.

Restaurants and cafes in Metro Manila that hire and equip PWDs

Grappling against labels and stereotypes, many Filipinos with disabilities continue to significantly contribute to the nation’s workforce. But despite local and national laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, those in the food and beverage industry still face challenges in career building.

Fast-paced and customer-facing, the F&B industry often lacks safe spaces for anyone with physical, mental, cognitive, learning, or sensory impairments. Fortunately, these cafes and restaurants are helping challenge that stigma by creating more inclusive workplaces.

1. Elait!

Image credit: Elait Official Facebook Page

In this silent ice cream shop, “deaf” is a label worn with pride right below the name tags of its servers. Having partnered with the College of Saint Benilde’s School for the Deaf, Elait! hires deaf people who’ve missed job opportunities due to discrimination against people with special needs. Aside from employing staff who are deaf, Elait! also shares creative infographics to educate customers about sign language and deaf sensitivity.

2. Overdoughs

Image credit: Overdoughs Official Facebook Page

Bringing the same values as Elait!, Overdoughs is the former’s counterpart for baked treats. It hires PWD employees, particularly deaf Filipinos, to prepare and serve delicious food to its customers. The dessert hub specialises in gourmet cookies, artisanal doughnuts, and sourdough pizzas.

3. Hisbeans Coffee

Image credit: Hisbeans Philippines Official Facebook Page

With the mission to dispel the stigma against people with special needs, Hisbeans Coffee proves that everyone with a good heart can serve people excellently. Hailing from South Korea, this charming cafe trains and hires PWDs, particularly those with mental disabilities.

Metro Manila restaurants and cafes that support local artisans

Business is business, many employers say. But to some cafes and restaurants in Metro Manila, advocacies take precedence over all. While coming up with creative solutions to keep themselves afloat, these establishments continue to stay true to their values by supporting sustainability, local resources, and fellow Filipinos.

4. AdvoCafe

Image credit: AdvoCafe Official Facebook Page

True to its name, AdvoCafe packages advocacy in a quaint coffee shop. A non-profit social enterprise, this cafe donates all its net proceeds to different initiatives that benefit Indigenous Peoples. Alongside its programmes for education and livelihood, AdvoCafe also supports an eco-friendly process of coffee production.

5. Half Saints

Image credit: Half Saints Official Facebook Page

Inspired by the diverse flavours of the Philippines, Half Saints pays homage to local destinations. Aside from showcasing the tastes of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the coffee shop also aims to source its ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible.

6. Earth Kitchen

Image credit: Earth Kitchen Official Facebook Page

Dedicated to supporting small businesses and Indigenous communities, Earth Kitchen sources its ingredients locally and sustainably. Partnered with Got Heart Foundation and Hizon’s Catering, the farm-to-table restaurant allows local fisherfolk and farmers to benefit from every purchase. If you can’t decide what to order, try its well-loved beef kebabs.

7. The Giving Cafe

Image credit: TGC: A Social Enterprise Official Facebook Page

As you walk into The Giving Cafe, you'll instantly find yourself marvelling at its Filipino-inspired interiors. More than its beautiful décor, the cafe champions local coffee and sustainable farming, supporting Filipino growers while celebrating local flavours.

Also read: 14 Coffee Shops in Quezon City That You Have to Visit

Supporting businesses with meaningful advocacies is one way to make a positive impact while enjoying great food and coffee. Whether they're creating inclusive employment opportunities or championing local communities, these cafes and restaurants prove that every purchase can help support a greater cause. Know another establishment with a similar advocacy? Share it with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages—we'd love to hear about it!