Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary scene is not just about gourmet experiences and Michelin stars—it’s also home to a growing number of social enterprise restaurants. These unique establishments blend delicious food with a mission: to create positive social impact through employment, training, and community support. Here’s a look at how social enterprise restaurants are changing the dining landscape in Hong Kong, and some of the inspiring venues you can support.
What Are Social Enterprise Restaurants?
Social enterprise restaurants operate with a dual purpose: they serve quality food while tackling social challenges such as unemployment among marginalized groups, poverty, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Unlike traditional businesses, their success is measured not just by profit, but by the difference they make in the community. Many offer job training, career opportunities, and support for people who might otherwise struggle to find work, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and disadvantaged youth.
A pioneer in the field, Gingko House was established in 2003 to promote employment for Hong Kong’s older people. The restaurant group hires mainly senior workers, providing them with stable jobs and a sense of purpose. Gingko House also gives back to the community by offering low-cost meal boxes and distributing free meals to underprivileged residents. They've got several restaurants dotted around Hong Kong, and each has a different style and cuisine. Check out their website for more information (the website is in Chinese only).
Gingko House, locations across Hong Kong, https://www.gingkohouse.hk/
Located atop the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Cafe 8 partners with The Nesbitt Centre to provide employment and training for adults with learning disabilities. Staff gain essential workplace skills and confidence, while diners enjoy a menu of light bites and drinks in a peaceful setting overlooking Victoria Harbour. A great spot to take the kids to too, after a visit to the museum!
Museum CAFE8, Rooftop, Central Pier 8, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.facebook.com/hkcafe8/
Dignity Kitchen, a celebrated social enterprise in Hong Kong, is transforming lives through food and community impact. Recognized in the prestigious Essence of Asia collection by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, alongside icons like Kau Kee and Australia Dairy Company, it serves authentic Singaporean dishes such as laksa and chicken rice while empowering the disabled and disadvantaged with culinary training. Beyond dining, Dignity Kitchen offers a 6,900 sq. ft. event space, team-building cooking experiences, and freshly prepared bento boxes and pandan cakes for corporate needs. A visit here supports a mission of inclusion and cultural exchange, making it a true standout in Hong Kong’s dining scene.
Dignity Kitchen, 2/F, 618 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2561 2633, https://www.projectdignity.hk/
Operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, iBakery employs and trains people with disabilities to bake and serve a range of pastries and meals. With multiple outlets across the city, iBakery has become a beloved spot for socially conscious diners who want to enjoy fresh baked goods while supporting inclusion. Next time you see one of their bakeries, stop by!
iBakery, multiple locations across Hong Kong, https://ibakery.tungwahcsd.org/
Run by the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, these restaurants and cafes provide healthy food and meaningful employment for people recovering from mental illness. Customers can enjoy affordable set lunches and coffee, knowing their patronage helps support rehabilitation and community reintegration.
New Life Social Enterprise Restaurant & Cafe330, locations across Hong Kong, https://www.nlpra.org.hk/
Also founded by The Nesbitt Centre, The Nest Coffee Shop offers barista and customer service training for adults with learning difficulties. With locations in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, it’s a welcoming spot for coffee lovers who want to support inclusive employment. Drop in for some coffee and drinks, pastries and sandwiches.
The Nest Coffee Shop, St John’s Cathedral, Central & St Andrew’s Church, Jordan, Hong Kong, https://www.nesbittcentre.org.hk/
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