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Three years ago, Mumbai’s circuit of dabba services welcomed a new entrant—a tiffin service run exclusive by people with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down Syndrome. An attempt by those living on the fringes of the society to finally create a space for themselves, Arpan Tiffin Service was a pioneering effort that employed adults who provided countless others with delicious home-cooked lunch six days a week. An initiative launched by Yash Charitable Trust (YCT) – a non-profit organisation dedicated towards helping those with disabilities smoothly transition into adulthood and find opportunities for themselves, the tiffin service is now expanding into a whole cafe run by the same people.
Cafe Arpan, which opened its teal green pastel doors on 2 August, is the city’s second such eatery to be operated by people with developmental disabilities. Having found a muse in the form of Puzzle Cafe in Manila, Philippines—which is run by the family of an autistic boy Jose Canoy, to support the differently-abled section of the society, Cafe Arpan currently employs 12 people along with some of their family members and beneficiaries who work as volunteers and take orders and serve food as well.
“Cafe Arpan has become a natural extension of the dabba delivery business as demand and its reputation steadily has grown along with the skills and confidence of the ever-cheerful Arpan team,” said Sushma Nagarkar, managing trustee of Yash Charitable Trust in a report by Hindustan Times.
From ‘Videshi Vada Pav’ to ‘Airport Wala Special Sandwich’’ complemented by ‘Garam Chai’ and authentic ‘Filter Coffee’, the cafe’s menu is loaded with such tongue-in-cheek humour and food that almost always arrives with smiles and friendly conversations. The dishes on the menu are reasonably-priced and perfect to grab a quick bite. The restaurant will soon also start hosting jam sessions with singers and dance performers.
In a society that is seldom kind to those emerging from its margins, Cafe Arpan is a remarkable effort to open up the world of self-employment and entrepreneurship to those struggling with disabilities and learning disorders. And even though it lacks a certain glamour we often associate with restaurants in this city, its simplicity and the cheerfulness of its employees more than make up for everything.
Address: Shop no 20, Juhu Ruturaj CHS Ltd, opposite SNDT College, Juhu Road.
Time: 11 am – 8 pm
Feature Image Courtesy: The Hindu
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