This video is in Cantonese only
Bite of CUHK
More than just food
cafe330 provides job opportunities to people in recovery (PIRs)
cafe330, a favourite for many CUHK students, offers more than just aromatic coffee and sustainably sourced meals. Entering the cafe, visitors are greeted by warm staff and often overwhelmed by the place’s peaceful ambience. They can quickly grab a sandwich between lessons to sate their appetite, or relax on a comfortable couch to savour every drop of coffee which pairs well with desserts.
cafe330 is the first social enterprise at CUHK opened by New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, and aims to promote the concept of holistic health. It strives to raise awareness among the CUHK community of the importance of physical and mental health. Its mouth-watering meals are made from organic ingredients, without MSG or preservatives. The philosophy behind the cafe is that healthy food options can help regulate people’s mood and emotions. It hires PIRs (people who are in recovery from mental illnesses), who serve customers with passion and professionalism.
“cafe330 first started business at CUHK in 2012,” says Assistant Business Manager Tony Wong. “From menu design to training framework to the mode of communication among colleagues, we adhere closely to the mission of promoting holistic health. Running as a social enterprise, we provide PIRs with catering training opportunities, so that they can communicate with staff and students, and equip themselves with relevant skills to enter the workforce. Some PIRs unleash their potential and become senior store managers after receiving comprehensive training.”
Students can order a cup of coffee, sit down and savour its bittersweet flavour. The exquisite latte at the cafe art matches perfectly with the picturesque campus view, making this an ideal way to boost your weekday productivity. In fact, more than 60% of the cafe’s staff members have been awarded a City & Guilds certification in barista skills. “We are committed to showcasing PIRs’ competence to the general public, and believe that universities are one of the key platforms to do so. When all members of the University acquire a healthy mind and body, we hope they will also recognise the abilities of PIRs. Ultimately, it is our goal to see people from all walks of life supporting the philosophy of social enterprises,” says Tony.
If you need breathing space or a little escape from the hectic schedule, cafe330 is an ideal place. After enjoying an environmentally friendly meal, show appreciation for the hard work of PIRs by giving them a thumbs up.
Address: 101A, 1/F, Yasumoto International Academic Park, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
United Cooperative Tuck Shop supports generations of CUHK
The United Cooperative Tuck Shop, located on the ground floor of Benjamin Franklin Centre next to the university swimming pool, is where CUHK students build their collective memory. It is a tuck shop selling all kinds of food and beverages, such as biscuits, hot snacks and home-made desserts.
Entering the tuck shop, students are warmly greeted by its female workers. First opened in 2001, the tuck shop was founded by a group of unemployed, underprivileged women with the support of Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association. They take full responsibility for shop management and decision making, showcasing a strong culture of cooperation and mutual support. “The shop, for 20 years, has witnessed the growth of CUHK students, from generation to generation,” says one of the workers, who has worked there for more than 10 years.
“Chinese herbal tea eggs are the most popular among students. Having been cooked for two hours and soaked overnight in eight kinds of herbs, our tea eggs are tasty and good for health. Apart from desserts such as black glutinous rice with coconut milk, we also sell Taiwanese omelettes in various flavours,” she adds.
Unlike regular chain stores, the tuck shop’s sense of warmth and friendliness, not to mention its convenient location, is what makes it a perfect spot to fill a hungry stomach.
Address: LG, Benjamin Franklin Centre, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
By Gillian Cheng
Photos by Gloria Ng and Pony Leung
Video by Carina Chiu
