About
A world flavours by Plateful Cafe chefs.
At Plateful we are committed to ensuring that every decision we make not only puts the interests of Refugees first but, crucially, is made with Refugees.
The universal language of food
Fantastic food is as close as we really get to a universal shared language. In the absence of a common language, food is such an interesting insight into another culture: from the extraordinary precision of sushi to the shared eating experience of Injera, a food popular in Ethiopia.
We want Plateful to be an insight into the lives and stories of the Refugee chefs who lovingly create the dishes. Whilst much of life is sadly left behind when you are forced to flee your home, knowledge and recipes remain. In this way, food for many of us is so much more than just what’s on your plate.
The impact we make
We strive to be an inclusive hub within the community, uniting people while celebrating differences. Find out the impact we have made during our first year.
Plateful Cafe Founder: Iolanda Chirico
I am so happy to be leading on a community initiative by local refugees to bring their cuisines to the local public and show their culinary talents. What amazing food and dishes will come your way in Spring 2023 at the Parkside Community Centre thanks to Peabody Housing Association who have generously offered the venue.
I am so incredibly priviliged to have a team around me to make the dream of a community refugee-lead cafe a reality. I continue to believe in the great power of food to bring people together, break down barriers and empower local refugees to make a difference.
The Plateful Cafe will be a hub of happiness and an inspiring example of how a community venue can boost local well-being, encourage kindness and transform people’s lives. Let’s make it happen together and be a great success!
Telling a Story
Plateful Café is a charity that connects refugees and local people through a shared love of good food
“The Plateful Cafe will be a hub of happiness and an inspiring example of how a community venue can boost local well-being, encourage kindness and transform people’s lives”
Meet The Chefs
Faten from Sryia
This is Faten cooking her favourite dish, which is fatoush
Yasmin from Syria
I am from syria. I live in London, Lewisham. My favourite dish is stuffed vine leaves.
Nahed from Syria
I am Nahed, I come from Syria and I live in Bromley.
My favourite dishes are
Rice with peas and cashew nuts
Felafel
Hadis from Iran
I am Hadis, I am Iranian and I came to England 2 years ago. I worked as a physiotherapist and skin therapist in Iran. I like to make Iranian foods , desserts and sweets in the cafe, I hope I can create a happy time for customers and they enjoy the taste of foods.
Sana from Syria
My name is Sana. I am from Syria and I now live in Southwark. I like to cook rice with peas.
Manar from Syria
My name is Manar Kapoor. I am from Syria. I worked in a bakery in Jordan and I live in the UK now.
A Message From The Trustees
I joined the board to get more experience in the Food industry, to get to know more about the community and their demands regarding cooking and, most important, to share our thoughts and make the business more successful by allowing the largest possible number of refugees to join and share their cultures and hobbies in cooking.
I hope this year, we will have a special place for Plateful Cafe, and the local community will support us by visiting the cafe and trying the delicious dishes from different cultural backgrounds.
My name is Enxhi, and I have the great opportunity to be one of Plateful Cafe’s trustees. I have always been interested in causes that have to do with human rights and fairness, and I believe Palteful Cafe does just that, giving fair chances to everyone considering their previous background.
The mission of the cafe resonates with me as my family has held the status of refugee for many years, and finding an opportunity that will help, especially to get into the job market, was always missing. Being part of an organisation that will help people not only in the short term but especially in the long term is very fulfilling for me.
On a personal level, this role will give me more insight into charity work, and covering the Treasurer role will help me further develop my accounting skills. Also, being a trustee will be a very good addition to my experience and improve my knowledge regards the way the board is run.
Let the plateful cafe cater your event
The plateful cafe can cater for you. We work at any scale, from an intimate home cooking experience to corporate events and parties. Just get in touch for a personalised quote.
Come find us, everybody’s welcome
Come join us for a coffee and cake at the Parkside Community Centre, between Lewisham and Greenwich.