A Singapore Foodie Walkthrough That Shows How Inclusion Works
A recent Instagram video by Singapore Foodie, posted four days ago in collaboration with @projectdignitysg, offers an inside look at Dignity Kitchen — Singapore’s differently abled hawker food court and training centre.
The video is carried by Cindy Berlandier, General Manager at Project Dignity, who personally walks viewers through the space, the stalls, and the people behind them.
“Hi and welcome to Dignity Kitchen. The one and only differently abled hawker food court and training centre,” Cindy says at the start of the clip.
She explains that the food court operates eight stalls, each manned by a person with special needs. Viewers are introduced to Sakina, who runs the noodle stall, where equipment has been adapted so cooking is guided by timing and process rather than constant judgment.
Accommodating for Safety and Inclusivity
“Noodle is cooked, the basket will come out. So they don’t have to worry about is it cooked, is it not cooked. We installed this in order to make the task easier,” Cindy explains.
The walkthrough continues with a demonstration of the claypot machine, which works on temperature and timing, eliminating the need for open fire. As Cindy notes, there is no open flame anywhere in the food court.
“This is where I invite people to come in for free smells,” she adds, as the aroma of food fills the space.
At the bakery section, viewers meet Miss Ruby, who is hard of hearing and prepares Dignity Kitchen’s premium cakes.
“She is hard of hearing. She prepares all our premium cakes,” Cindy says. When asked how long she has worked there, Miss Ruby replies: “Five years already.”
The drinks stall operates using sign language, and Cindy points out that most staff can communicate this way. The tour also highlights the Malay stall, which serves Malay dishes as well as Indian biryani.
Training, Employment, And Finding What Each Person Can Do
Beyond serving food, Dignity Kitchen functions as a training centre, running classes for 10 to 12 people every month. Trainees are equipped with F&B skills before being matched with job opportunities.
“During the class, actually, we determine what it is that they can do. So that’s why we call them differently abled,” Cindy explains.
Revenue from the food court supports this work. The kitchen also hosts cooking classes at its studio, including collaborations with the National Silver Academy. Seniors aged over 50 can attend these classes at $0, using their SkillsFuture credits.
Classes include Japanese cuisine and Singapore heritage cuisine, conducted by Chef William.
Cindy introduces herself in the video as the General Manager, sharing that she has been with Project Dignity for six years. She notes that many visitors initially do not realise the staff have special needs.
“Because honestly, sometimes they look as able-bodied as you and me,” she says.
Beyond Food: Supporting Elderly And End-Of-Life Dignity
Project Dignity’s work extends beyond training and employment. Cindy shares initiatives such as organising last birthday celebrations, delivering last lunches to assistees at their homes, and arranging makeup and photography sessions for elderly individuals.
“These are all elderly,” she explains. “Mr Koh Seng Soon, our executive director and founder always believes that somebody should have a beautiful photograph right at the end of their life.”
The public is welcome to drop by anytime during operating hours.
“Anyone can just drop by. We’re open to the public. Come and enjoy our laksa, which is very popular. Our fish and chips, value for money. This will help us along.”
Hawker Food With Heart
According to Dignity Kitchen’s website, the food court offers a range of local hawker favourites, including:
- Wanton mee
- Chinese claypot rice
- Rojak
- Lontong
- Nasi padang
Each plate and cup is served by staff who are central to the mission of restoring dignity through work.
Among them is Peter Ong, the drinks stall manager. Affectionately known as Uncle Peter, he has been with Project Dignity since the beginning. Although slightly hard of hearing, he is known for his smile and for teaching sign language to customers.
At the bakery, Rosirwan, described as bubbly and creative, constantly experiments with new ideas despite being hearing impaired. The halal-certified bakery stall is managed by Joyce Tay, also hearing-impaired, who is especially known for her chocolate cookies.
Dignity Kitchen is HALAL-certified, accepts cashless payments, and allows customers to buy a meal for a person in need.
How Project Dignity Began
While Dignity Kitchen was established in 2010, Project Dignity’s story began in 2005. Founder Koh Seng Choon met Tony, a polio survivor who dreamed of becoming a chef but had only one functional hand and struggled to find employment.
Seng Choon later connected with Hiok Keat, then running a themed café at Armenian Street. The two regularly discussed about a hawker training school for people with disabilities.
Their first venture, Dignity Kitchen™, opened at Balestier Road with just three stalls. At the time, social enterprise was unfamiliar to many Singaporeans, and customers even questioned whether the food was safe to eat.
Despite the challenges, the team experimented with:
- Training a visually challenged individual as a cashier
- Training a hearing-impaired individual to take orders
They also started lunch treats for the elderly, bringing residents out from nursing homes for sponsored meals.
Growth, Innovation, And Recognition
In 2011, Project Dignity moved to Kaki Bukit View with 14 stalls, focusing on implementation and innovation despite operating at a loss. This period saw the launch of Dignity Mama, a retail concept selling upcycled items and secondhand books, enabling mothers with intellectually challenged youths to run small businesses.
The organisation also strengthened its Train-and-Place programme, introduced one-hand noodle cooking equipment, and developed pictorial point-of-sale machines.
A Social Enterprise Built On Dignity
Currently based at 69 Boon Keng Road, the air-conditioned food court operates several stalls manned by who they call differently abled staff. The organisation provides daily lunch treats to elderly residents from nursing homes across Singapore.
As of July 2019, Project Dignity reported:
- Over $7 million in impact
- 3 in 4 trainees placed with employment partners
- 796 individuals trained and placed
- About 60% of staff being differently abled or marginalised
- Over 80,000 lunches provided to the elderly
Why Hawker Food Matters
Project Dignity chose hawker food because it is familiar, inclusive, and accessible to all.
With lower barriers to entry and adaptable systems — such as Braille cash registers and height-adjustable worktops — the hawker model supports integration while remaining sustainable.
Visit Dignity Kitchen
Dignity Kitchen Singapore
📍 69 Boon Keng Road, Singapore 339772
📞 8189 7678
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 8.00am – 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
For many who walk through its doors, Dignity Kitchen is not just a place to eat — it is where work, purpose, and dignity come together, one plate at a time.
Watch the video here:
@singaporefoodie The First & Only Differently-Abled Food Court and Training Centre In Singapore ❤️ 📍Dignity Kitchen, 69 Boon Keng Rd, #01 Red Building, Singapore 339772 ⏰ 8am-3pm (closed on Sunday)
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