Prashant is a co-founder of Mirchi & Mime, a contemporary dining space that employs people with hearing and speech disabilities as servers
“We knew that this concept of restaurant servers being hearing and speech-impaired had clicked in Toronto as well as San Francisco. But here in India, the gap between the diner and server is wider.
It wasn’t until we met and spoke with parents of students from a school for the hearing and speech impaired that we began considering the possibility of making this a reality here in India.
-----------Before that, we learnt sign language ourselves
and interacted with the students directly to know of their interest and willingness to be a part of this venture. And they were excited! The opportunity to be independent – financially and otherwise – had presented itself to them for the first time.
Starting out, we knew that we did not want the cause to take precedence over the food, or else the restaurant would only be a ‘check the box’ experience for diners who would be less likely to come more than once! This would not have been sustainable.
We've asked our servers why they've chosen to work with us, especially the ones who already had jobs at cafes. They said that because they're hearing- and speech-impaired, they would often be singled out, made fun of and felt isolated from others. Here, they experience oneness and community.
We don't consider them limited. If anything, it is because of them that we have a platform."
-----------Sate your hunger – and learn sign language
Chic and contemporary, Mirchi & Mime employs people with hearing and speech disabilities in order to provide them with skills and a dignified livelihood, and encourage greater understanding of people living with disabilities. Learn sign language to order, and taste exquisite Indian cuisine.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Through working at Mirchi & Mime, its staff have not only found a sustained livelihood, they've also found a community that cares. When you dine at the restaurant, you help support those that previously found it hard to find work, and help them build a better future.
Read our Weekend of Good in Mumbai guide for more travel tips.
Meet Prashant, co-founder of Mirchi & Mime and find out how it all began.
Amenities
Good for kids
Getting there
Accessible by both public and private transport, this beautiful enterprise is located near the Pawai Lake, and surrounded by gardens.
About the host
Prashant and his co-founder are first-generation entrepreneur-investors who believe in promoting entrepreneurship, and took upon themselves to provide gainful, sustainable and respectful employment to 500 people with speech and hearing disabilities, through a chain of restaurants across India and beyond.
Traveller’s notes
Come with an open mind to learn sign language. Learning takes time, so be patient with yourself and the staff.
Want more options? A second branch, Madeira & Mime, offers the gastro-pub treatment with a western-influenced menu.
Have a large group of people? Try their fixed menu that can serve an entire table! Pick from their non-vegetarian, vegetarian or vegan menu. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
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