1500 photos collage full of love and dreams — A heartwarming Italian restaurant in Xinyi District for just NT$100

▲ The most eye-catching feature of Lawrence's Kitchen is this collage made from nearly 1500 photographs.

Reporter Peng Huaiyu / Taipei reporting and photography

In this utilitarian society, survival often hinges on profit-making, and running a restaurant is no exception. But Lawrence's Kitchen in Wuxing Street, Taipei, is different. This establishment, driven by a public welfare mission, brings a wave of warmth to an otherwise indifferent society.

▲ Located in a prime spot in Taipei’s Xinyi District, Lawrence's Kitchen opened in May this year.

Located in a prime spot in Taipei’s Xinyi District, Lawrence's Kitchen opened in May this year. The owner, Ms. Peng, and her husband were both corporate employees. “Many people starting a business think about how soon they can break even, but because I experienced trauma as a child, helping children who’ve lost their loved ones has always been my dream. Feeding kids at orphanages is the most direct and simple way.” So, with savings of one million NTD, the couple started in October last year with a food truck, without thinking about making money or having a backup plan — just embarking on the journey to realize their dream.

▲ An entire wall of the shop was hand-painted by an artist known to the owner over the course of several days.

The most striking feature inside is a collage made from around 1500 photos, documenting the couple’s journey delivering meals from Taipei down south in their food truck. Every photo tells a story.

Speaking of the food truck, the couple spent 700,000 NTD customizing it into the shape of their son’s favorite character, Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. “At first we made pancakes and hot dog sandwiches. After contacting the orphanages, we delivered hot meals all the way to orphanages in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. When the kids saw the Tigger truck, they not only enjoyed the food but were also excited to take photos with it.” Ms. Peng smiled as she recalled the scene, and I could see the determination in her eyes.

▲ %The menu includes... (text garbled; placeholder retained)

The menu mainly features Italian cuisine, including pasta, risotto, light meals, desserts, and drinks, priced between 98 and 180 NTD. It’s hard to imagine how they survive in Xinyi District, where rent is extremely high, with such benevolent pricing. The dishes are prepared by Chef Shi Tou, formerly of “Bellini.” “Due to financial pressures of supporting his family, Shi Tou left, but he personally taught my husband and the shareholders how to make the dishes,” Ms. Peng explained.

▲ A corner of Lawrence's Kitchen.

Lawrence Public Welfare Kitchen holds a monthly “Kid Manager for a Day” event, where children take part in serving food and greeting customers in their own adorable ways. Beyond meals, the kitchen also prepares various courses and DIY activities for the kids. The ambitious owner also revealed during the interview a grand plan to nurture children — she would rather not have the restaurant sponsored, but instead direct resources straight to the next generation in need.

▲ %The kitchen holds a fixed “One-Day Manager” activity each month for underprivileged children. (text garbled; placeholder retained)