A key institution of the YGAP (Y-Generation Against Poverty) charity, Feast of Merit is a non for profit restaurant that uses the funds it generates to help poverty stricken communities in the Third World. By eating here, you will be supporting vital VGAP economic and leadership programs in Malawi, Ghana, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Australia.
Alongside the excellent social initiatives of the restaurant, however, is high quality, healthy and delicious food. With an array of first class Middle Eastern dishes on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Feast of Merit has quickly become of the most popular establishments in Swan St.
The restaurants name is drawn from an Indian tradition known as the ‘feast or merit’ in which centres on the promotion of sharing and connecting in the community.
Led by Electrolux Australian young chef runner up Ayhan Erkoc, the menu features a number of classic dishes as well as others inspired by his frequent travels to Turkey and Oman. Feast or Merit also place an empahsis in keeping the freshest seasonal produce in rotation throughout the year.
Feast of Merit feature a number of different vegetarian and vegan choices, as well as traditional Middle Eastern meat dishes, with a plethora of options available for all!
With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, the building was constructed with the use of locally salvaged woods, exposed brickwork and rustic copper piping. Their now famous rooftop dining and bar area, which caters to up to 40 at a time, continually draws crowds. With a retractable roof and heaters, the rooftop caters for any of the unpredictable 365 days in the Melbourne calendar year.