A restaurant chain with an attitude, Eighteen Chefs Trattoria prides itself as an equal-opportunity employer for young people – especially for ones who’ve had more than their fair share of a bitter taste of life.

By Liu Hong Zuo

You might have heard of Benny Se Teo, the 49-year-old owner of social enterprise Eighteen Chefs Trattoria, and ex-intern from Jamie Oliver’s London restaurant, Fifteen.

Now it may begin to sound like yet another Yellow Ribbon Project commercial, but Eighteen Chefs Trattoria is so much more than that. Benny truly believes in giving delinquents and individuals who have traversed the darker path one more shot at life – and has taken a bold step of action to do so.

The third branch of Eighteen Chefs Trattoria recently opened in Yishun to cater to youths in the North, and it promises an identical menu, atmosphere and concept like all its predecessors at Simei and Fusionopolis@one-north – but with double the floor space.

Named so because ‘18’ has a strong connotation of secret societies in Singapore, Eighteen Chefs Trattoria is famous for its crew of employees, most of whom have found new meaning in a life without affiliations to the underground. Their tattoos and piercings are colourful reminders of their past, while their humble service represents who they’ve become. For one, they sure cook a lot better than most people double their age.

Since the restaurant’s first branch opened in Eastpoint Mall, Benny has been actively helping out ex-delinquents who seek a second chance by ignoring the stigma of society and teaching them what he knows best: cooking. Victor Lim, 17, a chef at Eighteen Chefs Trattoria, is the epitome of what Benny means by a second chance. Having worked there for only six months, he is slated to lead the Yishun branch of Eighteen Chefs Trattoria.

This had not come easy for the unassuming teenager, who has been through a dark and troubled past. Victor mixed around with gangsters when he was just in primary school, which eventually led him to drop out of Sembawang Secondary School at the mere age of 14.

Street fights were common to him, until he met with one that left him with six scars and a change of heart. During his recovery period, Victor’s mind was a mess and he locked himself at home and reflected for months.

It was then, through his school counsellor, that he discovered Eighteen Chefs Trattoria.

“[The counsellor] asked me what my interests are. I said I like cooking,” says Victor, and as he flails his arms excitedly, you can see his tattooed arms that reveal a darker past.

And that began the next step of his new life. Just six months under Benny and, with the previous chef as his mentor, the humble chef has now found his calling in the kitchens.

So this is our recommendation: Go for the heart, but return for the food.

On a sidenote:

The must-try at all Eighteen Chefs Trattoria branches is their student set meal. At $6.50, it delivers not only in variety, but taste as well. The sets include a choice of pasta (we’d recommend a satisfyingly rich cream base), homemade iced lemon tea, and usually a scoop of mint ice cream to cleanse your palate. The chef doesn’t stinge on ingredients, which is a pleasant surprise for this price.

If you choose to wander away from the set, the menu provides an extensive selection of side dishes ($3 to $6). If not, try the other main courses ($7 to $12) if you’re feeling a little more generous. To top your meal off, be daring and give one of their sinful ice cream-based goodness a go.