I’ve started volunteering at Soupi, a community soup kitchen based in Fremantle on Monday nights. It runs on donations from those who drop by. And it doesn’t matter who. It’s an open and accepting group of people and many a conversation is had and news of it is spread by word of mouth.

By volunteering, I mean that I am helping cook. The cooking team depends on who is available on a Monday afternoon and is headed by Soupi Chef, Kath Grimbly. But fear not, you don’t need the skills of an apprentice chef, or chef. Kath set me simple tasks like cutting tomatoes into wedges and boiling water. Definitely vanquish the hellish scenes of a kitchen run by a raving hateful chef. Kath is bubbly, friendly and most of all engaging.

Even though Soupi is a soup kitchen, it doesn’t just serve soup. There has been dahl, rice, ratatouille, and cous cous salad. The main stays of Soupi is a technicoloured garden salad with tahini dressing that rivals just about any gourmet salads served at restaurants I’ve had. And then, there’s dessert, stewed apple. It’s like apple pie without the pastry. Mmmm…

My favourite offering from Soupi is the chai tea. It’s made entirely from scratch just like all the other food. It’s divine. It’s put on the stovetop as people start arriving so it’s just ready to serve at around dessert. The spices are mixed and blended together. Perhaps it’s just me but I find it mesmerising to watch someone using a motar and pestle. And it’s not everyday when you get to see someone using one to make tea.

Soupi Details
Time: Soupihappens every Monday evening 6.30 p.m.
Location: corner of Montreal and High St, Fremantle
Please park on High St and enter through the gate on High Street