Raw Sugar Cafe inspires and caffeinates locals

A young customer enjoys a latte and a good read at Raw Sugar Cafe. (Wei/offCentre)

By Renee Wei

For some, visiting Raw Sugar Café is a chance to sit in the café’s antique chairs, dream and wonder. For others, it’s the chance to watch passersby walking down Somerset Street. But the café is quickly becoming a hub for local activists.

Nadia Kharyati, the owner of the café, spent seven years working with NGOs promoting women’s rights and sexual health. She opened the Raw Sugar Café last year because “there was need for a community space that is different, quality and involved.”

Last Saturday evening, Ottawa RebELLEs, a young feminist network based in Ottawa, hosted a fundraising event as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign. The annual event, which aims to promote awareness of gender-based violence worldwide, chose Raw Sugar Café as one of its Ottawa venues.

According to Kharyati, this is not the first time that she offered her place to charity activities for free.

“All non-profits have limited budgets,” said Kharyati. “If they are fundraising or they are a charity, every little bit helps.”

Kharyati said she’s happy to promote activism in the city.

“It’s pretty much my way of getting back. Because I have that experience, I’m just happy to offer my place for people who are working hard for cause.”

The local community has taken notice of Kharyati’s efforts.

“Chinatown is so pleased to have Raw Sugar in the neighbourhood. It has become a social and cultural hub for this community,” said Grace Xin, the executive director of the Somerset Street Chinatown Business Improvement Area. “It brings so many people from different backgrounds together, and achieves a common goal – make the society a better and more beautiful place for everybody.”

In the small coffee shop, everyone can find a piece of their lives – from secondhand chairs and tables of all colors and shapes to homemade cookies the size of small plates and carrot cakes topped with thick layers of whipped cream.

The café  fuses western and eastern elements into an artistic and romantic atmosphere. Bamboo blinders are tucked behind white silky drapes. Red Chinese lanterns glitter beside sugar canes and angels on the new Christmas tree.

Cynthia Morris, a Carleton University student living in Chinatown, said that she likes writing in Raw Sugar Café.

“It can work … to improve concentration. The atmosphere at Raw Sugar Café keeps me busy and happy, so I feel inspired to create and concentrate.”

Notices for art shows and local activities are proudly displayed beside the menu on the coffee shop’s yellow wall.  Many customers walk straight towards that wall to know what’s going on in the neighbourhood.

Kharyati said that Raw Sugar fills the need for a social space that fosters creativity.

“The people that are here are very interesting. I was hoping they would appreciate this kind of place,” said Kharyati.  “They really embrace it. I’m very happy about that.”

Talking about Raw Sugar Café’s future, Kharyati said she wanted to keep it going the way it has been.

“I’m happy that there is a space for fundraisers and charities to hold events. But it’s also a music venue, a creative source for crafts … it’s become a little bit of everything. It’s a community in a true sense.”