Our story

Authentic flavours of Timor, with a purpose that goes far beyond the plate.

Who we are

A professional restaurant and catering company, with a social purpose

We are a professional food service company based in Timor-Leste, offering structured catering solutions for institutions, diplomatic missions, airlines, corporate clients and large-scale events.

We operate with clear processes, trained teams and discipline across all our operations. Our leadership combines international experience with local expertise, ensuring reliability, consistency and quality in every service we deliver.

Our journey

From a simple idea to a gastronomic destination with purpose

2008Casa Vida is born

The Casa Vida Association is founded to ensure the physical and mental integrity, life and safety of children, adolescents and women who are victims of violence and abuse.

2010Aroma Café is born

The restaurant is created with the goal of being sustainable and providing financial support to Casa Vida — and of being a gateway for survivors through training and employment opportunities.

2021A robust operating model

Aroma Café reopens with a stronger structure, expanding into institutional catering and building structured training programmes for the team.

2023First themed nights

Feijoada Day and Japanese Dinner become regular themed buffets and quickly win over the Dili community.

2023–2025Large-scale catering

Partnerships begin with airlines, embassies and international organisations, for large-scale diplomatic and corporate events across Timor-Leste.

TodayOver 2,000 followers

A loyal community follows Aroma Café on Facebook, while institutional and diplomatic catering and themed buffets become central pillars of the business.

What we do

Beyond the restaurant, we're a trusted catering partner across Timor-Leste

Institutional & corporate catering

Structured daily canteen and buffet services, with consistent quality and efficiency.

Diplomatic & VIP events

High-standard service aligned with protocol and demanding presentation expectations.

Airline catering

Rigorous in-flight meal preparation and precise logistical coordination.

Large-scale events

Operational capacity to serve hundreds — or thousands — of guests without compromising quality.

Excellence in numbers

Some of the events we've had the privilege of serving

700
guests at the launch event for a new Aero-Dili aircraft (2025)
2,000
hot dogs served during a large-scale VIP event
600
guests at a typical corporate breakfast
Apr 25
annual ANZAC Day catering, for the Australian and New Zealand community

Mission & vision

The two ideas that guide everything we do at Aroma Café

Our mission

To provide a high-quality dining experience in a welcoming environment, offering training and employment opportunities to women and adolescent victims of abuse — promoting their reintegration and independence.

Our vision

To be recognised as a restaurant and catering service of gastronomic excellence and a model of social responsibility — transforming lives and inspiring other businesses to adopt practices with a positive impact on society.

What drives us

Four pillars that underpin everything we do

Professional training

We equip women and adolescents with real kitchen and hospitality skills, opening doors to the future.

Casa Vida partnership

Working directly with the association that shelters and reintegrates children, adolescents and women who are victims of violence and abuse.

Local community

Local ingredients, suppliers and talent whenever possible — we grow with Dili, not apart from it.

Quality food

From Brazil to Japan, by way of Timor — flavour and care in every dish that leaves our kitchen.

Chef Helder, Aroma Café's leadership

Leadership: Chef Helder

With experience in Brazil and Timor-Leste, Chef Helder brings deep expertise in large-scale food operations, business management and intercultural leadership.

His vision unites operational excellence with structured social impact — the same philosophy that guides every service at Aroma Café, from the daily buffet to diplomatic events for hundreds of guests.

"Professionalism is our foundation. Impact is our commitment." — Chef Helder
Casa Vida Association — Dili, Timor-Leste

Every donation changes a life

Casa Vida is an association, founded in 2008, that ensures the physical and mental integrity, life and safety of children, adolescents and women who are victims of violence and abuse in Timor-Leste. By supporting them directly, you help provide shelter, food, education and love to those who need it most.

1 home
Safe shelter for children at risk
$5
feeds a child for a day
$20
covers school supplies for a month
$50
ensures monthly healthcare

Make a donation

Demonstration prototype — this button simulates a donation. For real donations, please contact Casa Vida or Aroma Café directly.

Be part of this story

Visit us, reserve your table or follow us on Facebook to keep up with the impact we're creating together.