They mean business, and we mean serious business. Forget fine dining or experiential dining, these eateries are the real deal! Run by the disabled people in Malaysia, they are proving that they are thoroughly capable just like their able-bodied peers. If you’re looking for a place to eat with a good cause, then check out these inspiring places.
Image Via: Effendy Rashid
Char Kuey Teow Lagend
Mohd Firdaus Mohd Nor proves that with hard work (and a hot wok), you can succeed despite your disability. At first glance, Firdaus looks like any other person, but look closely and you’ll realise that he’s visually impaired. Firdaus took a bad fall from when he was 4, and slowly his eyesight started to deteriorate. At age 21, it was discovered that he was Blind B2, which meant that he was partially blind. Firdaus didn’t let that stop him from achieving his dreams though, he even graduated with a Diploma in Hotel & Catering as he loved to cook.
First opened at Meru Impian, his business took off and he moved his shop to Kg Dato’ Ahmad Said for a bigger space, now capable of sitting customers. Those eager to try, can sample his best-selling dish, Char Kuey Teow Cheese.
- Opening Hours: n/a
- Location: No. 3133, Lebuh Rajawali, Kampung Dato Ahmad Said Tambahan 2, Manjoi, 30020 Ipoh
Source: Ipoh Echo | New Straits Times
Image Via: Secret Spices
Coffee Sprex
Located humbly in Kelana Jaya, this cozy restaurant is run by the deaf. Kent Cheong, the co-owner of the shop proves that this café should not be overlooked, serving decadent blueberry cheesecake that he bakes himself. This affordable café serves primarily western cuisine where customers can enjoy all-day breakfasts or pastas. Coffee lovers can pair their meal with a good cuppa joe.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (8.30am – 9.00pm)
- Location: No 5, Jalan SS25/23, Taman Plaza, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 47301
Source: Secret Spices
Image Via: Autism Cafe Project
Autism Café Project
There’s nothing stronger than a father’s love, in this case, Mohd Adli Yahya who left his job to help his autistic son, Luqman. Fuelled by his fear of his son’s future, Mohd Adli decided to open Autism Café Project, a café aimed towards helping his son and other autistic youths to learn how to be independent and to earn an income. Those who are unable to work in the café are also given the means to sell their crafts or baked goods in the shop as well.
Serving a mix of local cuisine and western delights, you’re never short of choices in this café.
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (8.00am – 5.00pm)
- Location: iM4U Sentral, Jalan TPP 1/7, Taman Perindustrian Puchong, Puchong, Selangor
Source: Vulcan Post | The Star
Image Via: Star2
Starbucks, Bangsar Village II
Just like any other Starbucks, you’re greeted by the wafting aroma of coffee beans and smiling faces, ready to serve you. This Starbucks on the other hand is a one-of-a-kind. The baristas here are deaf but that doesn’t compromise the level of service or quality of your beverage. Customers place their order through a menu card and communicate through simple gestures or notes.
To collect your drink, you’ll be prompted by a screen with your number on it instead of having your wrongly spelled named called out.
Joke of the day:
Customer: It’s Marc with a “C”
Barista: Ok.
*writes on cup: Marc Cark
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (10.00am – 10.00pm)
- Location: Bangsar Village II, 36, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Image Via: DIB Restaurant & Cafe
DIB Restaurant Cafe & Catering
DIB standing for Deaf in Business, opened its doors in 2011 by Dr Allen Teh who wanted to empower the disabled community, especially the deaf. His passion came from a time when he used to work with the deaf at a fast food chain back in the 80s. Previously known as DIB Coffees of Hawaii, the name changed back in 2017 as importing coffee from Hawaii became costly.
In the mood for some western cuisine? Why not check out DIB, they serve a variety of pastas, burgers, soup and more.
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (7.30am – 6.00pm)
- Location: 1st floor, Menara Gamuda, PJ TRADE CENTRE, No 8 Jln PJU 8/8A, Bandar Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 47820
Source: The Star | DIB Restaurant Cafe & Catering
Despite the challenges and obstacles faced, we applaud their strength of rising to the occasion and proving to the world how amazingly gifted they are. We at Tune Protect fully support everyone living their best lives and growing from challenges. Click here to find out how we support the disabled community with EasyCare PA, our special care protection plan for the disabled.
