7 Inspiring Restaurants in Malaysia Run by People with Disabilities

Here are 7 eateries in Malaysia that are run by people with disabilities, proving that they also can live a normal life like everyone else.

1. RC Deaf Missions Cafe, Selangor

Founded by siblings Agnes and Mario Peter in 2006, RC Deaf Missions started off as a training centre to create an employable avenue for the deaf.

With food and drink prices ranging from RM8 to RM15, this cafe serves Western-Asian-inspired dishes like curry laksa and sambal cashew nut fried rice, as well as an array of delicious sandwiches like the Double Fish and Chips sandwich.

If you're interested in learning Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), check out their Instagram page, as they sometimes conduct a course for those who want to learn the language.

Address: 2-4 & 2-6, 2-7, Level 2 Kedai KL, Block B, Jalan Ilmu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2. DIB Restaurant, Selangor

Kickstarting operations in 2011, DIB Restaurant, also known as Deaf in Business, aims to help the deaf and disabled with employment opportunities.

Recounting his days working in KFC Imbi back in the 80s, the founder of DIB Restaurant, Dr Allen Teh, was inspired to make a difference in the lives of the deaf. Thus, with 12 years of experience in the F&B industry, he launched the business.

DIB Restaurant serves a wide selection of Western and local dishes. Additionally, they also provide venue rental service, and customers can choose to use DIB's own catering service or their own caterer.

For more information, check out their page for more information.

Address: PJ Trade Centre, 1st Floor, Menara Gamuda, No 8, Jalan PJU 8/8A, Damansara Perdana, 47820, Petaling Jaya

3. Stand Pie Me

If you're looking for a spot to enjoy some freshly made and delicious pies, why not try out Stand Pie Me in Petaling Jaya?

Run by staff with special needs, the initiative behind Stand Pie Me was developed right before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. Their manager, Sarjit Singh, was inspired to do this after his son was diagnosed with special needs.

Stand Pie Me offers more than just pies. You can find vegetable and chicken quiches as well as apple crumble here. They even sell two types of cookies for Hari Raya. Do note that the cookies are only available until the end of April. The best part is that the items in this cafe start from as low as RM6.90!

Aside from dine-in, Stand Pie Me also provides delivery services. Check out their full menu here.

Address: Lot G-052, Ground Floor, Millennium Square, 98, Jalan 14/1, Section 14, 46100 Petaling Jaya.

4. Kafe Basikal Tua, Selangor

The idea behind the cafe emerged after the owner, Raja Iskandar Raja Mansur, met a blind masseur who helped nurse him back to health following a stroke.

After witnessing firsthand the struggle the blind community has to endure, he opened the cafe as a means to raise funds for the less fortunate. Fun fact: Raja Iskandar is also half blind in one eye after an accident when he was 12 years old.

The food in Kafe Basikal Tua was outsourced from people with disabilities and was served in tiffin carriers to best fit the eatery's picnic theme. There is also no fixed menu here, as the items rotate based on the cooks’ availability. Some of the food you can find here includes Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Ganja, Nasi Arab and some desserts.

Do note that this cafe operates on a reservation basis. For more information, check out their Instagram page.

Address: 3333, Jalan Palimbayan Indah, Kampung Palimbayan Indah, 6000, Kuala Lumpur

5. Bake With Dignity

The history of Bake With Dignity can be traced back to 1991, when they actually began as a non-profit organisation to support people with learning disabilities.

The cafe is located at Leisure Commerce Square, Petaling Jaya, and is run by a team of adults with learning difficulties (AwLD) who also make all the dishes they served.

The dishes served here vary from Asian to Western meals, like Ayam Percik, Chicken Biryani, Lasagna and Grilled Barramundi. You can also find some pastries here, like salmon quiche, shepherd's pie and curry puffs.

Check out their website and social media for more information.

Address: Leisure Commerce Square, Block A2, Unit 126, Petaling Jaya

6. Tender Hearts Cafe

First opened in April 2018, Tender Hearts Cafe was the brainchild of Sharon Lee, a breast cancer survivor and a mother to a girl with special needs.

Run by a team with special needs, Tender Hearts Cafe initially started with a crew of three. But it has since gained popularity among parents of special needs children who wanted to give their kids a chance at a normal life. In a 2024 interview, Lee shared that she's currently overstaffed, but she finds it hard to turn candidates away.

Located in KL Gateway Mall, customers can expect to find simple yet tasty, hearty meals like fried rice and nasi lemak. They also provide catering services.

Address: L2.05, Level 2, KL Gateway Mall, Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur

7. Yong Teng Cafe

If you're planning to visit Cameron Highlands, perhaps you might want to drop by Yong Teng Cafe, which is run by an old husband and wife duo who are both hearing and speech impaired.

This cafe serves a mix of Western and local food. They are known for their chicken chop, nasi lemak and fried noodles. The amazing part is all items on the menu will be prepared fresh upon order by the wife.