Deaf-in-Business is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where food, inclusivity, and empowerment come together. Operated by disabled staff, DIB paves the way in showing kindness and empathy, a shining example of a compassionate workplace.
A man with a mission
Meet Dr Allen Teh, the founder of Deaf-In-Business, a social enterprise established in 2011. Dr Allen has been in the food industry for 30 years now and has experienced a lot of ups and downs in his time.
His inspiration began in 1985, while working at KFC Imbi. Dr Allen found himself in an interesting environment where 90% of the staff were deaf. Learning how to work with disabled individuals and fostering empathy, he realised how impactful inclusive employment could be. This became the cornerstone of his mission to support people with disabilities.
He started his business with only five disabled staff members. To ensure that they have the right skills for the F&B industry, they received rigorous training from professional chefs from Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
A success story of Deaf-In-Business
Image Credit: DIB Restaurant on Facebook
Today, Deaf-In-Business has grown to a team of 60 employees, all of whom are disabled. This includes Chef Kok Jiann Cheng, who has been with the restaurant for over a decade. He started cooking as a teenager and is now an experienced chef, affectionately dubbed the ‘King of Fried Rice’ amongst his colleagues and regular customers.
His hard work and steady income has allowed him to support his family and spend quality time with friends. Stories like Kok Jiann’s reflect the heart of DIB, which is to empower individuals to thrive with meaningful employment, despite their disabilities.
Celebrating resilience with food
Of course, the heart of any restaurant is its food! Deaf-In-Business serves a mix of local and Western favourites, including pasta, fried chicken chop, salmon steaks, and Nasi Pattaya.
We tried their Deep Fried Spicy Chic Chop, coated in a secret ultra-spicy flour batter. Customers on Google Reviews claim it’s the best chicken chop in KL. Having tried it ourselves, we agree that it’s pretty darn good. It’s crispy, juicy, and simply bursting with flavour.
You gotta try their Perch Fish and Chips (with Herbs). It is aromatic, with the right amount of herbs, nothing too overpowering. Plus, the perch slice is thick and gives a more satisfying mouthfeel compared to your average dory.
Don’t forget to check out their other iconic dishes, like the Aloha Chicken and Creamy Mushroom while you are here.
We believe this place is more than just a restaurant with great food; it’s a celebration of resilience and talent.
Managed by disabled individuals, Deaf-In-Business provides a delicious dining experience while showcasing the remarkable capabilities and determination of its staff. Every visit serves as a reminder of how passion and skill can break barriers and change lives, turning each meal into a part of an inspiring story.
P.S. If you spend over RM50 on your meal, you get a free potted plant!
DIB Restaurant
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 8.30pm | Saturday, 10am to 5pm | Closed on Sunday
Food Status: Pork-free | Alcohol-free
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Feature Image Credit: DIB Restaurant on Facebook (left), MFT (right)
