Any time is a good time to sink your teeth into a freshly baked pie—whether it’s a quick lunch on the go or a relaxing afternoon tea. But let’s face it: finding affordable pies that don’t burn a hole in your wallet can feel like a never-ending quest. Enter Stand Pie Me Cafe, a new pie shop in PJ with a rich backstory.
This spot, born from an online venture, serves a delicious selection of savoury pies, all crafted by a talented team of young adults with special needs. Their diverse abilities include conditions such as Global Development Delay, dyslexia, slow learning, and autism.
With their recent transition from an online business to a brick-and-mortar location, Stand Pie Me promises comforting flavours while championing inclusivity and empowerment.
A cafe with a cause
Image Credit: Stand Pie Me
Stand Pie Me is a purposeful social enterprise that empowers young adults with special needs through food production. Leading this undertaking is Sarjit, a 54-year-old who stepped into this role in 2020, just before the global pandemic. He serves as both a manager and a fatherly figure for the team.
With a 23-year-old son who has dyslexia, Sarjit understands the importance of early intervention in helping individuals with special needs navigate the world. His commitment and love help him readily address unexpected challenges while fostering independence and self-worth amongst his crew.
Stand Pie Me began with a group of parents at the Full Gospel Assembly in KL, who sought to provide their special needs children with a meaningful weekly activity.
They decided on pie-baking, a simpler dish to tackle. Today, the team can produce a single batch in 1.5 to 2 hours. While some may find repetitive tasks tedious, they play a vital role in keeping these young adults engaged, gradually pushing their boundaries.
Stand Pie Me’s cafe debut
The brick-and-mortar cafe debuted on October 5, 2024, and we’re excited to spread the word!
Just four years ago, Sarjit had no intentions of opening a physical store due to a lack of manpower. Now, it’s truly heartwarming to see the brand thriving and celebrating the launch of its new space.
Image Credit: Stand Pie Me
Excluding three full-time staff members, the team has 12 individuals with special needs, ranging from 17 to 51 years old. They work seamlessly together through a strong sense of camaraderie that has developed over the years.
Every morning, the team kickstarts their workday with a ‘brain gym’ session that includes simple deep-breathing exercises and stretches for about ten minutes.
Savoury pies in PJ
Stand Pie Me offers a range of pies and quiches for you to indulge in, and they come in two sizes: Large (10cm diameter x 4cm height, 220g+-), and Small (9cm diameter x 2.5cm height, 120g +-).
For meat lovers, they have five hearty varieties: Chicken Mushroom Pie (RM6.90), Cottage Pie (RM9.90), Chicken Curry Pie (RM6.90), Beef Goulash Pie (RM7.90), and Shepherd’s Pie (RM10.90).
If you prefer a meat-free option, they have a Vegetable Pie (RM8.90) and a Vegetable Quiche (RM8.90). Quiche fans can also opt for the Chicken Quiche (RM9.90).
Image Credit: Sara Lam on Google Reviews
All their single pies are priced under RM10.90—budget-friendly and delicious? Steal! You can also snag a box of four for just RM32 to RM40, saving you a few bucks. This is a great option for sharing.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, they have an Apple Crumble; sweet, cinnamon-stewed apples topped with a crispy buttery crumble. A single serving is RM8, while a box of four is available for RM28.
To date, Stand Pie Me has garnered a solid rating of 4.7 stars on Google.
Customers are happy with their pies, raving about the generous portions and flavourful fillings that truly hit the spot. The crust is buttery and light, perfectly complementing the comforting savoury fillings.
It’s lovely to learn that these young adults with special needs have flourished through their training and guidance. Their commitment to quality is reflected in the positive feedback pouring in from the community, a testament to their hard work.
In terms of compensation, these youths receive an allowance from the cafe’s profits. Additionally, as long as they are working, they receive some financial support from the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM).
It’s inspiring to write about their growth and the joy they bring to others through their craft.
Empowering special needs youths
Image Credit: Stand Pie Me
Stand Pie Me is a beacon of hope and empowerment for young adults with special needs.
With a long-term aim of helping these individuals develop fine motor skills and learn independent living, the cafe is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive.
Sarjit strongly encourages employers to embrace hiring special needs individuals, emphasising the profound impact this experience can have on their lives. Speaking to MFT, Sarjit thinks employers could gain valuable insight into supporting these individuals while learning empathy and understanding.
The holistic approach at Stand Pie Me Cafe ensures that these individuals are prepared for new job opportunities if and when they come along. While they always have a supportive home at the cafe, the staff are committed to helping them explore other environments for growth.
Sarjit personally shadows ex-employees at their new jobs for two weeks to ensure they are comfortable in a new setting. However, if they encounter overwhelming difficulties, Stand Pie Me will warmly welcome them back. I think this balance of exploration and security empowers them to take on new challenges with confidence.
Image Credit: Stand Pie Me
Stand Pie Me is open to volunteers who wish to contribute to this inspiring mission, with opportunities available based on demand. If you’re interested in making a difference, reach out to Sarjit (011-56283812).
Be sure to try their delicious savoury pies and visit their new cafe in PJ to show your support for this wonderful initiative.
Stand Pie Me Cafe
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Halal Status: Pork-free | Halal-certified ingredients
Contact: 011-56283812
Order: Here
Feature Image Credit: Sara Lam on Google Reviews (left), Stand Pie Me (right)
