The Rise of Wal Daun: A Deaf Couple’s Journey to Success
From Pakistan to Malaysia
When chef Waleed Khan left his home country of Pakistan, he built a new life for himself in Malaysia from the ground up, relying on nothing but his culinary skills. Born deaf, he lets the Pakistani food he cooks do all the talking.
A Passion for Cooking
Waleed’s love for cooking began at 13 when he began to learn the skill from his mother, back in Pakistan. "It’s hard to get work back in Pakistan, and I thought maybe it would be easier here. I left my family, and came here alone," he revealed.
A New Life in Malaysia
In 2019, he married Wan Nor Arifah, who is also deaf, after meeting her on Facebook. While he cooks, she helps manage the restaurant. Although he is now a businessman in his own right, Waleed worked at various restaurants across Malaysia when he first moved here.
Communicating without Writing
FMT Lifestyle asked how he communicates with his staff, and how he manages the restaurant, especially since he isn’t confident in writing. "When I was in Pahang, my boss kept reminding me that I had to learn how to write so that I could communicate. It took me approximately three years to learn how to properly write. Slowly I started to pick it up, for example by asking customers, ‘what would you like to drink?’, and they would write it."
The Restaurant
After years of working in various restaurants, he opened a small stall in Petaling Jaya, and step by step, he built his way up to owning a full-fledged restaurant. Here, as the one in charge, he does things a little differently. "Now, I don’t communicate with my staff through writing. Most of it is through visual language, I just show with my actions and it’s much better."
Wal Daun’s Menu
Wal Daun has been operating since November 2024. With just nine Google reviews, business has been slow but is steadily picking up. Waleed serves a variety of Pakistani dishes, with biryani and naan being crowd favourites. During FMT Lifestyle’s visit, a crowd of Pakistanis and North Indians showed up for a taste of his food – a testament to its authenticity. But Waleed proudly shared that his dishes have won over people of all races.
A Message of Hope
He also takes pride in the fact that customers come for the food, not out of sympathy for his disability. "There’s nothing here that shows I’m deaf, so customers don’t realise it. When they ask, ‘Who’s the chef?’ and later find out it’s me, they say, ‘Oh, he’s deaf? The food here is really delicious.’"
Conclusion
Wal Daun is a must-try if you’re looking for comforting Pakistani food. Located in Cheras, the restaurant is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Waleed’s story is an inspiration to many, showing that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve their goals and succeed.
FAQs
Q: How does Waleed communicate with his staff?
A: Waleed communicates with his staff through visual language, showing them what he wants through actions.
Q: How did Waleed learn to write?
A: Waleed took approximately three years to learn how to properly write, starting with small steps like asking customers to write down their orders.
Q: What inspired Waleed to start his own restaurant?
A: Waleed’s passion for cooking and his desire to create a successful business for himself and his wife.
Q: What kind of food does Wal Daun serve?
A: Wal Daun serves a variety of Pakistani dishes, including biryani, naan, and chicken tandoori.
Q: Is Wal Daun wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, Wal Daun is wheelchair accessible.