The Rieng café is located at 342 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi. (Photo: Khanh Long/VNP)

Although Tran Thu Phuong commutes 20 kilometers a day by bus from the city outskirts to The Rieng, she doesn’t want a different job. The café offers a community that communicates through sign language, where she can express her creativity and joy through making drinks.

Phuong’s sign language carries a message when seen and interpreted by her friend Nguyen Phuong Ha. “I used to work elsewhere but found it difficult. This café designed for the deaf is a perfect fit. All the workers here use sign language. I love working at The Rieng. I especially enjoy making drinks and challenging myself to remember the recipes. When I shake an iced drink, I can hear the ice clinking near my ears. Those are sounds I can feel and I love them. Seeing customers enjoy what I’ve made brings me joy.”  

Luong Viet Quang, a 19-year-old waiter with a striking face, can feel the sound.

“Welcome to The Rieng. Our staff are hearing-impaired and non-verbal. We’re happy to serve you.”

Quang can’t hear that greeting, but he uses vibrations from a device to feel customer requests.

Customers to The Rieng café are welcomed in a unique way. (Photo: Khanh Long/VNP)

Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, once limited to assistant roles because employers doubted her ability to understand instructions or work without supervision, now performs the role of cashier with confidence.

Training Kim Anh required patience and empathy. Staff trainers guided her step-by-step, texting her at first to orient her to the position. What makes her happiest about her job is being empowered, trusted, appreciated for her capabilities, and treated equally.

Each employee at The Rieng has a unique story, but they share one dream – to be included and given a chance to prove themselves.

A customer named Pham Thai Ha said, “Though they can’t communicate verbally, warmth and attentiveness come through their eyes and their gestures, and the way they sign words like ‘okay,’ ‘delicious,’ or ‘thank you.’ It’s a meaningful experience. I can relax, enjoy good food and drinks, and have meaningful conversations.”

The Rieng is more than a workplace. It’s a home of empathy and connection, where life’s values are shared and spread together. (Photo: Khanh Long/VNP)

Founder Vu Van Dung was inspired in 2019 by a chance meeting with a young deaf person who is now the café's HR manager. But it was until last year that The Rieng finally opened after years of delays.

Despite careful recruitment and training, the early days were not easy. Overcoming challenges in communication, Dung’s determination and belief in his team’s capabilities have driven the business forward.

“They’re incredibly enthusiastic and disciplined. I wanted to create opportunities for the deaf to integrate into society instead of being isolated and struggling to find work,” said Dung. “Once I recover my investment, profits will go into an education fund for deaf individuals and cancer patients in difficult circumstances. I want to connect people with disabilities to the wider community, and make those who can hear realize that the deaf can work just like anyone else.”

At the end of each customer’s visit, The Rieng’s staff say goodbye with a lovely gesture – fingers forming the shape of a heart are brought to smiling lips, then released like flower petals.