As more and more pickleball courts open up across Malaysia, there has become a need to stand out from the crowd through unique offerings.
At Pickle Space, aesthetics might just be the selling point.
With Moroccan-inspired designs and a full-fledged eatery on the premises, it’s more of a lifestyle destination than a sports complex.
Not just a standalone business, this is actually a new notch in Oh My Belly’s belt. A Malaysian chain serving modern Western food, director Jef Yap shared with Vulcan Post that Oh My Belly x Pickle Space emerged from a mix of personal discovery and a keen eye on market trends.
“When my team and I first played pickleball, we were captivated by its challenging yet enjoyable nature—it’s a sport that hooks you in,” Jef explained.
And they weren’t the only ones feeling this way. There’s no question that pickleball has exploded in popularity across Malaysia, and ever the entrepreneur, Jef saw the opportunity to tap into this market.
At the same time, a friend had offered a factory space originally intended for a badminton court. Jef decided to pivot to pickleball courts instead, complete with an Oh My Belly café.
“We wanted to create more than just a sports venue—we aimed to craft a lifestyle hub where our audience could enjoy healthy, delicious food alongside an active, social experience,” he determined. “It’s about blending fitness and flavour into something truly special for our community.”
More than F&B
With the Oh My Belly team at the helm, it took about four months to transform the empty factory space into what it is today. Pickle Space opened to the public just a few months ago in December.
Getting the pickleball courts just right was a slight challenge, though. Early on, they hit a snag when the original flooring, which was softer than expected, cracked and hollowed out after a few games.
It took not one, not two, but three rounds of renovations to find the perfect materials and ensure a safe, durable surface. The process was tough but certainly worthwhile.
Jef shared that Pickle Space is inspired by the relaxed, Bohemian designs of Bali, which is a hotspot for digital nomads who value balance between work and leisure.
Similarly, Pickle Space wants to be a space where people can unwind after a game, watch others play, or sip coffee in a laid-back environment after a day of work.
Next to the two pickleball courts is Oh My Belly’s newest café, which offers the same menu regulars have grown to love at their other outlets.
“We’ve kept it consistent to ensure our customers get the quality and flavours they love, no matter which location they visit,” Jef said.
He clarified that Pickle Space is a distinct entity, but both it and Oh My Belly fall under the management of Mads Group.
The director had previously shared with Vulcan Post that there are a number of other brands under the group, including Dodoo Kitchen, Yuan Yuan Tea Style, Giglio, and Moments.
With the establishment of Pickle Space, the group is now boldly expanding their scope from just F&B offerings into a full-fledged lifestyle offering. More than just leveraging the pickleball hype, it’s a marker of how the group is evolving and growing to reach a broader audience.
Courting the market
The pickleball courts here are priced between RM50 and RM70 per hour. Paddles are available to be rented at RM5 each, while balls can be purchased for RM10.
Open from 8AM to 12AM every day, it’s designed to cater to a range of different schedules. Keep in mind that the cafe’s operating hours are different, though. It’s opened from 10AM to 10PM from Monday to Wednesdays, and 9AM to 10PM from Thursday to Sundays.
Their hours and prices are fairly standard compared to other Klang Valley offerings, though. How does Pickle Space intend to stand out from all the pickleball facilities mushrooming across the country?
“Sure, the rise in pickleball venues brings some challenges, but we’re not fazed,” Jef said. “Pickle Space stands out by blending a premium café experience with our courts—players can refuel with great food right after a match.”
Aside from that, Pickle Space also features air conditioning to keep things comfortable in Malaysia’s heat.
The team believes that their premium edge is what keeps Oh My Belly x Pickle Space ahead of the game.
Plus, they’ve been seriously listening to feedback, adding extra netting after hearing concerns about balls possibly reaching the dining area.
More than competing with other pickleball court operators, there’s also the concern that pickleball as a whole is only a trend.
But Jef is optimistic, believing in pickleball’s staying power.
“Sports are a core part of people’s lifestyles—whether it’s badminton, swimming, or cycling, once you’re hooked, it sticks,” he pointed out. “Pickleball is no different; its accessibility and social appeal make it a habit, not a fad.”
He admits that court rental prices might drop as more facilities open, but believes that the demand for active, community-driven experiences won’t fade.
“It’s here to stay as a lifestyle choice for Malaysians.”
Pickle spaces?
Just a couple months in, Jef reports that the response to Pickle Space has been “right on par” with what they hoped for.
According to the director, the courts are usually fully booked, with many sticking around for a coffee or meal afterward. Some patrons also visit just for the cafe.
“We’d love to host more events here—think tournaments, meetups, or corporate days—to boost its profile,” Jef said. “We’re aiming to break even within the first year and build a solid base of regular players and café visitors who keep coming back.”
There aren’t any plans to grow Pickle Space itself into a chain, though. Rather, Jef is focused on perfecting the one location into a go-to spot in Subang.
With that in mind, it’s clear that Pickle Space is the vital first step towards establishing the Oh My Belly brand as a lifestyle destination in Malaysia.
- Learn more about Oh My Belly x Pickle Space here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Oh My Belly x Pickle Space
