Tea Thambi KL: Brewing Dreams From a Bicycle to a Café
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, amid the hum of Central Market’s bustling walkways, stands a little café with a big story — Tea Thambi (WE BREW EVERYDAY FRESHLY FOR YOU). It’s not just a place to sip a cup of chai; it’s a symbol of resilience, vision, and the Malaysian spirit of entrepreneurship.
Young entrepreneur starts selling RM1 masala tea on a bicycle. Kavievanan Subramaniam used to cycle around Brickfields selling his fragrant brew from his bicycle. Today, he is the owner of a café.
And Kavie has Tea Thambi stalls in Bangsar, Masjid India, Brickfields and Bukit Bintang and Tea Thambi Café 48, Jalan Tun Perak.
☕ From Bicycle to Brand
The story began in 2020, when the world slowed down but one man’s dream began to speed up.
Kavievanan Subramaniam, a young Malaysian entrepreneur, took his love for tea and his roots in Indian culture and started something extraordinary — selling masala chai from a bicycle in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur’s “Little India.”
Armed with just a kettle, a few ingredients, and an unshakable will to succeed, Kavie brewed his way through the uncertainty of the pandemic. What began as a simple bicycle stall soon became a neighbourhood favourite. People were drawn not just to the tea, but to the passion behind it.
🌿 A Blend of Culture and Courage
Tea Thambi wasn’t just selling tea — it was serving hope in a cup.
Each glass of steaming masala chai carried the warmth of tradition, the aroma of perseverance, and the taste of a dream coming alive.
In Malaysia’s multicultural heart, the Indian-inspired blend found love across communities. It wasn’t just tea anymore — it was a connection between people, cultures, and stories.
🏆 Growth Against the Odds
From a bicycle stall to a small stall setup, and now to a full-fledged café at Central Market Annexe, the journey of Tea Thambi stands as a testament to what can happen when passion meets persistence.
The café now welcomes locals and tourists alike — a proud reminder that big dreams often have the smallest beginnings.
What’s even more remarkable is that this transformation happened in just a few years. While many businesses struggled to survive post-pandemic, Tea Thambi found a way to thrive — not through luck, but through sheer hard work and consistency.
💬 The Message Behind the Steam
Every cup served at Tea Thambi carries a message:
“Start small. Stay humble. Grow strong.”
It’s a mantra that resonates deeply with aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Kavie’s story reminds us that no dream is too small, and no beginning is too modest. A single act of courage — like pedalling through Brickfields with a pot of tea — can one day become a brand recognized city-wide.
🌍 A Malaysian Inspiration
Today, Tea Thambi represents more than a café — it’s a movement of modern entrepreneurship rooted in authenticity. It celebrates:
- Cultural pride — staying true to Indian heritage while blending into Malaysia’s diverse fabric.
- Innovation — turning a humble beverage into an experience.
- Resilience — proving that challenges can become stepping stones.
Visitors now flock to Tea Thambi at Central Market, not just for its flavourful chai but for the story behind it — a story that fuels the soul as much as the tea warms the body.
🔑 Takeaway for Dreamers
If Tea Thambi’s journey teaches us anything, it’s this:
Success doesn’t require a grand start — it requires a bold heart.
Dreams don’t need millions to begin; they need one person brave enough to start with what they have.
Whether it’s a bicycle, a kettle, or just an idea — start where you are. The world might just meet you halfway.
A cup of tea can change your mood
A dream, brewed with courage, can change your life.”
— Tea Thambi, Kuala Lumpur
Read the story of engineering graduate Kavievanan Subramaniam making a living selling masala tea on the streets of Brickfields.
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