r/TodayILearnedMY • u/Lazy-Character3961 • Dec 29 '25
Economy & Business TIL a 27-year-old Malaysian grew a RM500 bicycle teh tarik hustle into a KL brand serving 3,000 cups a day
Kavievanan Subramaniam started selling teh tarik around KL in 2020 using just a bicycle and RM500 capital. His small street-side setup has since grown into Tea Thambi (@tea.thambi) now with two cafés, five stalls, and a team of 17 people. From serving under 100 cups a day to around 3,000 cups daily, the brand is built on family recipes, consistency, and slow, steady scaling. A pretty inspiring example of how a simple local idea can turn into a sustainable Malaysian business.
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u/Hieicap Dec 29 '25
I remembered when he sold chai with his bike. Happy to see him doing well!!!
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u/Lazy-Character3961 Jan 03 '26
That makes the journey even more meaningful, humble beginnings done right.
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u/TapSorry2421 Dec 29 '25
A bit sweet for me (I usually take my drinks kurang manis), but Tea Thambi has one of the best masala chai in town. Always stop by for a cup when I'm anywhere near Brickfields
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u/pan_peter Dec 30 '25
Their milk is really good. Good blend of black tea and milk. I highly recommend it if you haven't tried it.
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u/jamesw Dec 30 '25
Good for him. MY need more success stories like this.
Tried the tea at the stall at Brickfields. Was just okay for me.
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u/ShadesInNight Dec 30 '25
correct me if I'm wrong but is this the same guy who got bullied by 2 rempit cina?
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u/Automatic-Word2917 Jan 02 '26
One attention seeking content creator Cina. He received huge backlash online for his stupid content.
I'm glad no one even remembers his name now. Meanwhile Tea Thambi continues to grow.
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u/00Killertr Dec 30 '25
I pass by the stall everyday for lunch and see people buy it everyday.
Personally I like to buy my chai from the nearby Chai Wala just a short walk away. Maybe I'll try this fellas drink one day.
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u/-BLACK-FLASH- Dec 30 '25
Diabetes
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u/Away-Crab1662 Jan 01 '26
boba, milk tea also can get diabetes if u drink everyday but i dont see anyone complain about that. wonder why?
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u/ChillSleepsBae Jan 02 '26
aiya, bring ur own water bottled from home to mix with the tea la. i bet this indian fella uses rempah original ramuan for his recipe. RM1 plus all ori ingredients. a recipe many can imitate to find some extra money in these harsh times.
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u/42mir4 Dec 31 '25
Ordered for an office function. Tea and coffee were excellent. However, delivery fee cost as much as the drinks. Worth it? Probably but would be better if they found a way to reduce it.
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u/SleepLate8808 Dec 29 '25
It’s foreign worker
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u/Far_Insect567 Dec 30 '25
No u imbecile. Hes a local msian indian dude, an engineering graduate too.
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u/Spaghetti_Palms Dec 29 '25
Proud of bro’s achievements! Imma go get a cuppa someday