Kavie Tea Thambi, a 23-year-old mechanical engineering graduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), found himself unable to secure employment amidst the pandemic-affected economy. Drawing inspiration from the chaiwalas of India, who vend their tea from bicycles, Kavie, a devoted tea enthusiast, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. Fuelled by his lifelong dream of owning a business and spurred on by the challenging job market, he launched his chai-on-wheels venture. His unique blend of masala chai, crafted with his mother’s guidance, is offered at RM1 per cup during the prime tea-drinking hours of 3-5pm.

Pedaling around Brickfields, Kavie covers an average of 5 kilometers daily, towing a 40-liter dispenser and accompanying cakes and buns. His brand-new black bicycle is outfitted with two canisters for dispensing tea to eagerly awaiting customers. Reflecting on his inspiration from India, Kavie expressed his delight at the positive reception of his venture in Kuala Lumpur. Encouraged by the enthusiastic feedback, he contemplates expanding his operation into a franchise, envisioning an additional fleet of 20 bicycles to serve more areas of the city. While entrepreneurship wasn’t initially part of his plans, Kavie embraces the spirit of independence instilled by his businessman father, who operates in Masjid India. What began as a lighthearted endeavor has blossomed into a promising venture, driven by Kavie’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for tea.