Witness to a Dream- Tea Kadai (Penang & KL)
Back then, it was just the
first branch — a handful of tables, the laughter of regulars, and dreams so
fragile they trembled each time the rain fell too long or a day ended with
unsold snacks. But then it started to go viral, stories spreading from one
person to another, covered by bloggers and foodies alike. And that spark of
excitement never stopped — it only made them more eager to push forward, to
dream bigger, and to do even more.
I didn’t do much beyond
standing by, offering words when needed, and quietly cheering them on. Now,
watching from the outside as they open the third branch in KL Brickfields —
bigger, brighter, filled with new faces who never saw how it all began. Yet deep
down, there’s a quiet pride too: knowing I witnessed the first spark of this
dream, and that it’s still burning stronger than ever. Congratulations!
Then Covid came — empty chairs,
shuttered doors, fear hanging heavier than the steam rising from the kettle.
But they didn’t give up. I watched them fight, reshaping menus, pushing
takeaway orders, sharing late-night updates that held both worry and stubborn
hope.
Somehow,
they made it through. And when the city slowly breathed again, they opened the second branch —
not just as a business move, but as proof that hard days don’t last forever
when hearts refuse to quit.
And
now, the third branch
stands. Bigger, brighter, with new faces behind the counter. We’re strangers
now — just polite nods and quiet prayers — but from outside, I still see the
same spirit that brewed the very first pot of chai.
We’ve become strangers, each of
us walking our own path. But my prayers haven’t changed. I still hope Mohamed Rizwan
keeps that fire in his chest, that Bro Thanif’s chai keeps warming cold
evenings, and that Bro Faiz’s quiet effort keeps the walls standing tall.
Because
even from the outside, I saw the struggle. I saw the nights of doubt, the small
victories that felt huge, the tired smiles at closing time. And maybe they’ll
never know how closely I watched or how deeply I cared.
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1st Branch Tea Kadai HQ - Queen Street, Penang
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