Sashidaran Gunathevan
Nestled in the heart of Shah Alam, Seven Hill Tea Stall has become a local sensation, captivating crowds with its aromatic “five-star” tea and coffee, steeped in the rich tradition of Tamilnadu.
Founded by V Sujendran, 37, this establishment has quickly become a haven for tea and coffee connoisseurs, offering a menu boasting 12 flavourful teas and two types of coffee.
The essence of brewing Tamilnadu style
Sujendran’s commitment to quality is evident in his choice of ingredients – high-quality loose tea leaves, premium coffee, and six distinct varieties of traditional sugars sourced directly from India.
Each brew is a testament to the enriched taste and aroma derived from these carefully selected elements. The tea leaves, specially imported from India, maintain the authentic taste ubiquitous to Tamilnadu tea stalls.
“The tea leaves cost RM 36.00 per kilo, and even the chai glasses mirror those found on the streets of Tamil Nadu,” shares Sujendran.
Among the stall’s top picks, the Badam Paal Tea, crafted with almond milk, caters to vegans and vegetarians.
Its authentic richness mirrors that of fresh cow’s milk, delivering a bold flavour that lingers, providing a delightful aftertaste, and achieving a perfect balance.
Adding to the delight, customers favour the ‘Sukku Malli’ tea, featuring dried ginger and coriander powder. Enhanced with fresh ginger, it introduces a subtle spice and a hint of bitterness, elevating the tea-drinking experience to new heights.
Recreating the Tamilnadu vibe
Sujendran, meticulous in recreating the Tamilnadu tea stall vibe, chose a stall setup over a restaurant. Initially lacking tables to ensure an authentic feel – a nod to the standing tea-drinking culture in Tamilnadu.
“Observing a significant number of older customers frequenting the stall, I opted to introduce tables for their convenience. I recognize the diverse cultural nuances between our stall and those in Tamilnadu.”
The stall’s authenticity extends to the variety of jaggery such ‘Naatu Sakarai’ (Jaggery Powder), ‘Pana Vellam’ (Palm Jaggery) used, sourced from Tamilnadu. Despite the cost – up to RM 56.00 per kilo – Sujendran insists on using six different types of jaggery, each tailored to specific teas.
Within six months of opening, the stall gained social media virality, drawing daily crowds of 500 or more, forming long queues. The tea variants, priced at RM 2 – RM 3 per glass, offer an affordable yet culturally rich experience.
Popular brews by Seven Hill Tea Stall
Priced at RM1.50, the stall’s signature Kattan Chaiya stands as the Indian counterpart to teh o, providing a delightful and affordable tea option for patrons.
Among the bestsellers is the Badam Paal Tea, featuring almond milk for a vegan-friendly option. The Sukku Malli tea, with dried ginger and coriander powder, provides a slightly spicy and bitter profile.
Sujendran’s tea stall, however, maintains a unique local touch – serving full glasses instead of the half-glass norm in Tamilnadu.
“Here we are accustomed to drinking a full glass, so when customers requested it, I agreed,” notes Sujendran.
Looking ahead, Sujendran envisions opening more branches, with plans underway for locations like Klang. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining taste and vibe consistency, he aims to replicate the success of the Seven Hill Tea stall.
Indulge in a delectable array of snacks offered by the adjacent stall Letchmy, 53, and her son Vasantha Ruben, including ulundhu vadai, curry puff, kuih wajik, and tauhu sumbat.
These vegetarian treats, available daily except Mondays, complement the rich tea offerings, creating a perfect combination for those seeking a delightful tea-time experience.
Located on Jalan Mesra in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, the Seven Hill Tea stall operates daily from 6 am to 10 pm, inviting locals to indulge in the timeless charm of Tamilnadu tea culture.
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