Koh is the third-generation owner of Kean Guan Tea Merchants Sdn Bhd, carrying on a legacy that began in 1945 when his late grandfather founded the business with a few friends.
The shop has remained in its original location in bustling Petaling Street. Today, the Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur sits right opposite it – reflecting a striking contrast between the old and the new.
Still, amid the changing landscape of the area, this family business is steadily holding its own – quietly but resolutely.
Inside, the shop is cosy and charming – there are wooden shelves holding different types of tea, and Chinese calligraphy printed on the door, exuding a sense of heritage and tradition.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Koh shared that they initially sold only oolong tea imported from his grandfather’s hometown – Anxi county in southern Fujian province, a place famed for producing high-quality oolong in China.
Today, their product range includes dark tea, green tea, white tea and black tea. Most are imported from China while the black tea comes from Indonesia, Africa and India. They also blend and roast some of their teas in-house.
Koh joined the family business in 2012, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle who took over from his grandfather.
“I would’ve regretted it if the business, which has been running for so long, had to close eventually because there was no one to take over,” said the 47-year-old.
After all, he shared, the name “Kean Guan” means to “build an origin” – which can be interpreted as “to establish a foundation”, something his grandfather, father and uncle before him had done.
Today, he runs the business alongside his father, and Koh has discovered that being a part of the family business truly IS his cup of tea. And it goes beyond just preserving his family legacy.
“I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life as it broadens my perspective,” he said.
Still, like any other business, Koh admitted there are challenges, including competition from trendy cafés.
Additionally, some restaurants that they supply tea to, have switched from serving the beverage in teapots to individual cups, leading them to cut back on orders.
To stay competitive, Koh makes it a point to provide excellent customer service. Since many prefer to sample the teas before buying, the shop was renovated in 2018 to create a cosier atmosphere.
Koh also recognises that longevity requires a willingness to be open to new ways of doing things while staying true to the heart of the business.
For instance, when he observed more tourists visiting the area, he introduced smaller packaging to make the products more convenient to pack on the flight home.
He also hosts tour groups and holds classes at the shop, sharing his insights on tea varieties, brewing techniques and more.
Asked about the future of the business, Koh said: “For me, I’d like to see it continue for as long as possible if we can. How it will be run is one thing – whether the next generation would want to take over is another.”
He added that it saddens him whenever he hears of another long-standing business in the area shutting for good. And that’s why he remains committed to keeping his family’s 80-year-old legacy alive – taking it one day at a time, one customer at a time.
“As long as the business is sustainable and there’s still a market, we will continue.”
Kean Guan Tea Merchants Sdn Bhd
No 160, Jalan Petaling
50000 Kuala Lumpur
For location, click here. Prefer not to drive? Both the Pasar Seni LRT and MRT stations are only about a seven-minute walk away!
Business hours: 8am-5pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-2078 5306
To purchase online, head over to their website, Shopee or Lazada.