Affordable Chicken Rice Stall in Kajang Maintains Prices Despite Rising Costs

A longstanding chicken rice stall in Kajang continues to serve the community at a low price

Kajang, Selangor – For nearly four decades, a chicken rice stall operating from a simple tricycle at the morning wet market in Cheras 11th mile has maintained an affordable pricing scheme, drawing steady support from the local community. Tan Leong Soon, in his 60s, has been selling chicken rice from this mobile setup without a formal stall name for 37 years, except on Mondays or when attending to important personal matters.

Starting at a price of 60 sen per packet when the business commenced, Tan has managed to keep his chicken rice affordable despite Malaysia’s ongoing inflation and rising goods costs. Currently, each packet is sold for RM4, a price held steady for several years with the intention to remain accessible to the residents in the area. This approach aligns with his goal of maintaining a community connection and providing value rather than maximising profits.

Tan’s clientele primarily comprises local Chinese new villagers who refer to his business simply as the “tricycle chicken rice stall”. The modest operation does not seek expansion but rather sustainable income that covers living expenses. Tan emphasises customer satisfaction over profit and expresses appreciation for the continuous patronage from longstanding customers who have been part of his journey since the early days of the stall.

Efficient service and personalised orders reflect decades of experience and community ties

Operating from an unassuming tricycle, Tan efficiently prepares and serves packets of chicken rice and char siew rice, all priced at RM4, while drumstick chicken rice is available at RM4.40. Despite the better quality of meat in the drumstick option, the price remains low compared to market standards in Kajang and surrounding areas. Tan’s efficiency and familiarity with regular customers’ preferences enable him to prepare orders almost instantly.

Close relationships with villagers extend beyond transactions; Tan knows individual customers’ usual orders and preferred cuts. For example, some customers signal their desired portions simply by holding up fingers, allowing Tan to prepare the exact combination even before they reach the stall. His service accommodates variations such as chili sauce placement, with some customers requesting it poured onto the rice and others preferring extra sauce separately packaged.

Multilingual communication in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, and Malay enables Tan to engage with diverse community members naturally. This contributes to a friendly and approachable atmosphere, important in a local morning market setting where personal interaction is valued. Transactions are conducted exclusively in cash, often with customers offering exact change, which facilitates quick service and helps maintain a fast turnover during peak hours.

The business model is sustained without a fixed retail location to preserve flexibility

Despite calls and inquiries about moving to a permanent shop or coffee shop stall—options that could provide greater stability against weather disruptions—Tan opts to maintain his mobile tricycle operation. He balances multiple jobs and personal commitments, which affords him the autonomy to pause or close the stall when necessary. Rental agreements for fixed premises could impose restrictions on this flexibility.

Tan’s resilience is reflected in his long-term commitment; as long as he remains physically capable, he intends to continue operating the stall. Supportive locals express appreciation for his approach. Madam Tong, a local consumer, shares that her family members are regular patrons, citing the chicken rice as part of their nostalgic memories. Purchasing multiple packets for family breakfasts is common among the villagers, demonstrating the stall’s embedded role in the community.

Longstanding customers value the consistency of price and taste despite economic challenges

Patrons acknowledge that the RM4 chicken rice, which has been maintained for three to four years。 s an uncommon offering in the current economic context. Mr. Pan, a customer for over 30 years, notes the difficulty in finding such affordable meals elsewhere. He emphasised that while taste remains subjective, the value proposition combined with consistent quality motivates repeat patronage.

Mr. Lee, another regular, highlights the benefits for the village, remarking that Tan’s commitment to keeping prices low has provided financial relief to many locals. He also signified an understanding that future price adjustments could be justifiable given inflationary pressures, yet affirmed continued support regardless.

Customers frequently queue during busy weekdays when workers and students converge at the market, indicating the stall’s significance in meeting daily nutritional needs in the Kajang area. Even adverse weather such as rain does not deter customer visits, as seen on a particularly rainy Saturday morning when business continued unabated.

The affordability of the chicken rice business reflects broader economic and social dynamics in Selangor

In a period marked by inflation and rising costs in Malaysia, Tan’s business underscores how small-scale food vendors contribute to community sustenance by offering affordable meals. The persistence of cash-only transactions among customers who comply with this preference suggests the social capital and trust built over decades in the Kajang vicinity.

Overall, Tan’s chicken rice stall functions as a microcosm of local economic interaction, balancing operational limitations with community needs. Price adjustments may be considered if cost pressures intensify. But the prevailing customer loyalty and community integration remain strong factors supporting the stall’s continued operation.

Long-term, such enterprises indicate the importance of supporting small food vendors amid urban and suburban areas like Kajang, Seri Kembangan, and the larger Selangor state. here economic diversity and grassroots commerce play vital roles in daily life.

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Location: Kajang

Date: 2025-12-16