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Brief Overview
Teh Tarik, Malaysia’s beloved pulled milk tea, is more than just a beverage. It is a vibrant symbol of everyday life, best enjoyed in a bustling mamak stall or during a lively catch-up with friends. Known for its frothy top and rich, silky taste, Teh Tarik is a drink that brings people together with warmth and ease.
The charm of Teh Tarik lies not only in its flavour but also in its unique preparation. Watching a skilled vendor pull the tea back and forth between two containers is a spectacle in itself, a rhythmic dance that cools the tea while creating its signature frothy crown. It is a performance as much as it is a tradition.
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What Is Teh Tarik?
Teh Tarik literally translates to “pulled tea”, a name that perfectly describes its preparation technique. It starts with a strong brew of black tea, which is sweetened with condensed milk and sometimes a splash of evaporated milk for extra creaminess.
The magic happens when the tea is poured repeatedly from one vessel to another at a height, aerating the liquid and producing that beautiful foam. This pulling technique is not just for show, as it cools the tea to a perfect drinking temperature and blends the flavours into a smooth, velvety finish.
Ingredients and Taste
Teh Tarik is quite simple. It uses black tea leaves, often from robust varieties like Ceylon, mixed with generous amounts of sweetened condensed milk. Some recipes add evaporated milk, giving the drink a deeper, more luxurious creaminess.
The taste is an irresistible balance of bold and sweet, with the strength of the tea shining through the rich milky sweetness. Its frothy top gives each sip a light, airy texture that feels both indulgent and comforting. Served hot or iced, it remains a favourite across generations.
A Taste of History
Teh Tarik’s story began with Indian Muslim immigrants who settled in Malaysia in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They opened small eateries, known as mamak stalls, and introduced this flavourful tea to the local community.
The drink quickly became popular, thanks to its affordability, comforting taste, and the flair involved in its preparation. Over time, Teh Tarik earned its place as a national treasure, even celebrated in competitions where tea makers showcase their pulling skills with theatrical flair.
Today, Teh Tarik is more than a drink, it is part of Malaysian identity. Found in humble roadside stalls and high-end cafes alike, it captures the essence of Malaysia’s rich cultural blend, offering a taste that is as warm and welcoming as the country itself.
Sitting down with a glass of Teh Tarik is like being invited into the heart of Malaysia’s social life, where every sip tells a story of tradition, community, and joy.
Malaysian Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea)
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags preferably strong Ceylon tea
- 400 ml hot water
- 300 ml evaporated milk
- 100 ml sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar adjust to taste
- Ice cubes optional, for iced Teh Tarik
Instructions
- To begin, bring 400 ml of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add the tea bags and simmer over low heat for 3–5 minutes to extract a full-bodied flavour. Stir occasionally to avoid bitterness.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the tea bags, pressing them gently against the side of the pot to release any remaining liquid. This ensures maximum tea concentration.
- Pour the brewed tea into a large mixing jug. Stir in the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk thoroughly. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding granulated sugar if needed.
- Set up two large heatproof mugs or pitchers for the pulling process. Ensure they are wide enough to allow a clean pour, reducing the risk of splashes.
- From a height of about 30 cm, pour the tea mixture from one mug to the other in a steady stream. Pull the tea 5–6 times, gradually increasing the height to create a thick, frothy foam. Move confidently to achieve a silky texture.
- If the foam does not develop easily, slightly warm the tea mixture again and continue pulling. A warmer mixture forms froth more readily and enhances the aroma.
- After sufficient pulling, allow the tea to settle for a minute. This helps the flavours meld while retaining the frothy crown.
- To serve, pour the Teh Tarik into four glasses, allowing the foam to rise above the rim slightly for an authentic look. For a refreshing twist, serve over ice. Pair with savoury Malaysian snacks like curry puffs or roti canai to elevate the experience.
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