Teh Tarik
Malaysian Pulled Tea
Teh Tarik, meaning 'pulled tea' in Malay, is Malaysia's beloved national beverage. This sweet, creamy, and frothy tea is traditionally made by repeatedly pouring the tea between two vessels to create a rich foam. It's a comforting and invigorating drink, perfect any time of day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea or 4 tea bags Strong black tea leaves or tea bags(Use a robust black tea like Assam, Ceylon, or a Malaysian blend for the best flavor. Avoid teas with strong floral notes.)
- 2 cups Water(Freshly boiled water is essential for optimal tea extraction.)
- 4-6 tablespoons Sweetened condensed milk(Adjust to your desired sweetness. Start with 4 tbsp and add more if needed.)
- 2 tablespoons Evaporated milk(Adds creaminess without extra sweetness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Brew the tea: Bring 2 cups of fresh water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add the black tea leaves or tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, ensuring the tea is strong and fragrant. If using loose leaf tea, you can strain it now or after the next step.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Combine liquids: Pour the brewed tea into a heatproof pitcher or pot. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more condensed milk if desired.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
The 'Pulling' (Teh Tarik): This is the signature step. To create froth, pour the tea mixture back and forth between two heatproof cups or pitchers from a height of at least 1-2 feet. Aim for a steady, controlled stream. Repeat this pouring process 5-10 times. The goal is to aerate the tea, creating a foamy head. You'll see the liquid become lighter in color and develop a frothy layer.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 4
Serve immediately: Pour the Teh Tarik into serving glasses, ensuring you capture some of the froth. Serve hot and enjoy the unique texture and sweet, creamy flavor.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The height and speed of the pour directly influence the amount of froth. Practice makes perfect!
- ✓For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of condensed milk or use half condensed milk and half regular milk.
- ✓This drink is a staple at 'Mamak' stalls (Indian Muslim eateries) in Malaysia, where it's expertly prepared.
- ✓Mastering the 'pull' takes practice but is a rewarding skill for any tea enthusiast.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Teh Ais (Iced Teh Tarik): Let the tea cool, then serve over ice with the condensed and evaporated milk. You might want to reduce the milk slightly as ice dilutes the flavor.
- Add a pinch of ground cardamom or a sliver of ginger to the brewing tea for an aromatic twist.