Authentic Malaysian Teh Tarik Recipe: The Perfect Homemade Pull Tea Experience

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 2 tablespoons of condensed milk, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of white sugar, or to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
  2. Add the 2 black tea bags to the boiling water. Let it steep for about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the 2 tablespoons of condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of white sugar, stirring until both are completely dissolved.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a large jug. Then, pour the tea back and forth between the pot and the jug to mix it well and create a frothy top. Repeat this step 3-4 times. Be careful, as the tea will be hot.
  5. Pour the frothy tea into a glass or mug. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Teh Tarik!

Tools for making

  • Pot - Needed to boil water and steep the tea bags.
  • Large jug - Used to transfer and mix the tea to create a frothy top.
  • Glass or mug - To serve the Teh Tarik.

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the tea mixture for a hint of spice.
  • Replace the condensed milk with evaporated milk for a less sweet version.
  • Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a touch of fragrance.
  • Experiment with different types of tea, such as Earl Grey or Assam, to create unique flavors.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the condensed milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
  • Add a teaspoon of rose water or orange blossom water to infuse the tea with floral notes.
  • For a creamier texture, blend the tea, sugar, and milk together in a blender until frothy.
  • Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top as a garnish.

Recipe overview

Teh Tarik, literally meaning "pulled tea", is a popular hot milk tea beverage which can be commonly found in restaurants, outdoor stalls and kopi tiams within the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Singapore. Its name is derived from the pouring process of "pulling" the drink during preparation. Made from black tea, condensed milk and sugar, Teh Tarik is loved for its creamy, sweet and frothy texture that perfectly complements its strong tea flavor. This recipe guide will walk you through the process of making your own Teh Tarik at home. Expect to indulge in a hot, refreshing, and frothy beverage that can be served at any time of the day!

Common questions

  1. How long should I steep the tea bags? Steep the tea bags in the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes to achieve the desired strength of tea flavor.
  2. Can I adjust the amount of condensed milk and sugar? Yes, you can adjust the amount of condensed milk and sugar according to your personal preference. Add more or less based on how sweet and creamy you want your Teh Tarik to be.
  3. Can I use other types of tea? While traditionally Teh Tarik is made with black tea, you can experiment with other types of tea if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may be different.
  4. Do I need any special equipment to make Teh Tarik? No, you don't need any special equipment. A pot for boiling water, a jug for mixing, and a glass or mug for serving will be sufficient.
  5. Is Teh Tarik served hot? Yes, Teh Tarik is traditionally served hot. However, if you prefer it cold, you can refrigerate it after preparing and serve it over ice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A pot is needed to boil water and steep the tea bags.
  • Large jug - A large jug is useful for transferring and mixing the tea to create the frothy top.
  • Glass or mug - A glass or mug is needed to serve the Teh Tarik.
  • Spoon - A spoon is required to stir the condensed milk and sugar into the tea.

Origin stories

Teh Tarik, literally translating to "pulled tea", is a beloved beverage in Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Its unique preparation method, involving the pouring of tea back and forth between two vessels to create a frothy top, is a marvel to watch and is said to enhance the flavor of the tea. This tradition dates back to the days of British colonial rule in Malaysia, when local tea brewers sought to cool down their hot tea quickly in order to serve it to the British expatriates. Interestingly, it is believed that the longer the tea is "pulled", the better it tastes! Nowadays, Teh Tarik is more than a drink, it's a symbol of the multicultural heritage of the region, often enjoyed at "mamak stalls", casual eateries that are a cultural institution in Malaysia.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.