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Teh Tarik Recipe (Pulled Milk Tea)

Teh Tarik Recipe (Pulled Milk Tea)

Teh tarik is a Malaysian hot milk tea beverage prepared using a strong brew of black tea blended with condensed milk. Other ingredients added for additional flavor include cardamom, cloves and ginger.

Considered to be the national drink of Malaysia, one can find this Malaysian delicacy in many other Southeast Asian countries including, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

Origin & Cultural Significance

The name Teh tarik is derived from two languages: Teh originates from a Hokkien word meaning “tea,” and Tarik originates from Malay meaning “pulled”.

The roots of teh tarik date back to Indian Muslim immigrants in the Malay Peninsula who put up drink stands at the entry of rubber plantations after World War II to help the workers there. Teh tarik has been a famous Malaysian Indian drink in British Malaya and Singapore since the colonial eras.

Traditionally, teh tarik is accompanied by roti canai, which is a popular breakfast in Malaysia.

Teh Tarik

Malaysian Teh Tarik Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • Black tea - 3 tsp
  • Sweetened condensed milk - 2 tsp
  • Warm salt water - 1 glass
  • Hot water - 1 cup

Instructions

To Make The Black Tea Base:

  1. Begin by taking 2 tea bags and placing them in a cup of hot water. Allow them to steep for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, take out the tea bags and throw them away.
  2. If you’re using loose-leaf tea, add 3 teaspoons of leaves to a cup of hot water and allow to steep for around 5 minutes. Once done, drain the used tea leaves and throw them away.
  3. Remember to soak a teaspoon in the saltwater while the tea is steeping.


To Make Teh Tarik:

  1. Performing the “pulling” part might be a little difficult so, to make it a little easier, transfer the tea into a heat-proof vessel that is convenient to lift and pour from (you can use one with handles). However, the traditional methods require the drink to be prepared directly in a cup.
  2. Take out the teaspoon placed in the salt solution, get rid of the excess water, and using the spoon, add the 2 teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk into the black tea.
  3. Keep in mind that you can also use a pinch of salt, but that is frequently believed to be harsher and saline, considering the serving is also small. The addition of salt, however, is recommended as it tends to make the drink taste better.
  4. The final step is to transfer the drink from the vessel to a large mug. Then transfer it back to the vessel. This step is what differentiates Teh Tarik from every other milk tea drink out there. Make sure to repeat this step no more than 5 times. This will give the drink just the required texture: smooth and frothy, and not too bubbly. It will also prevent your drink from getting cold.
  5. Transfer the prepared drink to the cup of your choice (traditionally, Teh Tarik is served in a transparent cup, much like a beer mug) and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 41Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 617mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g

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