Teh Tarik (Malaysian Pulled Milk Tea)
In short: Strong black tea with condensed and evaporated milk, poured between two cups until frothy and smooth, a staple at Malaysian tea stalls. It takes about 13 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 13 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 125 kcal
Teh tarik means pulled tea in Malay. Strong black tea is stirred with sweetened condensed milk and a splash of evaporated milk, then poured from one vessel to another from a height until it turns thick and foamy. The pulling cools the tea to a comfortable temperature and gives it a silky texture. Tea stalls serve it all day, often next to roti canai. At home, a few good pours between two jugs are enough to build the foam.
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a small pot. Add the tea, lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Switch off the heat and leave the tea to steep for 2 minutes, until very dark.
- Put the condensed milk and evaporated milk into a heatproof jug. Strain the hot tea into the jug, pressing the leaves lightly, and stir until the milk dissolves completely.
- Hold a second empty jug low and pour the tea into it from the first jug, raising the first jug to about 30 cm (1 foot) above it. Keep the stream thin and steady.
- Pour the tea back again and repeat 5 or 6 times, until the tea is thick with foam and has cooled slightly.
- Divide the tea between 2 glasses or mugs, spooning in any foam left in the jug. Taste, stir in more condensed milk if you want it sweeter, and serve at once.
Tips
- Hot liquid can splash. Start with a low pour of about 15 cm (6 inches) over the sink or a tray, and raise it as you gain control. Jugs with a spout are easier than mugs.
- Brew the tea stronger than usual, because the milk mellows it. A robust black tea such as a CTC or Ceylon blend gives the familiar taste. Change the ratio of condensed to evaporated milk to make it sweeter or lighter.
Questions and answers
What does teh tarik mean?
Teh means tea and tarik means pulled in Malay. The name describes how the tea is poured back and forth between two vessels from a height, which cools it and makes it frothy.
Why is teh tarik pulled?
Pulling mixes the milk and tea thoroughly, builds a layer of foam and cools the drink to a comfortable sipping temperature. The foam also gives the tea a smoother, silkier feel.
Can I make iced teh tarik?
Yes. Pull the tea as usual, let it cool for a few minutes, then pour it over a glass of ice. At tea stalls, the iced version is called teh tarik peng.
How long does it take to make Teh Tarik (Malaysian Pulled Milk Tea)?
About 13 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Teh Tarik (Malaysian Pulled Milk Tea)?
About 125 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 21 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 125 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 65 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
