Hey guys, I’d like to share a quintessential experience I had on the first morning of our trip to Kuala Lumpur, sampling the famous Malaysian Teh Tarik. This isn’t your run of the mill Earl Grey Tea with a spoon of sugar; it’s like one of those secret handshakes, an art form, served up in the bustling atmosphere of the iconic Mansion Tea Stall. You can literally feel the buzz in the air, mixed with the tantalizing aroma of strong, brewed tea mingling with sweet, condensed milk – it’s a must try!
From the moment we hopped out of our Grab (pretty much the Uber of Southeast Asia), stepping into Kuala Lumpur was like entering a whole new world, especially as this was my first foray into a majority Muslim country. The vibe was totally unique, a blend of cosmopolitan energy with an undercurrent of something deeply traditional and distinct. But it was within the walls of the renowned Mansion Tea Stall that the true essence of the place revealed itself. Imagine this: a tea master, a virtuoso of his craft, ‘pulling’ the tea with an expertise honed over years, transforming a humble beverage into a captivating performance. The tea flew through the air from one mug to another, culminating in that iconic, airy froth that makes Teh Tarik a legend in its own right. This wasn’t just a drink; it was a vibrant slice of Malaysian life, an experience, all swirling in my cup.
And then the moment of truth – the first sip. It hits you – the robust flavors of the tea, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of condensed milk, creating this creamy concoction that’s just out of this world good. This experience, right here in KL, sipping on Teh Tarik paired with a plate of Roti Canai, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Malaysia.
Every time I whip up a cup back home in Manila, it’s a throwback to that memorable morning, a reminder of the simple joys that travel and food bring into our lives. If you’re ever in Malaysia, do yourself a favor and get yourself a cup Teh Tahrik.
Authentic Teh Tarik
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 5 mins
- Category: Beverages
- Malaysian
Ingredients
- 2 generous tablespoons of loose leaf black tea – Think Assam or Ceylon. We’re talking the heavyweights of the tea world here, bold enough to wake the dead and smooth enough to soothe the soul.
- A cup (240 ml) of water – Boiled, not just hot.
- 2 to 4 tablespoons of condensed milk
- A dash of sugar – Optional
Instructions
- Begin by steeping the tea leaves in boiling water. This is where patience plays its part, allowing the leaves to unfurl and release their full potential.
- Pour the tea through a strainer into a mug, capturing the essence while leaving the remnants behind.
- Stir in the condensed milk, adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste.
- Now comes the pièce de résistance – the 'pulling'. With a mug in each hand, pour the tea back and forth, elevating the pour to create that signature froth. It's an art, a dance of sorts, and the key to the perfect Teh Tarik.
- Once you've mastered the froth, it's time to serve. Watch the froth settle like a soft cloud atop your brew, a testament to your skill.
useful notes
- Iced Teh Tahrik :For those sweltering days or when you're simply in the mood for something cool, transforming your Teh Tarik into an iced delight is a game-changer. Follow the initial steps just as you would for the hot version, but allow the tea to come to room temperature after you've mastered the froth. Then, give it a grand finale by pouring it over a glass filled with ice. The result? A refreshingly cool beverage that still carries the rich, creamy signature of its hot counterpart.
- Tea Bag Alternative: While loose tea leaves are traditional and impart a richer flavor, the modern-day hustle sometimes calls for shortcuts. If you're in a pinch, you can use tea bags as a substitute. Opt for 2 robust black tea bags, like Assam or Ceylon, to keep the spirit of the original recipe alive. Steep them in boiling water with the same reverence, and proceed as usual. Just remember, the essence of Teh Tarik lies in its 'pulling', so don't skimp on this step, even if you're using tea bags.