Teh Tarik

Name: Teh Tarik
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Malaysian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp strong black tea dust (BOH brand); 2 cups boiling water; 4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk; Ice (optional, for iced version)

Teh Tarik (teh TAH-rik)

Pulled Milk Tea

⏱ Prep Time 10 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 160 kcal

Strong black tea whipped with condensed milk by pouring it back and forth between two vessels in a dramatic high arc — producing a frothy, creamy, perfectly sweet tea that is Malaysia's national drink.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 3.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 4.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

two large metal mugs saucepan strainer

Presentation Guide

Vessel: clear glass mug

Garnishes: frothy top layer

Accompaniments: roti canai, mee goreng

Ingredients

3 tbsp strong black tea dust (BOH brand)
2 cups boiling water
4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Ice (optional, for iced version)

Instructions

1
Brew tea dust in boiling water for 3-4 minutes to get a very strong, dark tea.
2
Strain the tea into a large metal mug and add condensed milk.
3
Pour the tea from one mug to another in a long, high arc, stretching your arms to full extension.
4
Repeat the pulling motion 5-6 times rapidly — this aerates the tea and creates a thick froth.
5
The tea should have a creamy, foamy top layer. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
6
For iced teh tarik (teh tarik ais), pour over a glass packed with ice.

💡

Did You Know?

Teh tarik making is so revered that Malaysia holds annual teh tarik competitions where contestants are judged on the length of their pour, showmanship, and froth quality.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

two large metal mugs
saucepan
strainer

Garnishing

frothy top layer

Accompaniments

roti canai, mee goreng

The Story Behind Teh Tarik

Teh tarik was brought to Malaya by Indian-Muslim immigrants who adapted the South Indian tradition of pulling coffee to local tea. The theatrical pulling technique is not just for show — it cools the tea, mixes the condensed milk thoroughly, and creates a frothy texture impossible to achieve by stirring. Teh tarik has become Malaysia's unofficial national drink, with UNESCO recognition being actively pursued.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed anytime, with every meal, especially at mamak stalls 📜 Origins: Indian-Muslim immigrant tradition, early 20th century

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