Teh tarik

Etymology

Teh tarik is formed by two languages: "Teh" which means "tea" and "tarik" which means "pulled". The word "Teh" for tea originates from Hokkien word 茶 tê for tea, the word "Tarik" for pulled originates from Malay.

Origin and history

The origins of teh tarik can be traced to Indian Muslim immigrants in the Malay Peninsula who set up drink stalls at the entrance of rubber plantations after World War II to serve the workers there. Since colonial times, teh tarik has been a popular Malaysian Indian cuisine for many in British Malaya and Singapore. Traditionally, teh tarik has been seen served with the Roti canai which is a popular breakfast set among Malaysians.

An element of showmanship exists in the preparation of teh tarik. The ability to drag a long stream of tea above the heads of the patrons without giving them a shower is an amusing novelty for the locals and tourists alike. In Malaysia, there are occasions where teh tarik brewers gather for competitions and performances to show their skills. Teh tarik has become recognised along with nasi lemak as part of the food and beverage heritage of Malaysia by the Malaysian government ministry.

Preparation

The mixture is poured back and forth repeatedly between two vessels from a height, giving it a thick frothy top. This process cools the tea to optimal drinking temperatures, thoroughly mixes the tea with the condensed milk, and improves its flavour. This is often compared to the decanting of toddy to enhance its flavour.

Locally and regionally sourced tea used for teh tarik are not of the highest grade. Despite the strong aroma from the common Ceylonese variety, the taste is rather acrid and generally would not go well with a little cream or fresh milk like other fine tea. Hence condensed milk is used to balance any overpowering taste with its creamy and sweet flavour.

The term kurang manis, which can be translated to "less sweet", is a common request for those who are health conscious or not fond of sugary drinks, as teh tarik is typically prepared on the sweet side to taste by most vendors.

Variations

• Teh Ais is tea sweetened with condensed milk that is simply served in a glass with ice cubes. It may also be known as Teh Tarik Ping or Teh Tarik Ais with the tarik treatment.
• Teh Tarik Madu is teh tarik blended with honey as part of its preparation, which is usually served cold.
• Teh halia, teh tarik flavoured with ginger.
• Teh Madras, a variant popular in Sabah and Labuan, is made with frothed milky tea layered on top of hot milk.
• Teh-C is tea made with unsweetened evaporated milk, unlike the traditional teh tarik which is made with sweetened condensed milk. Vendors however will add sugar to Teh-C unless specifically asked not to. The Malay word for nil or zero, kosong, is used to indicate that the drinker does not want their beverage to be sweetened. The ‘C’ stands for ‘Carnation’, a popular brand of evaporated milk.
• Teh-O refers to black tea without any addition of dairy products or creamers entirely, hence the ‘O’ stands for "original". Like Teh-C, sugar is usually added except when Teh-O kosong is specified, where once again sugar is omitted.
• Kopi Tarik is local coffee, dark roasted with margarine and sugar, which is sweetened with condensed milk and pulled to froth it up. Drinks made with Milo and Nescafe may also be served with the tarik treatment by vendors which specialise in teh tarik.