rokok88Malaysia's favourite pulled tea
Teh tarik, the frothy pulled tea of Malaysia
Strong black tea, sweet condensed milk and a long, theatrical pour between two mugs. Learn where teh tarik comes from, how to make it at home and what to eat with it.
What is teh tarik?
Teh tarik — literally “pulled tea” in Malay — is a hot milk tea made from a strong black tea brew sweetened with condensed milk. What makes it special is the pull: the tea is poured back and forth between two vessels from a height until it turns smooth, slightly cooler and crowned with a thick layer of froth.
It is a fixture of mamak restaurants and kopitiams across Malaysia, and is also widely enjoyed in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and southern Thailand. Many Malaysians consider it the country's national drink. Read the full story in the history of teh tarik.
Why is the tea pulled?
- It cools the tea to a drinkable temperature without diluting it.
- It mixes the thick condensed milk evenly through the brew.
- It creates froth — the airy cap every good glass is judged by.
- It's a performance: a skilled tea puller is part of the mamak experience.
Ready to try? Our step-by-step guide to pulling teh tarik covers technique and safety.
Teh tarik in five steps
- Brew strong black tea for 3–5 minutes.
- Strain it through a fine cloth or sieve.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk.
- Pull between two mugs 5–7 times, raising the height as you go.
- Pour into a glass, froth on top, and serve hot.
Full quantities and tips are in the teh tarik recipe. Prefer it iced or less sweet? See the teh tarik varieties.
Explore more about teh tarik
Ready to make your own glass?
Brew it strong, pull it high and enjoy it hot.