Indonesian & Malaysian Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Teh Tarik
Malaysia's frothy 'pulled' milk tea, blended hot between cups until silky and caramel-sweet — the drink that brings everyone to the kopitiam.
Contains common allergens
In the app, Listahan checks these against your household automatically.
Good to know
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Matched from this dish's own ingredients and timing. Browse more: 30-minute meals
Instructions
5 steps- 1
Steep the tea leaves in the hot water for 5 minutes until strong and dark, then strain into a heatproof pitcher or jug.
- 2
Stir in the evaporated milk and condensed milk until fully combined.
- 3
Pour the tea from one jug or vessel into another held at arm length, then pour it back, repeating several times; this pulling aerates the tea and creates a frothy top.
- 4
Continue pulling until a thick foam forms on the surface.
- 5
Pour into glasses, spooning extra foam on top, and serve hot.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
74/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving125
Calories
3 g
Protein
21 g
Carbs
3 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Teh tarik, Malay for 'pulled tea,' takes its name from the dramatic pouring technique baristas at Malaysian kopitiams use to aerate the drink, streaming it between two vessels held far apart. That pulling motion is the whole point of the drink: it cools the tea slightly, froths the top, and blends in the condensed milk without ever needing a spoon.
Listahan note
This version brews the black tea dark and strong on its own, since a weak base gets overwhelmed by the condensed milk's sweetness instead of standing up to it through the pulling process.
Technique cues
- Brewing the tea strong and dark before adding condensed milk means the tea flavor survives the pulling process instead of disappearing under the milk's sweetness.
- Pouring the mixed tea back and forth between two cups from a height builds the characteristic frothy top; stirring alone won't produce the same texture.
- Condensed milk, rather than fresh milk and sugar added separately, gives teh tarik its specific thick, caramel-tinged sweetness.
- The tea needs to still be hot when pulled — a cooled tea won't aerate or froth the same way under the same pouring motion.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Chill glasses and prep garnish while Teh Tarik steeps, blends, or infuses, so nothing is rushed once it's ready to pour. This one leans on the sweetened condensed milk. Everything else is quick — the cook is the one step that takes real time.
- Make-ahead
- Batch the base of Teh Tarik (the sweetened condensed milk) ahead and refrigerate, then finish and garnish individual servings right before pouring. Everything else is quick — the cook is the one step that takes real time.
- Leftover move
- Leftover Teh Tarik keeps refrigerated in a sealed container; give it a stir or shake before pouring again since it may separate. This one leans on the sweetened condensed milk. Plan around the cook; that's the slow part.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Rinse the blender or pitcher used for Teh Tarik immediately — sticky or dairy-based drinks are far easier to clean before they dry. This one leans on the sweetened condensed milk. The cook step is what sets the pace here.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Black tea
Flavor support
Purpose: Black tea supports the balance of Teh Tarik and should taste integrated.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use the closest fresh equivalent and expect a modest shift in flavor or texture.
condensed milk
Richness and texture
Purpose: condensed milk rounds the texture and helps the dish feel complete.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use unsweetened dairy-free alternatives only where they still provide enough fat and body.
Teh Tarik
Dish identity
Purpose: Teh Tarik is the core item, so the cooking method and seasoning need to match the expected dish.
Handling: Confirm the base ingredients and prep them before heating so the method is not rushed.
Adaptation: Use the closest household-safe equivalent and expect the dish to shift in texture or flavor.
Technique notes
- Practice the pour over a large tray or sink the first few times — teh tarik is messy to learn and the tea splashes before the technique clicks.
- Serve immediately after pulling, while the froth is still visible on top; it settles back into the tea within a couple of minutes.
- Adjust the ratio of condensed milk to tea to taste — it's a personal ratio at most kopitiams, not a fixed measurement.
Ingredient swaps
- Dairy-free direction
- Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a full-fat plant milk (oat, coconut, or soy all whip and pour similarly) — the texture shifts slightly but the dish holds together. This one leans on the strong black tea.
- Lower-sodium direction
- Season lighter on salt than the recipe calls for, then adjust right before serving — it's easier to add more than to fix an oversalted batch. This one leans on the strong black tea.
- Weeknight shortcut
- Pre-portion and freeze the fruit or mix-ins in small bags so a weeknight version is a one-step blend, no chopping. This one leans on the strong black tea.
Serve alongside
- Fresh fruit
- Cucumber slices
- Plain rice crackers
- Cold water
- Sparkling water
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days when the drink is brewed, blended, or mixed ahead.
- Stir or shake before serving over fresh ice.
- Do not freeze unless the recipe is meant to become pops or granita.
Equipment
- Pitcher or blender
- Measuring cup
- Long spoon
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