Malaysian Kopitiam-Style Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea)
A frothy, sweet Malaysian milk tea made by skillfully pouring brewed black tea and condensed milk between two vessels to create a creamy texture and light foam. This asian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together black tea leaves, boiling water, sweetened condensed milk for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp evaporated milk
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Steep 2 tsp black tea leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 4 minutes until strong and fragrant. Strain the tea leaves out and pour the brewed tea into a tall heatproof cup.
- Step 2: Add 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk and 1 tbsp evaporated milk to the hot tea. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: To create the signature frothy texture, pour the tea mixture from one cup to another about 8-10 times from a height of 12 inches, allowing the tea to aerate and cool slightly, forming a creamy foam on top.
- Step 4: Serve immediately in a clear glass to showcase the creamy layers and enjoy the rich, smooth kopitiam-style teh tarik.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Malaysian Kopitiam-Style Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea) take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Malaysian Kopitiam-Style Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea)?
Refrigerate any leftover malaysian kopitiam-style teh tarik (pulled milk tea) in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Malaysian Kopitiam-Style Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea)?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Malaysian Kopitiam-Style Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea) for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Malaysian Kopitiam-Style Teh Tarik (Pulled Milk Tea)?
Asian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
