Teh Ais, a popular Malaysian drink, also known as “pulled tea,” is a delicious and refreshing beverage that combines strong black tea with sweetened condensed milk and crushed ice. It is typically enjoyed as a cooling respite from the tropical heat in Malaysia and is a staple at many local coffee shops and street food stalls.
Making Teh Ais is a relatively simple process, but it requires a bit of technique to achieve the signature frothy texture and balanced flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful beverage at home.
Ingredients:
– Strong black tea leaves or tea bags
– Sweetened condensed milk
– Crushed ice
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea: Start by brewing a strong batch of black tea. You can use loose leaf tea or tea bags, but be sure to steep the tea for a longer duration than usual to achieve a robust flavor. Once brewed, set the tea aside to cool to room temperature.
2. Sweeten the tea: Once the tea has cooled, add sweetened condensed milk to taste. The condensed milk not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the creamy texture and distinct flavor of Teh Ais. Start with a few tablespoons of condensed milk and adjust according to your preference.
3. Froth the tea: The key to Teh Ais’ unique texture lies in the technique of “pulling” the tea. To achieve this, pour the tea and condensed milk mixture back and forth between two cups from a height, allowing the liquid to aerate and create a frothy layer on top. This step may take some practice, but the frothy texture is what sets Teh Ais apart from a regular iced tea.
4. Add crushed ice: Fill a glass with a generous amount of crushed ice. The crushed ice not only chills the drink but also dilutes the sweetness and adds a pleasant crunch.
5. Pour the frothed tea: Finally, pour the frothy Teh Ais over the crushed ice. The contrast of the cold, refreshing ice against the sweet, creamy tea creates a delightful sensory experience.
6. Serve and enjoy: Your homemade Teh Ais is now ready to be enjoyed. Garnish with a straw and a spoon to capture both the frothy top and the ice-cold bottom layers.
Teh Ais is best enjoyed immediately, allowing the ice to melt slightly and meld with the flavors of the tea and condensed milk. It’s the perfect drink to savor on a hot day or to accompany a spicy Malaysian meal.
In conclusion, making Teh Ais at home is a straightforward process that yields a delightful and unique beverage. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of practice with the pulling technique, you can recreate this beloved Malaysian drink in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cheers to a refreshing glass of Teh Ais!
