Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea) is a Tradition in Showmanship

Teh Tarik, literally meaning "tea pulled" or pulled tea is a traditional drink of Malaysia, but can be found all over Southeast Asia in countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

You'll find teh tarik in restaurants and street food stalls. Locals in Malaysia gather in mamak (Muslim eateries from food stalls to aircon restaurants) and kopitiam (coffee shops) to socialize and enjoy deftly poured teh tarik served with roti canai (a think pancake/crepe).

The first time I encountered it was actually in 2012 in Thailand in the Chatuchak market in Bangkok. I saw this man pouring tea from one vessel to anther about as far as his arms would allow him. It was mesmerizing! The tea artists pour and swirl, and turn around almost defying the laws of gravity with the tea moving from pot to pot without spilling a drop! I've heard there are even Teh Tarik competitions!

But it's not just for show! The boiled black tea with condensed milk is poured between two steel mugs called koles. This mixes the tea and milk creating a better flavor, creates it's signature frothy head, and also cools it to the perfect drinking temperature. Add to that some delicious spices like cardamom, cloves and ginger and OMG yum.

Yep, it's sweet. You can ask for it less sweet (kurang manis in Malay) so you might get some evaporated creamer mixed in which is not quite as authentic, but you might save your blood sugar. ;)

Researching it, there are varying stories of its origin dating back from the 1850s to as recent as World War II. It makes sense that the pulling had to do with mixing it en masse without having to use spoons for every cup served. But what remains is a wonderful sense of showmanship.