A TikTok video has gained attention online after a shop in New York invited people to try some of Singapore’s best-known beverages. First-time tasters were seen sampling the drinks, while Singaporeans celebrated seeing their food culture represented overseas.
Teh Tarik, or pulled tea, is one of Southeast Asia’s most well-known drinks. Kopi tarik, pulled coffee, uses the same method but with coffee instead of tea. The key thing in both drinks is the pulling process. Hot liquid gets poured back and forth between two metal pitchers in a steady motion.
That movement changes the drink. Air is mixed in, which creates that light frothy top. The condensed milk blends evenly instead of sitting heavy at the bottom. It also cools the drink slightly so it’s ready to drink right away. The result is a smooth, slightly creamy texture with a foam layer that people usually associate with tarik drinks.
A First Taste for New Customers
During the tasting, one customer described teh tarik as earthy and herbal after their first sip.
The shop owner explained that the coffee is brewed fresh every day in small batches before being pulled and served. After the tasting, visitors were encouraged to come back and try the restaurant’s chicken rice as well.
Singaporeans Share Their Opinions
Many Singaporean viewers expressed pride in seeing local drinks introduced in the United States. Several comments wished the business success and appreciated the effort to share Singaporean cuisine with a wider audience.
Others pointed out that teh tarik and kopi tarik are traditionally served hot rather than iced. Ice, they explained, can dilute the condensed milk mixture and weaken the thick, rich texture that defines both drinks.
First-time customers experienced something new. Singaporeans, meanwhile, saw a familiar part of their culture being appreciated far from home.
See the video here:
@singaporesocial_nyc How will New Yorkers rate Teh Tarik and Kopi Tarik? 🫖☕️ What makes our Singaporean tea and coffee so special? We brew everything in-house, mix in good parts of condensed milk and evaporated milk to make it sweet and rich, and the most important step – TARIK (pull) the tea/coffee multiple times to make it thick and frothy! We import our tea leaves and coffee grounds all the way from Singapore, so you know it’s legit ✅ Come try it for yourself ❤️ Open daily 11am – 10pm. Reserve via the Resy, link in our bio 🍽️ 📍 15 Avenue A, New York 10009 #singaporesocialnyc #singapore #newyork #eastavenue #tehtarik
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