Andrea AbbondanzaWith a rich cultural heritage as well as a diverse range of flavors, Malaysia has abundant options for thirst-quenching drinks. But what are the most popular Malaysian drinks?
From traditional herbal remedies to modern fruit juices, we’ll take a look at these refreshing drinks’ unique origins and flavors. Ready to recharge and feel refreshed? Read on!
Most Popular Malaysian Drinks You Have To Try
If you love unique and delicious beverages, you’re in for a treat because Malaysia has some of the most interesting options. What are the most popular Malaysian drinks? Here are the must-try delicious drinks of Malaysia to help you feel refreshed!
Teh C Peng
Some popular Malaysian drinks are associated with the Hokkien community; one of them is teh c peng. Teh c peng is a refreshing iced tea made with evaporated milk and sugar. “Teh” means tea in Malay, while “C” stands for Carnation, a popular brand of evaporated milk used in the drink, and “Peng” means iced in Hokkien.
This drink is often enjoyed alongside delicious Hokkien cuisine, such as Hokkien mee, a noodle dish that is a staple of Malaysian street food.
Liang Cha
Liang cha is a popular herbal tea that has become a beloved beverage in Malaysian culture. It’s made from many natural ingredients, including chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and licorice root.
This healthy dessert drink is believed to have cooling properties and is often consumed during hot weather to cool down and stay hydrated.
Teh Tarik
Teh Tarik, or “pulled tea” in English, is a popular Malaysian drink that has gained a following worldwide. “Teh” means tea in Malay, while “Tarik” means pulled, which refers to the unique technique used to prepare the drink.
It is made by pouring hot tea and sweetened condensed milk back and forth between two containers from a height, which creates a frothy layer and gives the drink its distinctive taste and texture. This technique also cools the tea down to a drinkable temperature. Often, this drink is served with traditional Malaysian dishes in many coffee shops, such as roti canai or nasi lemak.
Lychee Juice
Lychee juice is a popular Malaysian drink made from the sweet and flavorful lychee fruit. This refreshing drink is typically made by blending fresh lychee fruit with water and sugar to create a sweet and tangy beverage.
This juice is a common drink in Malaysia and is especially popular during the hot and humid summer months to respite from the heat. The drink is also enjoyed as a dessert beverage and is often served alongside popular Malaysian desserts, such as cendol and pulut hitam.
Barley Juice
Barley juice is a popular Malaysian drink that is made from barley grains. The drink is typically made by boiling barley grains in water and then adding sugar to create a sweet and refreshing beverage.
This is a common drink in Malaysia and is often consumed as a health drink since it has many health benefits. The drink is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels. Barley juice is also a popular drink during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan when consumed to break the fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to order Malaysian drinks in a kopitiam or warung?
There are several easy steps to order Malaysian drinks in a kopitiam or warung: browse the menu, place your order, specify your preferences, wait for your drink, and enjoy. Don’t hesitate to ask the server if you have any difficulty.
What kind of alcohol do Malaysians drink?
The most popular types of alcohol in Malaysia are beer, wine, and spirits, such as whiskey and vodka, but alcohol consumption is relatively low due to cultural and religious factors. It can also be relatively expensive, and public drunkenness is generally frowned upon.
What cocktail was invented in Malaysia?
The Jungle Bird is a cocktail invented in Malaysia in the late 1970s. It is made with dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup. Typically, it’s served over ice with a garnish of pineapple and a cherry. The cocktail was first created at the Aviary bar of the Kuala Lumpur Hilton.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malaysian drinks offer a unique blend of flavors and cultural influences that will satisfy any taste preference. From the classic Teh Tarik and Kopi O to the refreshing Barley Juice and Lychee Juice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
While alcohol consumption in Malaysia may be relatively low due to cultural and religious factors, non-alcoholic drinks such as teh c peng and liang cha is just as delicious and widely enjoyed.
As a foodie, exploring Malaysia’s diverse beverage scene is a must-do activity. So, the next time you stop by a Malaysian beverage stall, kopitiam, coffee shop, or warung, be sure to try out some of the country’s most popular and refreshing drinks!
