'Cha-chak' your way to big prizes in national competition
- Published: 19/07/2011 at 08:43 AM
- Newspaper section: Life
Long popular in the provinces of the far South, cha-chak ("pulled tea") is a beverage which originated in Malaysia (where it is called teh tarik) and is also commonly sold at restaurants, street stalls and coffee shops in Singapore and Brunei.
It is made from black tea and condensed milk, the combination being poured back and forth repeatedly between two vessels, one held high above the other - creating the optical illusion that the liquid is being "pulled" - following a technique which was probably imported from India. The process thoroughly blends the two ingredients, cools the mixture to an optimal drinking temperature and gives it a thick, frothy top. The texture is rich and creamy and not as sweet as cha yen, Thailand's nearest iced equivalent.
An element of showmanship has come to be associated with its preparation, since the ability to drag a long stream of tea above the heads of patrons without splashing them can be an amusing novelty for regulars and tourists alike.
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