What is a Malaysian drink to you?
OUR interviewees tell us what they think is the one drink from Malaysia they would recommend to a foreign friend.
Lyn Siew, executive director, Ruyi & Lyn
Authentic teh tarik for sure, as you can’t get it elsewhere in the world and the making of it is such a spectacle. This drink is also the most versatile pairing with all our local fares such as nasi lemak, char kuey teow and roti canai!!
Shawn Chong, co-founder, Omakase + Appreciate
Three-layered tea (made by layering tea, evaporated milk and palm sugar on top of one another) truly embodies the elements that make it a Malaysian drink. First of all, it has tea, which is a common drink across all cultures in Malaysia. Then there’s the gula melaka (palm sugar), which gives it that distinct local flavour. Also, teh tarik, Milo Ice, teh O ice limau and sirap bandung.
Rizal Junior, beverage manager, W Kuala Lumpur
Rice based spirits and wines from Sabah and Sarawak like tuak, langkau, montoku, lihing and bahar. For non-alcohol drinks, Sabah’s kit chai pin (lime juice with ice), Teh C Peng (tea with evaporated milk and ice) in Sarawak and mata kucing (longan).
Ben Ng, managing director, Drinks Alliance
Umbra juice and dried sour plum. Full of health benefits, delicious and easily compliments local food. Also, palm nectar (air nira), which if fermented becomes toddy, is an underrated drink when it is fresh.
Darren Teoh, owner, Dewakan
Water! Because you can be sure that the source is from Malaysia! Langkau (Sarawakian alcoholic drink), because it has an interesting production process, and an interesting cultural heritage, and it has a potential to be a fun drink.