In a city where culinary adventures are aplenty, navigating the diverse world of teas in Singapore is an experience not to be missed. If you’ve already delved into our guide on How To Order Coffee in Singapore, you’ll find that ordering tea follows a similar rhythm, with its own unique lexicon and array of choices to explore.
Understanding the Tea Lexicon
Much like the local coffee scene, ordering tea in Singapore comes with its own set of terms and jargon. Here are some commonly used terms:
- Teh = simply means “tea” in Malay, also refers to tea with sugar and condensed milk
- Peng = iced
- O = black (no milk)
- Kosong = no sugar
- Siew Dai = less sugar
- Siew Siew Dai = very little sugar
- Ga Dai = extra sweet
- C = evaporated milk
- Gao = strong, thick tea
- Po = weak, diluted tea
- Tarik = pulled
Now that we’re acquainted with the basics, let’s dive deeper into the plethora of tea options awaiting us.
Exploring the Tea Menu
Here’s a snapshot of the diverse tea combinations you might find:
- Teh – Tea with sugar and condensed milk
- Teh Peng – Iced tea with sugar and condensed milk
- Teh O – Black tea with sugar
- Teh O Peng – Iced black tea with sugar
- Teh O Kosong – Black tea without sugar
- Teh O Kosong Peng – Iced black tea without sugar
- Teh O Siew Dai – Black tea with less sugar
- Teh O Siew Dai Peng – Iced black tea with less sugar
- Teh O Siew Siew Dai – Black tea with very little sugar
- Teh C – Tea with sugar and evaporated milk
- Teh C Peng – Iced tea with sugar and evaporated milk
- Teh Gao – Strong tea with sugar and condensed milk
- Teh Ga Dai – Tea with extra sugar and condensed milk
- Teh Po – Diluted tea with sugar and condensed milk
- Teh Tarik – Tea with condensed milk, prepared by “pulling” the tea to create a frothy texture
- Teh Halia – Ginger tea with condensed milk
- Yuan Yang – Mixture of coffee and tea with sugar and condensed milk
- Diao Yu – Chinese tea
Once more, this list is not exhaustive. Feel free to combine these elements according to your preferences to craft your ideal cup of tea.
Where to Indulge
Singapore boasts a vibrant tea culture, with a myriad of establishments dedicated to serving up the finest brews. Here are some popular spots to satisfy your tea cravings:
- Hawker Centres: Dive into the heart of local culture and sample authentic tea beverages amidst the hustle and bustle of hawker centres like Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre and Old Airport Road Food Centre.
- Traditional Kopitiams: Immerse yourself in nostalgia and savour tea concoctions at traditional kopitiams such as Chin Mei Chin Confectionery, Heap Seng Leong, and Tong Ah Eating House.
- Local Coffee/Tea Chains: Discover and indulge in the delightful offerings of local coffee/tea chains such as Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Killiney Kopitiam, and Toast Box, each renowned for their unique blends and authentic flavours.
- Bhai Sarbat (Bussorah Street) and Tarik (Arab Street) – For some of the best teh tarik in Singapore!
Savouring the Experience
Ordering tea isn’t just about quenching your thirst; it’s about immersing yourself in a rich tapestry of flavours and traditions. Whether you’re sipping Teh Peng on a sweltering afternoon or savouring Teh Tarik with friends, each cup offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Singaporean culture.
Pairing with Sweet and Savoury Treats
In Singapore, immersing oneself in the tea culture isn’t truly fulfilled without relishing in an array of exquisite delicacies to complement your cuppa. Whether it’s the crunch of a curry puff brimming with flavourful potatoes and egg or the charming assortment of Nyonya kueh, each presented in its unique hues and shapes, a plethora of both sweet and savoury delights eagerly await to be enjoyed alongside your tea ritual.
Conclusion: How To Order Tea in Singapore
Next time you yearn for a cup of tea in the bustling Lion City, immerse yourself wholeheartedly in the vibrant local tea scene. Equipped with a deeper grasp of tea jargon and a curated selection of favourite haunts, your tea escapades in Singapore promise to be nothing less than enchanting. Here’s to embarking on a journey through the intricate world of tea, sip by sip. Cheers!