Explore a variety of Malaysian drinks that offer unique flavors and freshness, from sweet drinks to tropical refreshments.
Malaysia is a country with a rich culture, and one aspect that reflects its diversity is its signature food and drinks.
Among the many choices of drinks available, Malaysia offers a variety of refreshing and delicious traditional drinks, both to quench your thirst and provide a different taste experience. Here are 10 signature Malaysian drinks that you must try when visiting this country.
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1. Jackfruit Ice
Ais Nangka is a cold drink that is similar to es campur, but with a distinctive taste that sets it apart. This drink is served with shaved ice decorated with various fillings, such as jackfruit, cendol, nata de coco, red and green pearls, avocado, and other ingredients.
The combination of the sweetness of jackfruit with the freshness of ice makes it a perfect drink to enjoy on a hot afternoon.
Not only is it refreshing, but the various fillings can also keep your stomach full for longer, making it a filling and refreshing snack.
Just like Typical Malaysian Food, which is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, this drink offers a delightful combination of taste and texture that you shouldn’t miss!
2. Cat Tears
Air Mata Kucing is a very popular traditional drink in Malaysia. This drink usually consists of a mixture of hibiscus flower water, basil seeds, longan fruit, and sometimes served with the addition of lemon or lime to give a fresher taste.
The name “Air Mata Kucing” itself comes from the shape of the longan fruit which resembles a “cat’s eye”. This drink is very popular in snack shops or in Malaysian street markets, especially in the summer, because of its freshness that can effectively quench thirst.
3. Leng Chee Kang
Leng Chee Kang is a drink that originated from Chinese culture in Malaysia and is famous for its sweet and aromatic taste.
This drink consists of lotus seeds, raisins, red dates, snow fungus, lily tubers, ginkgo nuts, and dried longans, among other fruits.
This drink can be served cold or warm, depending on your preference. Leng Chee Kang is perfect to enjoy as a refreshing drink during the day or as an energy drink during cold weather. Its sweet taste and varied textures make it very refreshing.
4. Ice Tea/Pulled Tea
Teh Ais is a typical Malaysian drink made from strong black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk. However, the more iconic version is Teh Tarik, which serves this tea in a unique way.
The “pull” process involves pouring the tea from one glass into another repeatedly from a height to create a soft foam on top. Apart from mixing tea and milk, this pulling process also develops the taste of the tea and makes the texture lighter.
Teh Tarik is generally served hot, but can also be served cold, giving it a delicious sweet and slightly bitter taste.
5. O Ais Tea
Teh O Ais is a simpler version of tea compared to Teh Tarik. This drink consists only of black or green tea brewed without any added milk or sugar.
The “O” in this term refers to the unsweetened plain tea. Teh O Ais is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the pure taste of tea without any additives.
This tea provides a sharper and fresher tea taste sensation, suitable for true tea lovers who want to enjoy the original taste of tea leaves.
6. Teh C Peng
Teh C Peng is a tea drink with a very attractive three-color layer. This drink consists of strong black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and liquid palm sugar.
Its sweet taste combined with the sharp aroma of tea and the freshness of ice makes it a very popular drink, especially in street coffee shops. Teh C Peng is often served in large glasses and is the main choice for people who want to enjoy tea with a sweet and cool taste.
7. Glutinous Cendol
Cendol Pulut is a typical version of the cendol dish that is widely known in Southeast Asia. This drink is made from coconut milk, liquid brown sugar, shaved ice, and cendol, which are green grains of rice flour.
Cendol Pulut adds black sticky rice or pulut to give it a chewier texture and richer taste. Usually served as a dessert or refreshing drink, Cendol Pulut is a very popular choice in hot weather. The combination of the sweetness of brown sugar with the savory taste of coconut milk and the chewy taste of sticky rice makes cendol pulut very satisfying.
8. Coconut Shake
Coconut Shake is a drink made from a mixture of grated young coconut, condensed milk, and shaved ice.
This drink is usually served with additional coconut or vanilla ice cream which further enriches the taste.
Coconut Shake is often found in coastal areas of Malaysia, such as in Penang and Port Dickson, and is a refreshing drink that is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Its creamy and sweet taste is perfect to enjoy in the hot tropical weather.
9. Mixed Stone Water (ABC)
Air Batu Campur, or better known as ABC, is a refreshing cold drink made from shaved ice topped with various ingredients such as sugar syrup, red beans, sweet corn, young coconut, grass jelly, and condensed milk.
ABC is one of the popular snacks in Malaysia and is perfect to enjoy on a hot day. The ingredients used in ABC can vary according to taste, making it a flexible drink that can easily be tailored to personal preferences.
10. Watermelon Ice
Ais Tembikai, or watermelon ice, is a drink made from fresh watermelon juice, mixed with sweetened condensed milk and sugar.
This drink is very refreshing, with a sweet and creamy taste that is typical of watermelon. Ais Tembikai is often served with ice cubes or can also be enjoyed without added sugar for a lighter taste.
This drink is perfect for restoring the body’s freshness, especially when traveling in Malaysia’s tropical climate.
While enjoying this refreshing beverage, don’t forget to check out Typical Malaysia Souvenirs to bring home a piece of Malaysia’s unique culture and flavors!
Malaysia serves a variety of signature drinks that are not only refreshing but also reflect the country’s diverse culture and traditions.
From fresh ice mixed with tropical fruits to warming tea drinks, every sip offers a unique and exciting taste. From sweet and refreshing Ais Nangka to rich-tasting Teh Tarik, there are so many typical Malaysian drinks that will make your holiday even more complete. Make sure to try all these drinks while you are in Malaysia!
