The secret to the aromatic TEH PANDAN

For years pandan leaves have used in teh-O (tea without milk). This mildly flavoured, aromatic drink is served to guests during 'kenduri' (religious ceremonies) But, pandan tea? That was something new to me. (Ya.. I hear some of you telling you already knew it before). Thanks to my niece, Shameemah, who recommended this drink to me when we were out for supper at Zamas at River Valley. I instantly fell in love with the drink. I was determined to make it at home. Here is a prelude to my recipe. 😉

With lots of zeal and excitement, I made the tea using the tea leaves I‘d normally use - Taj and 3 Roses. Both didn't yield the result I had expected. I tried again by adding more pandan leaves. Nah! That didn't work either.

Then... there was a Eureka moment!

Pandan Essence. Yes!

I added artificial pandan flavour. That, made a lot of difference. However, I still wasn't satisfied. It wasn't anything close to the pandan tea I had at Zamas. Sigh!

Do you believe that the Universe works in mysterious ways to bring you exactly what you need, and all that you have to do is trust?

That's absolutely true in my opinion.

Recently, my sister happened to serve us pandan tea. She had used pandan leaves. I liked the taste of the tea leaves. I brought back some.

Great decision!

The very next day, I used those tea leaves with the pandan essence.

Viola!

Homemade pandan tea was born.. I mean brewed.

That tea leaves made the difference. "What's so special about the tea powder?" You may ask.

That's the kind of tea dust used in your favourite sarabat (not Starbucks) .. sarabat stalls. Since then, pandan tea has been our preferred drink during tea time. With the right amount of tea dust, milk and pandan combo, you too can make your own aromatic pandan tea at the convenience of your own homes.

Recipe

(Makes 3 to 4 cups)

Tea powder - 2 heaped tbsp

1/2 l boiled water

Evaporated milk

Condensed milk

Artificial Pandan flavour - 2 capful

Pandan leaves, knotted

Method

1. Add pandan essence & tea leaves into boiled water

2. Let it simmer in low flame for 2 mins.

3. Add evaporated milk

4. Remove from heat.

5. Strain.

6. Add condensed milk.

7. Dilute with hot water if necessary.

8. Tarik 2 to 3 times.

9. Pour into your cups.

10. Serve with a knotted pandan leaf in it.

Enjoy!😋