In many Asian countries, including Indonesia, tea has become an inseparable part of an important culinary tradition. The variety of unique flavours and ways of serving it can provide a different taste. From refreshingly sweet tea to creamy tarik tea, each can complement other types of food.
Let’s explore how to combine various popular tea types in Indonesia with delicious dishes through the recommendations below!
1. Obeng Tea (Sweet Iced Tea)
Who doesn’t like sweet iced tea? In the Riau Islands, sweet iced tea is known as Obeng Tea and is a favourite choice for many people. Its fresh and sweet taste goes well with Indonesian dishes rich in flavour and spicy. Try combining Teh Obeng with fried rice, smashed chicken, or rendang. After enjoying these dishes, sweet iced tea will neutralize the tongue from the spices and chilli sauce heat, providing a refreshing sensation.
2. O Tea (Sweet Hot Tea)
In many Asian countries, sweet hot tea, known as O Tea by the people of Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, is often served as an accompaniment to heavy and savoury dinner dishes.
The sweet and warm taste goes well with chicken soto, oxtail soup, chicken curry, grilled fish, or savoury uduk rice. Enjoying these dishes while drinking warm sweet tea will balance the spice flavour.
3. Matcha
This finely ground Japanese green tea powder has a rich and slightly bitter taste, perfect for pairing with various savoury Asian dishes. Matcha’s slightly bitter and earthy taste is perfect for pairing with snacks such as mochi or onde-onde. The contrasting bitterness will create a new experience on the tongue!
4. Tarik Tea
Tarik tea is a combination of tea and milk that is very popular in Southeast Asia; it tends to be sweet and has a creamy texture. To enjoy tarik tea, pair it with light dishes such as sweet martabak, toast, or fried bananas.
5. Peach Tea
Peach tea has a sweet, light taste and is refreshing when served cold! When paired with typical Asian dishes, it goes well with light snacks such as spring rolls, Indonesian grilled fish cakes, or pastels. The fruity flavour will provide a light touch for a more enjoyable afternoon break.
6. Lemon Tea
Lemon tea is also quite popular in Indonesia because of its sour and fresh taste. This tea perfectly balances afternoon snacks such as banana molen, serabi, or kue cubit. Its sour taste goes well with the sweet taste of the snack.
Pairing tea with food can be a fun way to enjoy Indonesian cuisine!
Prendjak, a local tea brand from the Riau Islands that has been around since 1980, offers a variety of tea variants that can be adjusted to your favourite foods. Original Prendjak Tea Bags served as Teh Obeng (sweet iced tea) are perfect for heavy lunch menus such as fried rice or rendang. Meanwhile, O tea (warm sweet tea) from Original Prendjak Tea Bags can be combined with various heavy dinner menus. Other Prendjak instant tea variants, such as the Matcha Latte, the Tarik, Peach Tea, and Lemon Tea, are perfect for enjoying in the afternoon with your favourite snacks, providing the perfect relaxing moment.
Choosing the right tea can help you discover new ways to enjoy various dishes. Which pairing are you most eager to explore?
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