Singapore's food and drink scene is a vibrant fusion of cultures and flavours, and Indian beverages are no exception. With their rich history and diverse array of flavours, Indian drinks like Masala Chai and Teh Tarik have become a beloved part of the city's culinary landscape.
But there's more to these drinks than just their taste. We take a closer look at the world of Indian beverages in Singapore.
If you're craving a piping hot spiced beverage, then Masala Chai will hit the perfect spot for you. Served hot with milk, this tea is brewed with a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper — all of which enhance the sweetness of the tea, not only allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors without the need for additional sugar but also providing added benefits of aiding digestion.
Assam tea, a black tea from the Assam region of India, has a unique malty flavour and dark colour. Often used in blends like English Breakfast tea, it is rich in antioxidants, which can help to fight harmful free radicals that can damage our cells and impact our health. However, as with all caffeinated drinks, it's important to enjoy Assam tea in moderation and not exceed the recommended daily limit of 400mg* of caffeine. Better yet, try it unsweetened to enjoy its refreshing taste!
Alternatively, if you’re looking for tea that is uniquely Singaporean, look no further than our beloved Teh Tarik. Originally introduced by Indian Muslim immigrants who set up Sarabat stalls across the Malay Peninsula, this Singaporean tea variant has stood the test of time and continues to be a staple. To fully enjoy the deep flavours of this beverage, ask for “less sweet” when eating out. Do check out our Healthier Dining Partners where they offer less-sweet version of this local favourite.
Badam milk, or almond milk,is yet another delightful beverage made by blending soaked almonds with milk. It can be served hot or cold and is particularly popular during the particularly hot months. With its rich calcium content, this creamy and nutty beverage contains no saturated fat. Consume it less sweet or unsweetened
Moru (or Chaas or Buttermilk), a yoghurt-based drink, is made by mixing yoghurt with water and other refreshing herbs and spices like coriander, curry leaves and even green chillies! This refreshing beverage, enjoyed in many cultures around the world, can be consumed on its own or used as a base for drinks like lassi. And just like Masala Chai, there is also Masala Moru. There are many ways to enjoy this versatile drink. Try making the drink yourself or find the Buttermilk beverage amongst our list of Nutri-Grade beverages here, head to the shops and buy one for yourself!
By Nithyasrm, via Wikimedia Commons
*In general, one cup of coffee contains 60 to 180 mg of caffeine, while one cup of tea contains 14 to 70 mg of caffeine. These figures are just estimates, and can vary according to the type and brewing process.
This article was last reviewed on 08 Dec 2023
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