Jakarta’s tropical climate often calls for a refreshing drink to beat the heat and humidity. While there are various options available, iced teas are a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Join us as we delve into the world of iced teas in Jakarta, exploring the delightful range of flavours and unique twists that make them a must-try.
Traditional Sweet Tea
In Jakarta, traditional sweet iced tea, often called “teh manis,” is a beloved classic. It’s brewed strong, sweetened with palm sugar, and served over ice. The result is a cooling and mildly sweet drink that perfectly complements the city’s warm climate.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is another local favourite, especially when served as an iced beverage. Its delicate floral aroma and light, refreshing taste make it a popular choice. It’s often sweetened and sometimes infused with a hint of citrus for added zing. In fact, one of the most popular bottled drinks in the country is a cold bottled jasmine tea called Teh Botol. Read more about them here.
Teh Tarik Ice
Teh Tarik, a popular Malaysian tea, has also found its way into Jakarta. When served cold, it’s known as Teh Tarik Ice. This tea is brewed with condensed milk, giving it a creamy and sweet flavour that’s perfectly complemented by the addition of ice.
Fruit-Infused Iced Teas
Jakarta’s creative tea scene doesn’t stop at traditional flavours. You’ll find a variety of fruit-infused iced teas, such as lychee tea, peach tea, and passion fruit tea. These fruity concoctions offer a burst of natural sweetness and a tropical twist. The brand that does Teh Botol (the jasmine tea), Sosro, also do fruit teas in a variety of fruity flavours like apple, blackberry and lychee. Our personal favourite was the lychee ice tea. These are so popular that even McDonalds do them! And they don’t play around, the McDonalds lychee ice tea is amazing!
Bubble Tea Craze
Like many cosmopolitan cities, Jakarta has fully embraced the bubble tea craze. You can find a plethora of bubble tea shops serving iced tea with chewy tapioca pearls, fruit jellies, or bursting boba. These unique textures and flavours add an element of fun to your tea experience.
Unique Local Twists
Indonesia’s diverse culinary heritage means that there are also regional twists to iced teas. For instance, in some places, you might encounter iced tea mixed with herbs or spices, creating a more complex and aromatic beverage.
Where to Enjoy Iced Teas
You can find iced teas at various spots in Jakarta, from street vendors to trendy cafes. If you’re looking for a specific experience, consider trying an old-school Warung (local eatery) or a modern tea shop where you can customise your tea with a range of flavours and toppings. Most traditional eateries you go into, they’ll have this on the menu and you’ll see that this is the locals’ go to.
Iced teas in Jakarta offer a refreshing respite from the city’s warm climate. Whether you prefer the traditional sweet tea, fragrant jasmine tea, creamy Teh Tarik Ice, or the playful bubble teas, Jakarta’s tea scene has something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself exploring this vibrant city, don’t forget to cool down with a glass of iced tea and enjoy the unique flavours it has to offer.
