Tarik

Tarik is a takeaway concept specialising in their artisanal pulled tea. The iced version was especially refreshing with a perfect balance of milkiness and floral aroma from the brewed tea. They do have a limited selection of snacks and I was recommended with the epok epok, the sardine will hit you with an immediate spice punch while the potato is mellower but both equally satisfying when paired with their teh tarik ais.

Located in the heart of Kampong Glam and right next to Masjid Sultan, Tarik is the perfect pitstop for your chai fix.

Helmed by a SQ air steward who started this as a sideline during the Covid period, Tarik has gained cult popularity and support (including several politicians) and expanded from a cloud kitchen to a hole in the wall kiosk to their present larger location. They serve hot and cold chai in a variety of flavours (tarik, halia, masala and saffron).

Interestingly, the tea is apparently freshly brewed in small batches and then stored in huge container tanks. It is then briefly heated up and 'pulled' before being served.

I tried both the teh halia and teh masala. Both were smooth and creamy even though they were dispensed from a container tank. They were way better than their more famous and established competitor nearby (which is often watery, thin and bland). I do however prefer my teas to pack a stronger spicy punch but Tarik's rendition was more milky and creamy.

This is without a doubt worth a visit to lepak or have a quick chai fix. Be warned however that their opening hours can be rather amorphous. I mean I did end up empty handed on my first two trips there!

Although their address is at Arab Street, but Tarik actually located at the side of the corner shop; with the shop facing the mosque at Muscat Street.

Surprisingly to see there’s a queue when I was here on weekend. Many people came here for their coffee, tea and some snacks.

No proper seats here, only some benches. So mostly takeaway.

Teh Zaffron is one of their signature drink, which is a masala tea mixed with premium spice and saffron. It has a strong hint of spice in the tea.