And while tea traditions may have started in different corners of the world, many have found a home here. Ask any Malaysian on the street, and they will tell you there is more to their tea culture than the humble teh tarik.

FMT Lifestyle is commemorating International Tea Day with five international teas that Malaysians have embraced over the years.

Some have become trendy café staples while others are already so familiar, you may not even realise they began elsewhere.

Teh tarik

Can a drink still count as international after becoming practically Malaysian? Though its roots trace back to Indian-Muslim communities, teh tarik has long transcended cultural boundaries. Today, it belongs to everyone.

Found in mamak stalls across the country, teh tarik fuels breakfast conversations, late-night football sessions and endless catch-ups over roti canai.

The dramatic pulling technique creates the hot drink’s signature froth while cooling it down.

Sweet, creamy and robust, teh tarik is not just a beverage. For many Malaysians, it is a ritual, a comfort and sometimes even a reason to stay at the table a little longer.

Matcha

Once reserved for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has gone from niche drink to full-fledged Malaysian café obsession. Today, it appears in everything from lattes and cheesecakes to ice cream and soft serve.

Still, beneath all the Instagram-friendly green drinks lies centuries of Japanese tradition. Matcha has long been associated with mindfulness and ritual, where preparing and drinking tea is an experience in itself.

As for the flavour? Expect something earthy, grassy and slightly bitter, balanced by a creamy richness. It may not be love at first sip for everyone, but for many Malaysians, one cup eventually becomes a habit.

Masala chai

If masala chai feels oddly familiar, it is probably because Malaysia already has a deep relationship with tea culture through its Indian community.

Originating from India, masala chai combines black tea with warming spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Rich and aromatic, each sip brings an onslaught of sweetness followed by a gentle hit of spice.

While teh tarik often takes centre stage locally, masala chai offers a different tea experience. Found in Indian restaurants and specialty cafés, it carries with it India’s culture of slowing down, gathering and bonding over a hot cup of tea.

Jasmine tea

There is a good chance many Malaysians have been drinking jasmine tea for years without thinking much about where it came from.

Served before meals in Chinese restaurants across the country, jasmine tea has become part of everyday dining culture. Its roots, however, trace back to China, where tea leaves are scented with jasmine blossoms.

The result is a drink that is light, floral and delicate rather than bold or overpowering. It quietly does its job in the background – cleansing the palate, complementing food and somehow making family meals feel complete.

Moroccan mint tea

In Morocco, serving mint tea is as much about hospitality as it is about tradition.

Made with green tea, mint leaves and sugar, Moroccan mint tea is often poured theatrically and shared among guests. It is sweet, refreshing and carries a cooling minty kick.

Over the years, Malaysians have become more familiar with it through Middle Eastern cafés and restaurants. It is now common to see friends sharing a pot after a meal, especially in spots serving Arabic cuisine.

Given Malaysia’s weather, perhaps it is no surprise that this refreshing drink feels right at home here.