Teh O Peng
Hawker • Singapore
About Teh O Peng
Teh O Peng is a classic kopitiam drink, loved for its straightforward blend of strong black tea served over ice. Unlike regular 'teh peng', Teh O Peng contains no milk, allowing the full flavour and slight bitterness of the tea leaves to shine through. It’s a favourite amongst those who want something refreshing with a lighter profile — perfect for Singapore's humid afternoons, and a common sight at hawker centres and coffee shops islandwide. Nutritionally, Teh O Peng is simple: every 100g provides about 25 kcal and 6g of carbohydrates, with virtually no protein, fat, or fibre. A regular glass at the hawker will probably be closer to 250-300g, so actual calories are around 75 kcal per serving. That said, the sweetness level really depends on how much sugar the auntie or uncle adds, and you can always ask for 'siew dai' if you want to cut down. The drink fits vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets, since it's just tea, water, and sugar. While Teh O Peng feels light compared to other sugary drinks, it's best enjoyed with moderation in mind. Like most kopi/teh options at the hawker, it’s easy to go for seconds with a meal, so be mindful if you’re watching your sugar intake. It's a welcome pick-me-up or thirst quencher if you’re in need, simple and straightforward without frills — just how most Singaporeans like it.
How to Make Teh O Peng (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Teh O Peng is a beloved iced tea beverage found in almost every Singaporean kopitiam (coffee shop), renowned for its refreshing simplicity and iconic status in Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture. This drink, whose name translates to 'tea without milk, with ice,' is an essential part of daily life for many locals, offering a cooling respite from Singapore’s tropical heat. With its deep amber hue, fragrant aroma, and subtly sweet taste, Teh O Peng is enjoyed by Singaporeans across all walks of life—from busy office workers grabbing a quick lunch to families relaxing on weekends. Originating from the melting pot of Singapore’s multicultural food scene, Teh O Peng highlights the fusion influences that define local cuisine. Unlike traditional milk tea, this version is vegan and lighter, making it a popular alternative for those seeking a healthier option. Its straightforward ingredients and preparation process make it accessible, yet the art of brewing the perfect Teh O Peng is a skill honed by kopitiam 'aunties' and 'uncles' who know just how to balance strong Ceylon tea with a touch of sweetness. Whether sipped alongside a plate of kaya toast or enjoyed as a standalone thirst-quencher, this beverage embodies the unique flavors and communal spirit of Singapore.
Ingredients(for 1 tall kopitiam glass (approx. 350ml))
- 2 tablespoons Ceylon tea leaves (also known locally as teh)
- 500ml Water (freshly boiled)
- 2 teaspoons Rock sugar (or less to taste; gula batu)
- 2 cups Ice cubes (preferably large cubes)
- 1 small leaf Pandan leaf (optional, for fragrance) - optional
- 2 slices Lemon slice (optional garnish) - optional
- to taste Stevia or monk fruit sweetener (optional, for lower calorie version) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Bring 500ml of water to a rolling boil in a pot or kettle. Rinse the teapot with some hot water to warm it up.
3 minutes
Warming the teapot helps extract maximum flavor from the tea leaves.
- 2
Add Ceylon tea leaves (and pandan leaf if using) into the teapot. Pour the freshly boiled water over the tea leaves.
2 minutes
Use a fine mesh strainer if you don’t have a traditional kopitiam teapot.
- 3
Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes to ensure a robust, aromatic brew. Do not over-steep as it may turn bitter.
7 minutes
Cover the teapot while steeping to retain the tea’s aroma.
- 4
Strain the tea into a clean jug, removing the tea leaves and pandan leaf. Add rock sugar while the tea is hot and stir until fully dissolved.
3 minutes
Adjust sweetness to taste or replace with natural sweeteners for a lower-calorie option.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Teh O Peng recipe is a healthy beverage choice because it is low in calories, contains no dairy or saturated fat, and relies on antioxidant-rich tea. By opting for minimal or natural sweeteners, you further reduce calorie content while still enjoying a flavorful, refreshing drink. It’s hydrating, vegan-friendly, and makes an excellent alternative to sugary sodas or milk teas.
Teh O Peng is naturally low in calories and contains zero fat when prepared without milk or sweetened condensed milk. Using Ceylon tea as the base provides beneficial antioxidants such as catechins and theaflavins, which support heart health and can help reduce inflammation. Rock sugar adds moderate carbohydrates, but the quantity can be controlled or substituted with calorie-free sweeteners. The drink is entirely plant-based, caffeine-containing, vegan, and free from common allergens when made as per this recipe.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: For an extra fragrant brew, add a pandan leaf while steeping the tea.
- 💡Tip 2: Use large ice cubes to slow down dilution, preserving the tea’s robust flavor.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust sweetness to your preference or dietary needs by choosing alternative sweeteners.
Storage & Serving
Best consumed immediately after preparation. If storing, keep the brewed tea (unsweetened) refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add ice and sweetener only when ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 25.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.0 g |
| Total Fat | 0.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Teh O Peng is a classic order at drink stalls, appreciated for its refreshing qualities and customisable sweetness. It’s commonly chosen by locals who avoid milk or want a lighter drink with their meal.
