Yuan Yang
Hawker • Singapore
About Yuan Yang
Yuan Yang is a classic staple in the Singapore hawker beverage lineup, blending kopi and teh for a unique, robust flavour profile that’s both creamy and aromatic. The drink takes the best elements of local coffee—strong, bold, slightly bittersweet kopi—and blends them with the light, fragrant tea notes of teh, usually served over ice or hot, depending on your mood. Hawker stalls will use evaporated or condensed milk to create that rich mouthfeel, making it more indulgent than your usual kopi or teh o kosong. Yuan Yang is suitable for vegetarians and typically considered halal-safe, as it’s just a mixture of coffee, tea, water, and milk, without any animal-derived additives. Portion sizes at hawker centres are easily 200–250ml or more, so be mindful that energy and sugar intake quickly add up. Per 100g, Yuan Yang provides 70 kcal and 9g carbohydrates, but a full cup can double or triple that, especially with added sugar or milk. That makes it more of a treat than a daily drink if you’re looking out for sugar and calories, especially since the beverage is nearly free of dietary fibre. As with most kopi and teh beverages, Yuan Yang is best enjoyed fresh, balancing the caffeine kick with the milky sweetness. If you prefer your beverage less sweet, you can always ask for less sugar ('siew dai'), as hawkers are usually accommodating. Yuan Yang embodies the hawker ethos: flexible, no airs, and tailored to the drinker’s taste. It’s perfect for those who want the best of both worlds—the strength of Singapore kopi and the smoothness of teh—in one satisfying cup.
How to Make Yuan Yang (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Yuan Yang is a beloved beverage found in almost every Singaporean kopitiam and hawker centre, celebrated for its unique blend of robust coffee and fragrant black tea. This drink perfectly embodies the spirit of Singapore’s multicultural food scene, drawing fusion influences from the city’s rich history as a trading hub. Named after the mandarin duck, a symbol of harmonious pairing, Yuan Yang is a testament to how Singaporeans artfully blend traditions to create something truly distinctive. The taste of Yuan Yang is bold yet balanced, combining the deep, roasted notes of local kopi with the smooth astringency of teh. Sweetened with a touch of condensed or evaporated milk, it offers a creamy texture without being overly heavy. Yuan Yang is not only a popular breakfast companion but also a refreshing afternoon treat, delivering both a caffeine boost and a comforting sense of nostalgia. Enjoying Yuan Yang is a quintessential Singaporean experience, connecting generations through a shared love for this iconic beverage.
Ingredients(for 1 large kopitiam glass (about 250 ml each))
- 2 tablespoons Coarsely ground local coffee (kopi powder) (Use Singaporean kopi for authentic taste)
- 2 teaspoons Loose-leaf black tea (Ceylon or local teh) (Commonly used in kopitiams)
- 400 ml Hot water (Divided for brewing coffee and tea)
- 4 tablespoons Low-fat evaporated milk (Or unsweetened soy milk for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons Sweetened condensed milk (Adjust to taste or use sugar substitute)
- 1 cup Ice cubes (For iced Yuan Yang) - optional
- 1 teaspoon Stevia or erythritol (Optional, for sugar reduction) - optional
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon powder (Optional for extra aroma) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Brew the coffee by adding kopi powder to a coffee sock or French press. Pour 200 ml hot water over and steep for 5 minutes. Press or strain to extract strong coffee.
7 minutes
Use freshly ground kopi for the most aromatic brew.
- 2
Brew the black tea by adding tea leaves to a teapot or infuser. Pour 200 ml hot water and steep for 3-4 minutes. Strain and set aside.
5 minutes
Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness.
- 3
Mix the brewed coffee and tea together in a large jug. Stir well to combine the flavours.
2 minutes
Adjust the coffee-to-tea ratio to suit your taste (traditional is 1:1).
- 4
Add evaporated milk and condensed milk to the coffee-tea mixture. Stir until completely blended and creamy.
3 minutes
Taste and add more milk or sweetener if desired.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthier Yuan Yang recipe uses low-fat or plant-based milk and optional sugar substitutes to reduce calories while retaining the creamy kopitiam taste. The blend of tea and coffee provides natural antioxidants and supports mental alertness. With portion control and fewer added sugars, it’s a great beverage for those watching their weight, blood sugar, or overall calorie intake, making it a smart, Singaporean-inspired drink choice.
Yuan Yang, when prepared with low-fat or plant-based milk and minimal sweetener, is a lighter alternative to traditional versions. It provides moderate caffeine for alertness, calcium from the milk, and antioxidants from both tea and coffee. Using less condensed milk reduces sugar content, making it suitable for calorie-conscious individuals. The drink is vegetarian and can be adapted for vegan diets by choosing non-dairy milk. Enjoy it as a source of hydration and gentle energy boost, without excess fat or sugar.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Adjust the coffee and tea ratio for your preferred intensity.
- 💡Tip 2: For extra creaminess, blend the drink with ice before serving.
- 💡Tip 3: Use freshly brewed kopi and teh for the most authentic flavour.
Storage & Serving
Store brewed Yuan Yang in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving as separation may occur. Add ice only when ready to drink to maintain freshness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 70.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.0 g |
| Total Fat | 3.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Yuan Yang is a classic choice for those who want both kopi and teh in one cup, regularly ordered at hawker centre drink stalls across Singapore. It reflects the city’s love for creative beverage blends and customisable drink culture.
