Teh Talua (West Sumatran Egg Tea)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Drinks Drinks beverages Easy

Teh talua is hot black tea whisked with egg yolk and sugar until foamy and creamy, with a squeeze of lime to cut the eggy smell. Here the yolk is gently heated so it is safely cooked. Makes 1 cup in about 13 minutes.

Prep 5 min

Cook 8 min

Flavor Classic

Serve Hot

Total 13 min

Servings 1

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

1 cup (250 ml)water
2 tsp (4 g)black tea leaves, or 2 tea bags
1 (18 g)egg yolk, large, use a pasteurized egg if possible
2 tbsp (25 g)granulated sugar
2 tsp (10 ml)sweetened condensed milk, optional
1 tsp (5 ml)lime juice, a few drops

Fresh ingredient guides

LimesHow to pick, season & nutrition · 20 kcal per 67 g

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Instructions

Boil the water with the tea and cinnamon stick for 2 minutes, then let steep 3 minutes off the heat. Strain and keep the tea very hot.
In a heatproof bowl, whisk the yolk, sugar and condensed milk until pale and thick.
Whisk in 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the hot tea and set the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water.
Whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is foamy and reaches 160 F (71 C) on a thermometer.
Pour in the remaining hot tea while whisking, then add the lime juice.
Pour into a cup, scraping the foam on top, and serve immediately.

Tips

Add the tea gradually while whisking so the yolk does not scramble.
Duck eggs are common in West Sumatra and give a richer drink.
Adjust the sugar to taste.
Raw egg yolk can carry Salmonella; heat the yolk mixture to 160 F (71 C) as directed or use a pasteurized egg. Not recommended for young children, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems unless pasteurized.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make teh talua (west sumatran egg tea)?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 1 cup (1 servings).

How should I store teh talua (west sumatran egg tea)?

Best drunk right away; do not store.

Can I make teh talua (west sumatran egg tea) ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

A tea from the Minangkabau region of West Sumatra, made by whisking egg yolk and sugar into hot black tea. Serve it with fried snacks or banana fritters.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 1 serving this recipe makes.

197 Calories / serving

6.0g Fat

33.0g Carbs

3.9g Protein

32.1g Sugar

Whole recipe (1 serving): ~197 cal · 6g fat · 33g carbs · 4g protein · 32g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

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