Bhai Sarbat – Enjoy the Best Teh Tarik in Singapore at this Old School Gem

Bhai Sarbat, an old school Singaporean gem located just a stone’s throw away from Masjid Sultan, takes you back to the era of traditional drinks. Here, amidst the bustling streets of Baghdad Street, you can find a nostalgic haven that offers a wide array of local beverages with a touch of traditional charm.

The stall started out as a beca stall back in the 1950s. Its founders, Mr. Kabiruddin and Mr. Zamir Ahmad, spent the early years roaming the streets, serving tea from a rickshaw. They eventually acquired a physical shop space in 1977 after saving enough money from their tea sales to cover the rental costs. The shop initially had no signboard or official name, but its growing popularity among customers led them to affectionately refer to it as the “Bhai Sarbat stall.” “Bhai,” an Indian term meaning “brother,” was used as a term of endearment for the founders, while “Sarbat” refers to the classic teh sarabat or teh halia, their trademark milk tea infused with ginger extract.

Throughout the years, Bhai Sarbat thrived primarily thanks to the support of taxi drivers, who brought in customers and made it a regular pitstop for a refreshing cup of sarbat tea. Although the old-timers remain faithful patrons, a new wave of younger customers has joined the ranks of Bhai Sarbat’s admirers.

Mr. Asgar became Mr. Kabiruddin’s apprentice, learning the art of tea-making and taking over the reins of the stall when Mr. Kabiruddin suffered a fall in 2017. Now, Babu, trained under Asgar, runs the business together with him.

The magic begins with a blend of black tea leaves and sweetened condensed milk, which create a rich and creamy base. What sets their sarbat tea apart from others is the captivating way it’s prepared. I had the pleasure of visiting the stall early in the morning, where I witnessed Babu’s deft hands skillfully pulling and preparing cups of sarbat tea.

As I watched in awe, Babu pours the tea from one container to another, repeatedly “pulling” the tea high above their heads to create a frothy and velvety texture. As the tea is pulled and poured back and forth, it develops a beautiful layer of foam which sits on the top of every cup. This frothiness not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the mouthfeel of the tea.

When you take your first sip of their sarbat tea, you’ll be greeted by the fragrance of black tea, the sweet creaminess of condensed milk, and a hit of ginger.

With an official name and a newly added signboard, Bhai Sarbat continues to evolve and expand its offerings. The menu now features not only a wide selection of coffee shop drinks and snacks but also delectable food dishes such as Nasi Lemak and Sambal Goreng. However, it is their iconic sarbat tea that steals the show, drawing customers with its irresistible flavours and frothy perfection.

As I sat there drinking my Teh Halia and eating a delicious pack of Sambal Goreng, I realized that Bhai Sarbat has become more than just a tea stall. It’s a gathering place, a symbol of unity where people from different generations come together to appreciate Singapore’s heritage.

Bhai Sarbat has become an iconic landmark in the neighborhood. So, the next time you find yourself near Masjid Sultan, make sure to pay a visit to Bhai Sarbat and indulge in a cup of their frothy pulled teh tarik that will undoubtedly warm your soul and leave you longing for more.