In Malaysia, ordering a drink is almost a ritual. Whether it’s breakfast at a Kopitiam or a late-night hang out at the Mamak, “Minum apa?” is the first question you hear.
We all know that Teh Tarik is bad for our waistline (delicious, but deadly with sugar). So, many of us switch to Teh C Kosong thinking it’s the “healthy” choice. But is it really?
As Dr. Ann, I see many patients who eat clean but still struggle to lose weight. The culprit? Liquid calories.
In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about your favorite Malaysian drinks, rank the best and worst options for weight loss, and answer the burning question: Is Teh C Kosong healthy?
Looking for a full meal plan? Pair these drink tips with our 7-Day Halal Diet Plan for Weight Loss for the best results.
The “Teh C Kosong” Truth
First, let’s break down what Teh C Kosong actually is. * Teh: Tea dust/leaves. * C: Evaporated Milk (Susu Cair). * Kosong: No added sugar/condensed milk.
Verdict: It is healthier than Teh Tarik, but it is not zero calorie. Evaporated milk still contains calories and fat. One cup of Teh C Kosong has about 60-80 calories. Compare that to Teh O Kosong (Tea + Water), which has nearly 0 calories.
So, is it healthy? Yes, it’s a decent option if you need that creamy taste without the insulin spike of condensed milk. However, if you drink 3-4 cups a day, those calories add up to a full meal!
The “Potong Kaki” List: Worst Drinks for Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight, you need to treat these drinks as “desserts,” not daily beverages.
1. Teh Tarik / Kopi Tarik
• Calories: ~180 - 250 kcal (per cup)
• Sugar: ~4-5 teaspoons (Condensed milk)
• The Problem: Condensed milk is mostly sugar. One cup is equivalent to eating a bowl of rice in terms of calories.
2. Milo Ais
• Calories: ~200 - 300 kcal
• Sugar: High
• The Problem: It’s marketed as a “sports drink,” but unless you’re running a marathon, it’s just a sugar bomb. “Milo Dinosaur” is even worse!
3. Sirap Bandung
• Calories: ~150 - 200 kcal
• The Problem: Rose syrup is pure sugar, mixed with evaporated/condensed milk. It’s a double whammy.
4. 3-in-1 Coffee Packets
• Calories: ~80 - 150 kcal
• The Problem: Convenient, but often loaded with non-dairy creamer (trans fats) and hidden sugars.
5. Bubble Tea (Boba)
• Calories: ~350 - 500+ kcal
• The Problem: The tapioca pearls alone are pure carbs. The brown sugar syrup spikes your insulin instantly.
Metabolism Check: Consuming high sugar stops your body from burning fat. Read about 5 Signs Your Metabolism Is Slow to see how sugar affects you.
The Slimming Squad: Best Drinks for Weight Loss
Swap the bad list for these superstars to speed up your slimming journey.
1. Air Kosong (Plain Water)
• Calories: 0
• Benefit: The ultimate fat burner. Drinking 500ml of water before a meal can increase metabolism by 30% for an hour.
2. Teh O Kosong / Kopi O Kosong
• Calories: < 5
• Benefit: Caffeine (in moderation) boosts metabolic rate. Without milk or sugar, it’s guilt-free.
3. Green Tea (Teh Hijau)
• Calories: 0
• Benefit: Contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that helps burn fat.
• Tip: Don’t buy the bottled “Green Tea” with sugar. Brew it yourself.
4. Limau Ais Kosong (No Sugar)
• Calories: ~10
• Benefit: Refreshing and vitamin C rich. Just make sure the uncle doesn’t sneak in a spoon of syrup!
5. Barley Kosong (Homemade)
• Calories: ~30 (from the barley grains)
• Benefit: Cooling for the body and good for digestion.
How to Order Like a Pro (Mamak Hacks)
Don’t be shy. Use these magic words to cut calories instantly:
1. “Kosong”: Means zero sugar. (e.g., Teh O Kosong)
2. “Kurang Manis”: Less sugar. Better than nothing, but still sugary.
3. “Siew Dai”: (In Chinese Kopitiams) Less sweet.
4. “Tak Nak Susu Pek”: No condensed milk.
FAQ: Common Questions About Malaysian Drinks
Q1: Is honey lemon better than Teh O Ais Limau? A: Honey is natural, but it is still sugar. It has calories. If you’re strictly counting calories, limit honey. But nutritionally, honey is better than white sugar.
Q2: Can I drink diet sodas (Coke Zero)? A: They have zero calories, which is good for weight loss. However, artificial sweeteners can sometimes trigger sugar cravings in some people. Drink in moderation.
Q3: What about fresh fruit juices? A: Eating the fruit is better. Juicing removes the fiber, leaving behind concentrated fruit sugar. An orange juice can have as much sugar as a soda! Check out our list of 5 Malaysian Fruits That Burn Fat instead.
Q4: I can’t drink plain water, it’s boring. What to do? A: Infuse your water! Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint leaves. It adds flavor without calories.
Conclusion: Don’t Drink Your Calories
The fastest way to lose weight in Malaysia isn’t just changing what you eat, but changing what you drink. By simply switching from Teh Tarik to Teh C Kosong (or even better, Teh O Kosong), you can save hundreds of calories a week without feeling hungry.
But let’s be real—sometimes you just need that sweet, creamy drink to get through a stressful day. We are only human!
If you indulge in a high-calorie drink, or if you feel your metabolism is sluggish despite making these swaps, you might need a little extra help to balance it out.
Dr. Ann Fat Burner is designed to support your metabolism and manage calorie absorption. With Slendacor® (Turmeric & Moringa) to boost calorie burning and Okralin® to bind dietary fats, it’s the perfect safety net for those days when you just want to enjoy your drink without the guilt.
