Pandan Latte – A Taste of Southeast Asia in a Cup

Pandan Latte – A Taste of Southeast Asia in a Cup

If you’re looking for a delightful twist to your morning brew, look no further than the Pandan latte. This vibrant green drink is fast becoming a favourite among coffee lovers and tea enthusiasts alike. With its unique blend of creamy texture and aromatic pandan essence, the Pandan latte is both comforting and exotic. Today, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step recipe so you can recreate this café-style treat in the comfort of your own home.

What is a Pandan Latte?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what makes a Pandan latte so special. Pandan is a tropical plant popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for its fragrant, vanilla-like aroma. When infused into milk and blended with coffee or tea, it creates a rich and distinctive drink — the Pandan latte — that’s not only delicious but visually stunning with its pastel green hue.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make an authentic Pandan latte, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3–4 fresh pandan leaves (or 1–2 tsp pandan extract if fresh leaves aren't available)

• 250ml milk (dairy or your choice of plant-based milk)

• 1 tsp condensed milk or sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 shot of espresso or 1 tsp instant coffee (optional)

• Ice cubes (for iced version)

These simple ingredients are the secret to a rich, aromatic Pandan latte that tastes like it came straight from a trendy café.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pandan Latte

Let’s get started on your Pandan latte journey. This recipe is beginner-friendly and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.

Step 1: Make the Pandan Milk

If you're using fresh pandan leaves, blend them with half the milk (about 125ml) until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp. This will leave you with beautifully green, aromatic pandan-infused milk — the heart of your Pandan latte.

If you’re using pandan extract instead, simply mix it into the milk until the desired green colour and aroma are achieved.

Step 2: Sweeten Your Latte

In a small saucepan, gently warm the pandan milk over low heat. Stir in the condensed milk or sugar until dissolved. This step adds that signature sweet touch that balances the earthiness of the pandan. It’s what gives the Pandan latte its indulgent feel without overpowering the natural flavours.

Step 3: Add the Coffee (Optional)

While a traditional Pandan latte can be caffeine-free, you can elevate it by adding a shot of espresso or a spoonful of instant coffee. The slight bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet and fragrant pandan milk, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Step 4: Assemble Your Latte

Pour the warm pandan milk into a glass or mug. If you’ve made it iced, fill the glass with ice before adding the milk. Gently pour the espresso over the top if using, and give it a gentle stir. Now, your Pandan latte is ready to be sipped and savoured.

Variations to Try

The beauty of the Pandan latte lies in its versatility. You can make it dairy-free by using oat, almond, or coconut milk, each adding a unique twist to the flavour. For a dessert-style version, top your latte with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Some even enjoy their Pandan latte with tapioca pearls for a boba-inspired drink.

Why You'll Love It

The Pandan latte is more than just a trendy drink — it’s an experience. The soothing aroma of pandan, combined with the creamy mouthfeel of the milk and the optional caffeine kick, makes this a comforting and refreshing beverage for any time of the day. It’s also a conversation starter — a way to introduce friends and family to the wonderful world of Southeast Asian flavours.

Final Thoughts

Making a Pandan latte at home is easier than you might think, and the results are always worth it. With just a few ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy a café-quality drink that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on your Instagram feed. Whether you’re a pandan fanatic or trying it for the first time, this step-by-step guide ensures your Pandan latte comes out perfect every time.

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