Thai Iced Tea

The story

Thai iced tea, or 'cha-yen', has its roots in Thai street food culture, where it became popular in the mid-20th century. Originally made with strong black tea, it was sweetened and mixed with evaporated milk. The drink's vibrant orange hue and refreshing taste made it a staple in Thai cuisine, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.

How it tastes

Thai iced tea has a rich, sweet, and creamy flavor profile, with hints of spices like star anise and cardamom. It's best served chilled, making it a popular choice on hot days or as a complement to spicy Thai dishes.

Getting it right

The key to a perfect Thai iced tea lies in the steeping time and the balance of sweetened condensed milk. Steeping the tea for the right duration ensures a robust flavor, while adjusting the milk to taste creates the desired creaminess.

Variations

• Thai Iced Coffee — Substituting coffee for tea, this variation offers a similar sweet and creamy experience, popular among those who prefer coffee.
• Green Thai Iced Tea — Using green tea instead of black tea, this version provides a lighter flavor while maintaining the signature sweetness and creaminess.

Substitutions

• Thai Tea Blend — If Thai tea is unavailable, a strong black tea can be used, though it may lack the unique flavor profile.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk — For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or a non-dairy condensed milk can be substituted.

Questions

Can I make Thai iced tea without sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk or a non-dairy alternative and add sugar to taste, though the flavor will differ from the traditional recipe.

Is Thai iced tea served hot?

Typically, Thai iced tea is served cold over ice, but it can be enjoyed hot as well, especially in cooler weather.

What spices are commonly used in Thai iced tea?

Common spices include star anise, cardamom, and sometimes vanilla, which contribute to its distinctive flavor.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026