What Is Thai Tea?
Thai tea, or "cha yen" in Thai, is a cold, sweet, and creamy tea made from strong black tea infused with spices and sweetened with sugar and condensed milk. It’s typically served over ice and topped with evaporated milk, condensed milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
What truly sets Thai tea apart is its vivid orange color, which comes from added food coloring (common in Thai tea mixes) and contrasts beautifully with the creamy white topping. Its flavor is rich and complex — slightly floral, spiced, and sweet — making it one of the most distinct and refreshing drinks in Thai cuisine.
The History and Origins of Thai Tea
The exact origins of Thai tea are a bit murky, but it is widely believed to have gained popularity in Thailand during the 20th century after tea was imported from China. Thai chefs and street vendors began to adapt black tea into a new beverage that reflected Thai culinary tastes — rich, spicy, and sweet.
To balance the strong bitterness of the tea, they added sugar, milk, and spices like star anise, cardamom, and tamarind, creating the sweet and spiced profile we know today. As tourism increased in Thailand, Thai tea caught the attention of international travelers and eventually made its way to Thai restaurants and boba shops around the world.
What Makes Thai Tea Unique?
There are several characteristics that set Thai tea apart from other tea-based drinks:
Color: The bright orange hue is iconic. This comes from either added coloring in Thai tea mix or from a combination of red tea and milk.
Flavor: Thai tea has a deep, full-bodied flavor with hints of spice, sweetness, and creaminess all at once.
Texture: Thanks to the use of condensed milk and evaporated milk, Thai tea has a silky, luxurious mouthfeel.
Aromatic Spices: Many traditional recipes include spices such as star anise, clove, and cinnamon, giving the tea a fragrant, almost chai-like aroma.
These elements combine to create a beverage that’s both indulgent and refreshing — perfect for hot weather or as a flavorful pick-me-up any time of day.
Variations of Thai Tea
Over the years, Thai tea has inspired a variety of creative versions, both traditional and modern:
Classic Thai Iced Tea: The original version made with black tea, condensed milk, and evaporated milk over ice.
Thai Milk Tea with Boba: A popular twist that adds chewy tapioca pearls for texture.
Thai Green Tea: Made with Thai green tea leaves and served similarly to its black tea counterpart, but with a more herbal taste.
Thai Tea Frappe: A blended, slushy version — ideal for extra hot days.
Vegan Thai Tea: Uses coconut or almond milk and vegan sweeteners to make it dairy-free.
You’ll also find Thai tea used in desserts such as ice cream, puddings, cakes, and macarons, showcasing its versatility in culinary applications.
How to Make Thai Tea at Home
Making Thai tea at home is surprisingly easy, especially with pre-made Thai tea mix, which is available at many Asian grocery stores or online.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Thai tea mix (or strong black tea + spices)
1 cup boiling water
1–2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons evaporated milk or half-and-half
Ice
Instructions:
Brew the tea: Steep the tea mix in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
Strain: Remove tea leaves or particles using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Sweeten: Stir in sugar while the tea is still hot.
Cool: Let it come to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge.
Serve: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the brewed tea, then top with condensed milk and evaporated milk.
You can also blend it with ice for a frozen version or add tapioca pearls for a Thai milk bubble tea.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Info
While delicious, Thai tea is an indulgent drink that should be enjoyed in moderation:
Calories: A typical 16 oz serving contains around 250–350 calories, primarily from sweeteners and milk.
Sugar Content: Condensed milk and added sugar make it quite sweet.
Caffeine: Thai tea is made with strong black tea, so it contains a moderate amount of caffeine.
To make it healthier, consider:
Reducing the amount of condensed milk or using low-sugar alternatives.
Swapping in plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Using a natural sweetener like honey or monk fruit.
These small changes can help reduce the calorie count without sacrificing the flavor that makes Thai tea special.
Conclusion: Why Thai Tea Is Here to Stay
Thai tea is more than just a colorful beverage — it’s a reflection of Thai culture, culinary creativity, and a love for bold flavors. Whether you’re sipping it from a Bangkok street stall or making it in your own kitchen, Thai tea offers a unique blend of aroma, taste, and texture that few drinks can match.
With its growing popularity around the world, Thai tea continues to evolve, inspiring new recipes, fusion drinks, and dessert creations. If you’ve never tried it, now is the perfect time to explore this delicious and distinctive drink.
