Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)

Thai Iced Tea, famously known as “Cha Yen,” is a delightful and vibrant drink that is a favorite among both locals and visitors in Thailand. This refreshing beverage boasts the rich flavors of Thai tea combined with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and a touch of evaporated milk. Thai Iced Tea is not only a delicious treat, but its striking orange color and smooth texture make it a visually appealing drink as well. Whether you’re enjoying it at a bustling Thai street market or preparing it at home, this iconic Thai beverage is sure to captivate your taste buds and provide a soothing respite from the heat. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, Thai Iced Tea is a must-try for any tea lover and a perfect addition to your summer drink repertoire.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons Thai tea leaves (any brand is fine)
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Glass full of ice
• 1-2 tablespoons evaporated milk

PREPARATIONS

1. Take the boiling water and mix it with the Thai tea leaves in a cup. Allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes to extract its rich flavor and color.
2. While the tea is steeping, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a separate glass. Stir well to combine the sweetness and creaminess.
3. Filter the steeped tea through a fine paper or cloth filter or muslin cloth to remove the tea leaves, and add it to the glass with the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Mix well to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
4. At this stage, the Thai Iced Tea may taste slightly stronger and sweeter than desired, as the ice will dilute it to the perfect balance. Taste and add more sugar if desired.
5. Pour the Thai Iced Tea into another glass filled with ice cubes. Top the iced tea with 1 to 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk to add a creamy and indulgent finish.
6. Serve the Thai Iced Tea chilled and enjoy its captivating flavors and lovely orange hue!

YIELD

• 1 serving

TIPS

• For a stronger tea flavor, steep the Thai tea leaves for a few more minutes.
• Adjust the sweetness and creaminess of the Thai Iced Tea according to your preference by adding more sweetened condensed milk or sugar for sweetness and more evaporated milk for creaminess.

In conclusion, Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) is a delightful and flavorful drink that captivates with its rich taste, vibrant color, and creamy texture. The combination of Thai tea leaves, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and evaporated milk creates a harmonious blend that delights the senses and offers a refreshing respite on a hot day. This easy-to-make beverage can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite Thai dishes.

With its enticing orange hue and sweet aroma, Thai Iced Tea is an excellent choice for a refreshing pick-me-up or a delightful dessert drink. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or serving it to guests, Thai Iced Tea is sure to impress with its unique flavors and delightful appearance.

So, go ahead and try this iconic Thai drink to experience the true essence of Thailand’s culinary delights. Thai Iced Tea is a perfect fusion of flavors and a delightful journey for your taste buds, making it an exceptional addition to your beverage repertoire.