Thai tea

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A glass of Thai tea
A glass of Thai tea

Thai tea (also known as Thai iced tea) or "cha-yen" (Thai: ชาเย็น) when ordered in Thailand, is a drink made from strongly-brewed black tea[1] ("red tea" in the Far East). Other ingredients may include added star anise, tamarind or red and yellow food coloring, and sometimes other spices as well. This tea is sweetened with sugar and condensed milk and served chilled. Evaporated or whole milk is generally poured over the tea and ice before serving--it is never mixed prior to serving--to add taste and creamy appearance. Locally, it is served in a traditional tall glass and when ordered take-out, it is poured over the crushed ice in a clear (or translucent) plastic bag. It can also be made into a frappé at more westernised vendors.

It is popular in Southeast Asia and in many American restaurants that serve Thai or Vietnamese food, especially on the West Coast. Although Thai tea is not the same as bubble tea, a Southeast and East Asian beverage that contains large black pearls of tapioca starch, Thai tea with pearls is a popular flavor of bubble tea.

[edit] Variations

Cold

  • Dark Thai iced tea (Thai: ชาดำเย็น, cha-dam-yen) Thai tea served chilled with no milk content, sweetened with sugar only. The concept is based on traditional Indian tea which is used as main ingredient.
  • Lime Thai tea (Thai: ชามะนาว, cha-ma-now) Similar to Dark Thai iced tea, but flavored with lime as well as sweetened with sugar. Mint may also be added.

Hot Usually, Thai people drink Thai hot tea in the morning, frequently with Yau ja gwai or Pa-tong-ko (Thai: ปาท่องโก๋) as it is called by most Thais.

  • Thai hot tea (Thai: ชาร้อน, cha-ron) Thai tea served hot.
  • Dark Thai hot tea (Thai: ชาดำร้อน, cha-dam-ron) Thai tea served hot with no milk content, sweetened with sugar only.

[edit] Recipes

  • Thai Tea both cold and hot versions, with pictures.
  • Thai Tea: Recipes with several versions, including how to mix the powder from scratch.


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