What is Thai milk tea made of?

The main ingredients in Thai iced tea are: loose leaf Thai tea mix , sweetened condensed milk, milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.), sugar (optional), and crushed ice. You can find loose leaf Thai tea at most Asian grocery stores , usually in the tea aisle or on Amazon. Look for brands like: Pantai or Number-One ChaTraMue .

Where does Thai milk tea come from?

It likely originated in the mid-20th century. Some credit Pibul Songkram , a Thai leader who embraced Western influences, for popularizing the idea of adding milk to tea, which is unusual since Thais typically don't have dairy in their cuisine.

Why is Thai milk tea so orange?

That vibrant orange color comes from artificial food coloring added to the tea leaves. One origin story suggests that when tea was first introduced to Thailand in the 1800s by British and other foreigners, Thai workers would make tea for the British, and then rebrew used tea leaves for themselves. To enhance the weak color and flavor, they began adding food coloring and spices, a tradition that stuck and evolved into the Thai tea mix we use today.

Does Thai milk tea have caffeine?

Yes, it contains 30–60 mg of caffeine per serving , since it’s made with black Ceylon tea. That’s less than coffee (about 95 mg per cup), making it a good choice if you want a little energy boost without the jitters.

How healthy is Thai milk tea?

It’s typically high in sugar and calories due to the sweetened condensed milk and optional added sugar. You can make it healthier by using less sweetened condensed milk , skipping added sugar , swapping in a plant-based milk and controlling portion size.

Are Thai tea loose leaves or instant Thai tea mix better?

I recommend loose leaf Thai tea because you can control the sweetness and milk. Instant Thai tea mixes usually contain added sugar and milk powder, which means less flexibility and often a more sweet flavor.

What are the different types of Thai tea?

Here are the fun variations of Thai tea you’ll find in Thailand: Cha Yen (Thai Milk Tea): The classic sweet and creamy iced tea. Cha Ma Nao : Thai iced black tea mixed with lime juice, tangy and refreshing, no dairy. Thai Green Milk Tea: Made with green tea leaves, sweetened condensed milk, and milk. Thai Coffee (Oliang): Not tea, but often served at Thailand drink vendors. Thai Bubble Tea: A modern twist, with chewy tapioca pearls added.

How is Thai tea served?

Thai tea on the street is almost always served plastic cups filled with crushed ice . For milk tea, the hot brewed tea is mixed with condensed milk, topped with more milk, then poured over ice. You’ll also find it sold by Thai street vendors in plastic bags with straws for easy sipping on the go!

How to make the perfect Thai milk tea?

To make the perfect Thai milk tea, start with loose leaf Thai tea mix (such as Pantai or ChaTraMue) for authentic flavor. Steep the tea briefly — about 4 minutes — so it’s strong but not bitter. While the tea is hot, stir in sweetened condensed milk until dissolved, then add your preferred milk (evaporated, whole, or plant-based). Chill and serve over crushed ice for that creamy, refreshing street-style taste.

How to make homemade milk tea from scratch?

To make homemade milk tea from scratch, brew a strong black tea like Assam or Ceylon , then sweeten it with sugar or sweetened condensed milk . Add milk of your choice, whole, evaporated, or plant-based, and serve hot or over ice. For Thai tea specifically, use a Thai tea mix for its unique spiced flavor and orange color.

Why is Thai milk tea so sweet?

Thai milk tea is traditionally made with sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and sometimes evaporated milk , which gives it its rich sweetness. When I make mine at home, I skip the extra sugar and rely only on the condensed milk for sweetness. That’s the beauty of homemade Thai milk tea, you can adjust the sweetness exactly how you like it!

Thai Milk Tea in Thailand | How to Make Authentic Cha Yen at Home

Name: How to Make Thai Milk Tea | Cha Yen
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 5 c. water; 3/4 c. Thai Tea Mix; 2/3 cup (or to taste) sweetened condensed milk; Sugar to taste (optional); 2 cups (or to taste) of your favorite milk: evaporated milk is traditional in Thailand, but our fav is using whole milk; ice

Description

Love drinking Thai milk tea at your favorite Thai place? Make it at home! Easier, more affordable and tastes even better!

Ingredients

Scale

5 c. water
3/4 c. Thai Tea Mix
2/3 cup (or to taste) sweetened condensed milk
Sugar to taste (optional)
2 cups (or to taste) of your favorite milk: evaporated milk is traditional in Thailand, but our fav is using whole milk
ice

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Instructions

Boil 5 cups of water in a medium sized pot.
Once the water boils, turn it off, and put the 3/4 cup of Thai Tea leaves straight into the water.
Let tea steep 4 minutes uncovered, off the burner.
Use a fine mesh strainer or a tea sock to strain the tea into another pot or bowl.
Add in 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk to taste when the tea is still hot, so it can dissolve easier. Stir vigorously to help it dissolve. I don’t add any sugar because I think it’s sweet enough from the sweetened condensed milk, but feel free to add some sugar at this stage if you like it sweeter.
Add 2 cups of milk of your choice to taste.
Put ice in each glass, pour and enjoy!

Notes

Additions and Substitutions

Evaporated or Whole Milk substitutes: Oat milk, almond milk, or even half and half for extra creaminess.
Sweetened condensed milk substitute:
– Dairy version: Simmer 1 cup whole milk with 1/3 cup sugar for 30–40 mins until thick.
– Dairy-free version: Simmer 1 can coconut milk with ½ cup sugar until thickened or buy sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Thai Tea Mix substitute: Any bold black tea like Assam, or Ceylon.
Hot or Iced: Traditionally served iced, but it’s just as tasty served warm on a chilly day.

Tips for the Best Thai MIlk Tea

Add boba! Add your favorite boba to your Thai tea. My fav easy method is using microwavable boba that takes 1 minute!
Use loose leaf Thai tea mix, not instant packets. You’ll get much better flavor and control over sweetness.
Make a batch and keep it in the fridge. It keeps well for several days.
Strain thoroughly. You don’t want gritty leaves in your glass.
Play with the ratios. Like it creamier? Add more milk. Like it strong? Use less.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Stove-top
Cuisine: Thai