Perhaps these two words correspond to the exact same item or maybe there are differences between them that tend to be uncertain. Stick with me till the end of this article to find the truth about these two teas.
From my research, I have concluded that Thai milk tea and Thai tea do not mean the same thing. Although minor, differences exist between them.
Thai milk tea is infused with skimmed or condensed milk in an attempt to provide it with a fluffy and softer texture. Thai tea is a type of tea generated using an assortment of tea leaves and herbs.
Popular in Thailand, these teas are frequently served with ice. Thai restaurants and coffee houses can now be spotted in every corner of the world delivering both Thai tea and Thai milk tea.
In this article, we’re going to study the distinctions between Thai tea and Thai milk tea while clarifying the characteristics that make every single one of them exceptional.
Importance of Tea
Tea is an aromatic drink that thousands of people drink every day, in the morning, or evening. In the morning, it can be an essential part of your breakfast routine, and in the evening an essential item of evening snacks. A vast majority of people can’t seem to start their day without a cup of tea or coffee.
It is a fairly common sight to find people in the morning, moving around and going to work with a cup of tea in hands so they can start their day with full energy, and as the day goes by they keep drinking tea or coffee to get through their work routine actively. Caffeine in such beverages keeps them active for long periods of time.
According to a survey, tea is at the 7th rank of nonalcoholic drinks and you will find almost every person sipping on a cup of tea during the course of the day, especially in Asian and South Asian regions.
Difference Between Thai Tea And Thai Milk Tea
Now, Thai tea and Thai milk tea are quite similar but they are not exactly identical.
As both of them are made by a combination of a tea base, sugar, and milk, the difference lies in the type of milk used. Thai tea uses condensed or evaporated milk while Thai milk tea uses the milk that is used in normal milk tea. Both teas serve the same purpose, i.e., a good mood and energetic body.
Thai Tea vs. Thai Milk Tea
Let’s look at the data table based on the parameters of Thai tea and Thai milk tea.
| Parameter | Thai Tea | Thai Milk Tea |
| Base Ingredient | Black tea | Black tea mixed with evaporated/condensed milk |
| Flavor Profile | Robust, bold | Sweet, creamy, muted |
| Color | Deep orange | Lighter, creamy orange |
| Additional ingredients | Spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves; sugar | Evaporated/condensed milk |
| Serving Method | Usually served hot or cold, with ice | Usually served cold, with ice or boba pearls |
| Common variants | Cha Yen, Cha Dam Yen, Cha Manao, etc. | Cha Yen, Cha Dam Yen, Cha Manao, etc. |
There are 5 variants of Thai tea. Although conventional Thai tea with condensed milk is the most popular one; other variants are still liked by a vast majority of people.
Most of these make use of almost the same ingredients but there are subtle differences in their way of making, with an addition or subtraction of one ingredient.
Which Is Loved More: Thai Tea Or Thai Milk Tea?
Of the two, the more loved and usually consumed tea is Thai tea.
There are reasons behind that, as we know that traditional Thai tea has a robust flavor and it is only made with black tea and spices with sometimes no additional sugar and milk. This tea is commonly consumed by health-conscious people and the majority consume Thai milk tea because of its light and fluffy flavor.
If someone is trying Thai tea for the first time, he or she might not like the traditional tea due to its distinct flavor profile which is unlike many teas.
So, most of the cafés serve a milk version of the tea to grab the attention of new customers. From a business point of view, the cafés are more into Thai milk tea.
Here, one thing needs notable mentions. Once you develop a taste for Thai milk tea, it becomes very easy to switch to Thai tea. Nowadays, both versions of this tea are frequently served in family gatherings as a welcome drink to the guests.
Why Is Thai Milk Tea More Popular?
Thai milk tea is more popular than traditional Thai tea for obvious reasons. Let’s get to know them one by one:
- Thai milk tea has more flavors than traditional Thai tea.
- It can be made using different recipes and spices while Thai tea is made with only two or three ingredients.
- The texture of the beverage is another strong reason. Most of the people that are aware of this usually prefer the milk version of it because it is comparatively soft, has more added sugar and it boosts the energy way more than Thai tea.
- It has also been observed that Thai milk is a great way to cheer people up.
Benefits
Traditional Thai tea seems to have many health benefits than Thai milk tea. Due to its robust flavor, people with health consciousness like to drink it but they won’t stick to the traditional one only.
You will also find them drinking a normal milk tea during the day to release stress and accelerate their brain function as well as getting flavorful fun.
If you want to know more about the popular beverages of the modern world, I would recommend you watch this video.
Thai milk has gained more popularity in recent years, especially in the United States and Singapore where it seems like this drink is consumed every other day. There are many restaurants in the US that have started serving Thai food after the immense popularity of Thai tea.
Conclusion
- Thai milk tea is more famous than Thai tea and it is served in more than 7 countries whereas the audience that likes Thai tea is considered small comparatively.
- Thai milk tea gives us independence in terms of variety. Its recipes can be modified, spices may be added or deleted as per the individual’s choice. On the other hand, Thai tea is strictly made with the same ingredients.
- If you want to compare the difference between both teas you will not find much but it is the texture that sets them apart.
- Both of them can be consumed joyfully but if you want to enhance your mood and release stress, then Thai milk tea is your go-to drink.
- Health-conscious people prefer the traditional Thai tea but they will also drink a normal tea and coffee during the day to have a change of taste.