Tea is one of the most common beverages that people of all ages consume to increase their energy levels. Teas contain some traditional and safe ingredients that are both refreshing and beneficial to one’s health.
Thai tea’s main ingredients include Assam tea leaves brewed with star anise, cloves, and cardamom.
Usually, tea is hot, but people have altered it according to their tastes.
Learn more about Thai tea and its ingredients as you read this blog post.
Thai Tea
Thailand is one of the tropical climate zones that remains hot and humid most of the months, so they prefer cold beverages.
Thai tea, also known as Cha Yen, is one of the best and most common beverages that Thai people consume. This tea has a distinct fragrance that is detectable and all of its flavors.
Thai tea complements Thailand‘s culture by promoting nature and eliminating artificial components. In this land of smiles, people prefer nature and natural things that make them fit and healthy, so their tea has no artificial flavors.
It is served both iced and as a frappe, but Thai people prefer it with ice as its soothing effects actually calm the body and mind.
Effects Of Thai Tea
Thai tea is made up of leaf extract that calms the body and improves brain functioning like any other tea. Moreover, it contains no artificial ingredients that could have a negative impact.
It does not contain many fancy ingredients, but the use of simple ones does not make this tea any less. Usually, these ingredients are present in spice cabinets at home, especially in Asian and South Asian homes.
How Is Thai Tea Different From Other Teas?
In other teas that are popular these days, like bubble tea, the taste is usually brought about by the use of artificial flavors, but Thai tea is usually brewed purely with natural ingredients that enhance its taste.
However, for the younger age group, Thai people have started adding flavors and toppings to make it more enjoyable and beneficial for the younger age group. Nonetheless, traditional Thai tea only uses natural ingredients.
Let’s discuss these in detail.
Ingredients Of Thai Tea
Thai tea has special ingredients that include Ceylon (Assam) tea leaves, star anise, crushed tamarind, cardamom, and cloves.
| Ingredients | Benefits |
| Ceylon (Assam) tea leaves | Ceylon tea is high in antioxidants, which are chemicals that help prevent oxidative cell damage. |
| Star anise | Star anise has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities that may help in the treatment of stomach ulcers, control blood sugar levels, and alleviate symptoms of depression and menopause. |
| Crushed tamarind | Tamarind contains a significant amount of magnesium. It also has higher calcium than many other plant foods. The combination of these two minerals, together with weight-bearing activity, may help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. |
| Cardamom | Natural phytochemicals in cardamom contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit health. |
| Cloves | Cloves are high in antioxidants. These components assist your body in fighting free radicals that can cause cell damage and can lead to disease. |
The unique blend of these ingredients makes the tea soothing, and eventually, you will experience calming effects on your body.
For masala chai lovers, Thai tea with additional ingredients will be amazing. I have discovered that these ingredients are soothing as compared to other beverages. Also, you can get an instant boost of energy.
Benefits of Assam Leaf
In Thai tea, the most common ingredient is the ‘Assam leaves’ which give flavor to the tea. The Assam leaves are small, dark brown leaves that are used in crushed form.
The leaves give off a pleasant aroma. They are famous for the high content of caffeine as compared to other teas but their caffeine level is less as compared to coffee.
Benefits Of Spices
I used to believe that tea, like other beverages, boosted your energy but was harmful to your health. But to my surprise, Thai tea has ingredients that not only calm you but can also cure multiple health issues.
Thai tea has star anise as an ingredient that is anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory and helps to keep the stomach well and fight against stomach ulcers.
Other than this, tamarind and turmeric are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids; therefore, they can help you balance your cholesterol, which may not be managed by other beverages. Furthermore, the color of both ingredients gives the orange color to Thai tea as well.
Other Ingredients
Other than the special ones mentioned, there are two important ingredients that add taste to Thai milk tea. These are:
- Condensed milk
- Sugar
Condensed Milk
The condensed milk gives it sweetness and a good texture. Moreover, it balances the content of caffeine and enhances the taste, as the ingredients might lead to a bitter taste.
It depends on the person if they want to add condensed or normal milk. Well, for me, I have tasted Thai milk tea with normal milk, as the condensed milk has a thick consistency.
Sugar
The sugar in Thailand has less sweetness as compared to the other regions, and that’s why people from other countries add more sugar to their beverages to make them sweeter according to their tastes.
For me, I often order 100% sugar in Thai milk tea as it makes the taste good. However, the amount of sugar is dependent on you.
How To Prepare Thai Tea
If you are an avid tea drinker, then you might have no difficulty making Thai tea. Let’s walk you through the procedure once:
- Tea leaves along with all the spices are to be boiled for five minutes.
- Strain the brewed tea in a tall cup.
- Add ice (if you are making iced Thai tea).
- Add condensed milk and sugar as per your liking.
Your flavorful, refreshing drink is ready to be served.
If you want to know more about the authentic recipe for Thai tea check out this video.
Flavors Of Thai Tea
Youngsters look for different tea flavors, especially when they want iced tea, as it helps them get instant energy and manage the hot weather.
I have recently tried cocoa Thai tea milk and vanilla Thai tea milk and believe me or not, but it tasted heavenly.
For me, those flavors instantly changed my mood. However, if you are fond of lemon and other fruity flavors, those are also available.
To add these flavors, there are multiple quality flavored syrups that ultimately enhance the taste. However, you can observe the tea flavor and the aroma even after adding the flavors.
Conclusion
- Thai tea milk is one of the best things in Thailand if you’re looking for something that could be your partner in the hot weather.
- The iced tea can calm your body and give you a good taste.
- Its main ingredients consist of Assam tea leaves brewed with star anise, cloves, and cardamom.
- For lightness and sweetness, milk and sugar can be added optionally; or you can simply add condensed milk for both lightness in flavor and a sugary taste.
- For youngsters, is often totally safe as the ingredients are natural and help you to manage a good lifestyle with fewer calories.