Thai milk tea, frequently referred to as “cha yen” in Thailand, is a prevalent and appealing beverage that is currently becoming quite well-known all over the world.
Traditional Thai milk tea is a combination of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, aromatic herbs, and spices. It was initially developed in Thailand and since then, has grown widely recognized throughout the world for its distinctive flavors.
In order to generate its own unique flavor, Thai milk tea requires a special preparation method, which I will be discussing in this article. So, stick with me till the end and explore the aromatic goodness of Thai tea.
The Origin Of Thai Milk Tea
Chinese are responsible for introducing tea to the world. King Rama IV imported tea leaves to Thailand in the 19th century and set foundation for tea brewing in Thailand.
Thai tea is a modification of traditional tea and an attempt to accommodate it into Thai culture. A notable thing here is that Thai tea immediately became a national favorite and developed into a special beverage with its own distinctive flavors.
What Is Thai Milk Tea Made Of?
Thai milk tea contains the following ingredients:
Black Tea Leaves
Strong black tea leaves like those from the Ceylon plant from Assam, which provide a robust base tea flavor, are generally used to make Thai milk tea.
Condensed Milk
The creamy sweetness of condensed milk is a crucial component of Thai milk tea. It adds richness and depth to the beverage.
Sugar
Even though condensed milk already has sweetness, it is frequently necessary to add more sugar to reach the required sweetness level.
Spices
The distinctive and alluring flavor of Thai milk tea is attributed to its aromatic spices. Cardamom, star anise, and tamarind are among the most often-used spices.
For more information on this beverage, watch the video below.
Brewing Methods
- Thai milk tea is traditionally made by straining it through a tea strainer or a cloth to extract the flavor of the tea and spices.
- Hot water is used to steep the tea, along with the spices, for a few minutes. The longer this step is carried out, the stronger and more aromatic the tea will be.
- The ideal flavor combination is then achieved by combining it with condensed milk and sugar.
Variations of Thai Milk Tea
Thai milk tea has evolved to include various exciting variations, such as:
Green Thai Milk Tea
Green tea replaces black tea as the base, resulting in a different, lighter, and fresher taste.
Thai Milk Tea With Boba
The addition of tapioca pearls adds a delightful texture to the beverage, creating a popular combination.
Thai Milk Tea Smoothie
Blending Thai milk tea with ice and sometimes fruits creates a refreshing and creamy smoothie-like drink.
Nutritional Value Of Thai Milk Tea
Since Thai milk tea is a delectable treat, it’s of the utmost importance to be vigilant and cognizant of its nutritional value. Because condensed milk is used, it typically comes with a lot of calories, sugar, and fat.
Therefore, it is recommended that people consume it occasionally and moderately. Check this table out for exact nutritive information on Thai tea.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (8 fl.oz.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
Please note that the nutritional values may vary greatly depending on the specific recipe or brand of Thai milk tea.
Health Benefits Of Thai Milk Tea
While Thai milk tea is not known for its health benefits, black tea, which serves as its base, contains antioxidants and may offer certain health benefits, such as improved heart health and boosted immune system.
Where To Find Thai Milk Tea?
Thai milk tea has gained popularity worldwide and can be found in Thai restaurants, specialty tea shops, and even some mainstream cafes.
It is also possible to make it at home with the right ingredients and brewing techniques.
What’s So Special About Thai Milk Tea?
Thai milk tea is notable for its complex and unique flavors.
Strong black tea, rich condensed milk, and aromatic herbs combined together to give Thai tea a unique taste that separates it out from other teas. The tea’s luscious creaminess and harmonious sweetness give a persistent sensation in the mouth.
The flavor composition has been rendered deeper and more complicated by the incorporation of spices like cardamom and star anise. Thai milk tea is also visually appealing and alluring due to its brilliant orange color.
The experience of drinking Thai milk tea, whether at a lively Thai market or a cozy café, as well as its cultural significance, add to its unique charm.
Does Thai Tea Taste Like Vanilla?
Thai tea does not taste like vanilla by default.
While it does have a sweet and creamy profile due to the addition of condensed milk, the primary flavors of Thai tea come from black tea leaves and aromatic spices. The combination of these elements creates a robust and complex taste that is distinct from vanilla.
However, some variations of Thai milk tea may include a hint of vanilla as an additional flavoring, providing a subtle and complementary note.
It’s worth noting that Thai tea’s flavor can vary slightly depending on the specific recipe or preparation method used, but vanilla is not a defining characteristic of traditional Thai milk tea.
Is Thai Tea Worth The Hype?
Thai tea has gained a lot of attention and appeal across the globe and for a valid reason. With the combination of strong tea, velvety sweetness, and aromatic spices, it has a particular flavor characteristic that gives an outstanding and rich taste.
Its fascination is also heightened by the silky smoothness and bright orange color. Thai tea offers a variety of adaptable uses, including conventional brews, iced teas, smoothies, and even desserts. Thai tea can be consumed either hot or cold.
Thai tea is meant to be consumed infrequently because it comprises more sugar and calories than other sweet exquisite dishes. Overall, Thai tea can be something worth trying at least once for tea aficionados or those looking for a new and fascinating taste encounter.
Conclusion
- Thai milk tea offers a unique and captivating taste experience, with its robust flavors and cultural charm.
- Aromatic spices like cardamom and star anise, black tea, condensed milk, and sugar are the main key ingredients of Thai milk tea.
- Traditional brewing methods involve steeping the tea with spices, then mixing it with condensed milk and sugar.
- Variations of Thai milk tea include green tea versions, those with boba, and being blended into smoothies.
- Thai milk tea is visually appealing with its vibrant orange color and has a smooth and velvety texture.
- While Thai tea does not taste like vanilla by default, some variations may include a hint of vanilla as an additional flavoring.
- Thai tea has gained popularity due to its unique flavors, versatility, and cultural significance.
- It is important to consume Thai milk tea in moderation due to its higher sugar and calorie content.
- Thai milk tea can be found in Thai restaurants, specialty tea shops, and even mainstream cafes.
- Overall, Thai milk tea is a delightful beverage worth trying for tea enthusiasts and those seeking new taste experiences.