Thai tea (Thai: ชาไทย,, in Thai pronounced as /t͡ɕʰāː tʰāj/) is a Thai drink made from Ceylon black tea, milk, and sugar. Thai tea as consumed in Thailand is not typically brewed with spices, though many English language recipes inspired by Thai tea include ingredients such as star anise or cardamom to enhance the flavor. It is served either hot or cold. Thai tea is popular in Southeast Asia and is served in many restaurants that serve Thai food.[1] When served cold it is known as Thai iced tea (Thai: ชาเย็น,, in Thai pronounced as /t͡ɕʰāː jēn/;). Although Thai tea normally refers to Thai iced tea, there are also other kinds of tea which can be referred to as Thai tea. For instance, the Thai traditional herbal tea which is formulated based on Thai traditional medicine can also be called Thai tea.[2] Thai Oolong tea, which is oolong tea steamed with ginger (Zingiber officinale), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and celery, can also be referred to as Thai tea.[3]
The drink is made from strongly brewed Ceylon tea, or a locally grown landrace (traditional or semi-wild) version of Assam known as bai miang (Thai: ใบเมี่ยง).
The tea is sweetened with sugar and condensed milk and served chilled. Evaporated milk, or whole milk is poured over the tea and ice before serving to add taste and creamy appearance. In Thai restaurants, it is served in a tall glass, but when sold from street and market stalls in Thailand it may be poured over crushed ice in a plastic bag or tall plastic cups. It may also be made into a frappé at some vendors.
Tapioca pearls can be added to Thai tea to make bubble tea.
In Thailand, Thai hot tea is often drunk in the morning, frequently with pathongko (Thai: ปาท่องโก๋, long strips of fried dough):