Thai Iced Tea

ชาเย็น

Thai Iced Tea (ชาเย็น, Cha Yen) is arguably Thailand's most iconic non-alcoholic street drink — a vibrant orange-hued beverage that has become a symbol of Thai street food culture worldwide. The drink's characteristic bright orange colour comes from a blend of black tea mixed with food colouring — typically using the Cha Dra Muer 'Number One Brand' tea blend, a mix of black tea, spices, and natural colorants widely sold in Thai markets. Tea culture arrived in Thailand via Chinese immigrants and British colonial influence during the reign of King Rama V in the late 19th century. As tea was expensive and the tropical climate demanded cooling drinks, Thais adapted the British tradition of adding milk by using sweetened condensed milk — which was more available and shelf-stable than fresh milk in pre-refrigeration Thailand. The Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram in the 1940s further encouraged tea consumption as part of a modernisation programme. To prepare Cha Yen, strong brewed tea is poured through ice into a plastic bag or glass, then topped generously with sweetened condensed milk (for sweetness and creaminess) and a drizzle of evaporated milk (for a richer texture). The drink is almost always sweetened beyond what Western palates expect — vendors will often ask 'wan nit noi?' (a little sweet?) to confirm preference. Found at virtually every street food stall, market, and casual restaurant in Thailand, a Cha Yen costs just 20–40 baht.