Meet the dish

Thai Iced Tea

ชาเย็น · Cha Yen

Strong black tea meets sweet, creamy milk over ice in this Thai favorite. Discover its orange color, different milk styles, and what to ask for when you order.

Illustrative image of a complete glass of orange Thai iced milk tea with ice and creamy swirls on a warm wooden table.

Flavor

Strong tea balanced with sweetness and creamy milk

Texture

Smooth and milky, served cold over ice

Spice

Not chili-spicy; flavor depends on the tea blend

Region / style

Thai drink; enjoyed throughout Thailand

What's in it?

Thai black tea blendWater for brewingSugar or another sweetenerSweetened condensed milk in many versionsEvaporated milk, half-and-half, or another milk toppingIce

Ingredients and preparation vary by restaurant. Ask the restaurant about dietary needs and allergens.

The story behind the dish

Meet Cha Yen

Thai iced tea, commonly called cha yen, starts with a strong tea brew. Milk, sweetness, and ice turn it into a drink that is both bold and creamy.

Where does the orange color come from?

Many Thai tea blends include added coloring, which helps create the familiar orange shade when milk is mixed in. The color does not come from orange fruit, and blends can differ.

One drink, different milk styles

Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are familiar ingredients in Thai-style preparations. Some North American restaurant versions use sweetened tea topped with half-and-half. There are also variations between kitchens, so the drink can taste richer, milkier, or more tea-forward depending on where you order.

Discover a larger-batch version

The featured video from ครัวแม่โบ BowCooking introduces a 5-liter Southern Thai tea recipe. Watch the creator’s preparation, then compare it with the versions you discover on restaurant menus.

Before you order

Ask whether the shop can adjust sweetness; a premixed tea base may limit the options. Stir a layered drink before tasting it. If you want a dairy-free version, ask about the tea base and condensed milk as well as the topping. Ingredients and preparation vary by shop.

Sources & further reading

Watch & Learn

ชาใต้ต้นตำหรับ 5 ลิตร สูตรชงเหยือก เข้มข้นหอมมันกลมกล่อม พร้อมคำนวนต้นทุน ทำขายง่าย กำไรดีเกินครึ่ง

YouTube · ครัวแม่โบ BowCooking

ครัวแม่โบ BowCooking shares a 5-liter Southern Thai tea recipe. Explore a larger-batch approach to this creamy Thai drink.

Watch on YouTube Creator channel

Ready for your next Thai food adventure?

Explore Thai restaurants near you. Check the menu for Thai Iced Tea before visiting.

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