Cha Yen (ชาเย็น)
The Sweet and Creamy Thai Iced Tea
Cha Yen (ชาเย็น), also known as Thai iced tea, is one of Thailand’s most iconic beverages. This vibrant orange drink, with its creamy, sweet flavor and aromatic spices, is a must-try for anyone exploring Thai cuisine. Cha Yen is beloved for its refreshing qualities, especially in Thailand’s tropical heat.
Cha Yen
Cha Yen is a tea-based drink made using strong-brewed black tea, often infused with star anise, cardamom and tamarind seeds for a distinctive aroma and flavor. Sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, it’s served over crushed ice and topped with evaporated milk for a creamy finish.
Why is Cha Yen Special?
Unique Flavor Profile : The combination of robust tea, spices and creamy milk creates a balance of sweetness and richness. Vibrant Color : Its signature bright orange hue makes it visually appealing and instantly recognizable.
Refreshing : Served ice-cold, it’s the perfect way to beat the tropical heat of Thailand.
How to Enjoy Cha Yen
Drink Fresh : Cha Yen is best enjoyed immediately to savor its refreshing taste and creamy texture. Pair with Thai Street Food : It complements spicy dishes like Pad Kra Pao or Som Tam, balancing the heat with its sweetness.
Adjust Sweetness : Add more or less sugar to suit your preference.
Where to Find Cha Yen
Street Food Stalls : Vendors with large glass jars of brightly colored tea are a common sight in markets. Cafes : Many modern cafes offer traditional and innovative versions of Cha Yen.
Restaurants : Available at most Thai restaurants, served as a standard beverage option.
Convenience Stores : Pre-packaged Cha Yen is sold in bottles or cartons for a quick grab-and-go option.
“Ao Cha Yen Neung Kaew krub/ka” (เอาชาเย็น 1 แก้ว) – “One cup of Thai iced tea, please.”
“Ao Cha Yen Wan Noi Neung Kaew krub/ka” (เอาชาเย็นหวานน้อย 1 แก้ว) – “One Thai iced tea, less sweet, please.”
Variety of Thai Tea
- Cha Manow (ชามะนาว) : Thai iced tea with lime, offering a tangy twist.
- Cha Nom Yen (ชานมเย็น) : A milkier version, emphasizing creamy flavors.
- Cha Kieow Yen (ชาเขียวเย็น) : Iced Thai green tea with milk.
- Cha Ron (ชาร้อน) : A hot version of Thai tea, perfect for cooler days.
- Chai Khai Mook (ชาไข่มุก) : A milkier bubble tea version, emphasizing chewy and creamy flavors.
Cha Manow
Cha Khai Mook
How to Customize Your Cha Yen Order
1. Sweetness Level “Mai Wan” (ไม่หวาน) – Not sweet.
“Wan Noi” (หวานน้อย) – Slightly sweet.
“Wan Mak” (หวานมาก) – Very sweet.
“Wan Noi” (หวานน้อย) – Slightly sweet.
“Wan Mak” (หวานมาก) – Very sweet.
2. Milk Preference
“Mai Sai Nom” (ไม่ใส่นม) – No milk.
“Perm Nom” (เพิ่มนม) – Extra milk.
3. Extra Toppings
Some cafes offer toppings like boba pearls or grass jelly.
“Sai Khai Mook” (ใส่ไข่มุก) – Add boba pearls
“Sai Chao Guay” (ใส่เฉาก๊วย) – Add grass jelly
Order Phrases
“Ao Cha Yen Neung Kaew krub/ka” (เอาชาเย็น 1 แก้ว) – “One cup of Thai iced tea, please.”
“Ao Cha Manow Neung Kaew krub/ka” (เอาชามะนาว 1 แก้ว) – “One cup of Cha Manow, please.”
“Ao Cha Yen Wan Noi Neung Kaew krub/ka” (เอาชาเย็นหวานน้อย 1 แก้ว) – “One Thai iced tea, less sweet, please.”
“Ao Cha Khai Mook Wan Noi Sai Chao Guay Neung Kaew krub/ka” (เอาชาไข่มุกหวานน้อยใส่เฉาก๊วย 1 แก้ว) – “One cup of Cha Khai Mook, slighly sweet and add grass jelly, please.”
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Drink