Thai Iced Tea

Name: Thai Iced Tea
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Thai tea mix; 300 ml hot water; 3 tbsp condensed milk; as needed ice; 1 pinch salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegetarian

Thai Iced Tea, or Cha Yen, is a beloved refreshment found across bustling street stalls and cozy cafés in Thailand. It's enjoyed as a cooling antidote during hot afternoons or after a spicy meal, offering a sweet escape from the tropical heat. This version captures the essence of how a Thai family would serve it at home, with a focus on balance and flavor.

The flavor of Thai Iced Tea is a harmonious blend of robust tea, creamy sweetness, and a whisper of salt that accentuates its richness. Served over ice, it offers a velvety texture that refreshes and invigorates. This home-style preparation honors the traditional approach, where each element is carefully adjusted by hand for a perfect sip every time.

Ingredients

3 tbspThai tea mix
300 mlhot water
3 tbspcondensed milk
as neededice
1 pinchsalt

Method

Start by bringing 300 ml of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and add 3 tablespoons of Thai tea mix. Stir gently to ensure the tea leaves are fully submerged and then cover the pan with a lid. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes until it reaches a deep amber color and a fragrant aroma fills the air.
While the tea is steeping, prepare a large heatproof bowl or pitcher. Place a fine mesh strainer over it and line the strainer with a piece of cheesecloth or a coffee filter. This will help catch any fine tea particles, ensuring a smooth drink.
After the tea has steeped, carefully pour it through the prepared strainer into the bowl or pitcher. Press down gently on the tea leaves with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the tea leaves and set the strained tea aside to cool slightly.
Once the tea is warm but not hot, add a pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons of condensed milk. Stir gently until the condensed milk is fully dissolved and the mixture is creamy and uniform in color. The salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the condensed milk.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving some space at the top. Slowly pour the prepared tea over the ice, allowing it to chill instantly. The ice will help dilute the tea slightly, bringing out the perfect balance of flavors.
Serve the Thai Iced Tea immediately in traditional glassware if available. The contrast of the creamy tea against the ice should be visually appealing, with a distinct layer of tea and milk. Enjoy your homemade Thai Iced Tea as a refreshing treat.