What gives Thai Iced Tea its orange colour?

The orange colour comes from the Thai tea blend, which traditionally includes food colouring along with black tea, star anise, and other spices.

Is there a non-dairy version?

Ask for it with soy milk or oat milk at modern café stalls — some vendors accommodate this, though traditional roadside versions use condensed and evaporated milk.

dessert

Thai Iced Tea

ชาเย็น

Mild

Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) is a sweet, vibrant orange drink made from strongly brewed black tea mixed with condensed milk and evaporated milk, poured over crushed ice. It's refreshing, rich, and the perfect antidote to spicy food.

Key Ingredients

Thai tea mix
condensed milk
evaporated milk
sugar
crushed ice

Where to Try It

Every street stall, restaurant, and 7-Eleven in Thailand — it's one of the most ubiquitous drinks in the country.

Tips

Stir slowly before drinking to create a gradient swirl — visually dramatic and it mixes the sweetness gradually.
Ask for less condensed milk ('wan noi') if you prefer it less sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

dessert

Thai Iced Tea

ชาเย็น

Mild

Key Ingredients

Thai tea mix
condensed milk
evaporated milk
sugar
crushed ice

Where to Try It

Every street stall, restaurant, and 7-Eleven in Thailand — it's one of the most ubiquitous drinks in the country.

Tips

Stir slowly before drinking to create a gradient swirl — visually dramatic and it mixes the sweetness gradually.
Ask for less condensed milk ('wan noi') if you prefer it less sweet.