Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)
Local name: ชาเย็น
In short: Strong spiced black tea sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, poured over ice and finished with evaporated milk for a creamy orange-red drink. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 220 kcal
Cha yen is the sweet, creamy, orange-red iced tea sold from carts and cafes all over Thailand, usually poured over a tall glass of crushed ice. A strong black tea blend, sometimes spiced with star anise, is sweetened while hot, cooled, then finished with a swirl of milk that gives the glass its two-tone look. Brew the tea stronger than you think you need, because ice dilutes it fast.
Instructions
- Put the tea and star anise in a heatproof jug and pour over the boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain through a fine sieve or cloth.
- Stir the sugar and condensed milk into the hot tea until dissolved. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, then chill if you have time.
- Fill two tall glasses to the top with ice. Pour the tea over, leaving about 3 cm (1 in) at the top.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk over each glass, so it clouds into the tea. Stir before drinking.
Tips
- Make the tea strong, since ice melts quickly. If the tea tastes flat, add 1 more tablespoon of tea leaves rather than steeping longer, which turns it bitter.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and coconut condensed milk, or swap in oat milk and extra sugar.
Questions and answers
Why is Thai iced tea orange?
The tea blend is traditionally dyed or contains ingredients that give the brew a bright orange-red color. Plain black tea makes a browner drink with the same flavor.
Can I make a big batch of cha yen?
Yes. Brew and sweeten the tea, chill it for up to 3 days, and add ice and evaporated milk to each glass when serving.
Can I serve it hot?
Yes. Serve the sweetened tea hot with a splash of evaporated milk, with no ice. Reduce the sugar slightly.
How long does it take to make Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)?
About 10 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)?
About 220 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 220 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
