We have already talked on previous occasions about the famous Masala chai (or chai) that is sold in practically all the coffee shops in our country and many others. We can find it with vanilla, mango, green tea, decaffeinated, light, etc., and it is a great favorite among young people in its frappé presentation.

Well, now we are going to explore another tea that is famous in other latitudes and that can be a novelty for your business, Thai Tea.

As its name suggests, it comes from Thailand, where it is known as “Cha yen” if it is made with milk and as “Cha nu yen” if the drink is prepared without milk. Remember that the word “cha” means tea in Cantonese and from there it derives to similar words in many languages. Thai tea is a cold drink made with very concentrated black tea to which other ingredients are added, as a rule it always has star anise and some versions include tamarind, cardamom, vanilla, orange blossom and other spices. Some commercial brands sell it already mixed and even add orange or red food coloring to make it more striking.

To prepare it, it is recommended to use full-bodied black tea such as Nilgiri or Assam. The most popular is the one served with milk “Cha yen” and is prepared as follows:

The tea concentrate is sweetened with sugar and condensed milk. It is served in a glass with ice and topped with more cow's milk, evaporated milk, or even coconut or soy milk. It is served without stirring so that the diner can stir it themselves (separately).

In Thailand they serve it in plastic bags with a straw. It goes very well with spicy food like Thai food of course, Indian food, or even Arabic food.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of black tea (Assam or Nilgiri)
• Star anise, cardamom or tamarind pulp (cinnamon, cloves, or other spices can also be added)
• 6 cups of hot water
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup condensed milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk (or any other type of milk)

Procedure:

1. Place the tea and chosen spices in hot water for 5 minutes.
2. Strain
3. With the infusion still hot, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves well.
4. Add the condensed milk.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature or refrigerate.
6. Fill a glass with ice (whole or crushed), add the tea mixture up to ¾ of the glass, fill the rest with evaporated milk or the milk of your choice. It is important to pour carefully so that it does not mix with the tea.

A good idea to prepare a stimulant-free drink is to replace black tea with Rooibos, since it does not contain caffeine and has a beautiful natural orange color.

We hope to see this delicious drink in the coffee shops and tea houses of our country very soon!

Olivia Medina

Tea Master, EURO TEA