Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
This classic Thai iced tea recipe delivers a refreshing and sweet beverage with a distinctive orange hue. Black tea is infused with spices, sweetened, and finished with evaporated milk for a creamy texture. It's a perfect cool-down drink for a warm day.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 15 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 2.5 cupwater
- 0.25 cupthai tea mix
- 2 tbspsugar
- 2 tbspcondensed milk
- 0.25 cupevaporated milk
- 2 cupice
Equipment
glass · pitcher · saucepan · fine-mesh sieve
The method
Step by step
- 1
Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
About 5 min
- 2
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add the Thai tea mix.
- 3
Steep the tea for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully infuse.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: For a stronger tea, you can steep for an additional minute or two, but be careful not to over-steep, which can make the tea bitter.
- 4
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher or container, discarding the tea leaves.
About 1 min
- 5
Stir in the sugar and condensed milk until completely dissolved.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the sweetness to your preference here. You can add more or less sugar/condensed milk.
- 6
Divide the ice equally between two tall glasses.
- 7
Pour the sweetened tea over the ice in each glass.
- 8
Top each glass with a generous splash of evaporated milk.
Cook’s note: The evaporated milk is typically poured directly over the ice, allowing it to slowly swirl down into the tea for a beautiful layered effect.
- 9
Serve immediately and stir before drinking.
Keep it good
Store leftover tea base (without ice or evaporated milk) in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This beverage is meant to be enjoyed cold; do not reheat.
More recipes
All recipessauce
Fred's Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and savory spaghetti sauce made with ground turkey, a variety of vegetables, and classic Italian herbs. This sauce is simmered to develop a rich, deep flavor that's perfect for topping your favorite pasta.
1 hr 40 min 243 kcalmain course
Classic Salade Niçoise
This refreshing French salad features a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and flaky tuna, all brought together with a bright vinaigrette. It's a satisfying and wholesome main course perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
45 min 474 kcalside dish
Mohnnudeln (Poppy Seed Noodles)
Mohnnudeln are a traditional Austrian dish featuring tender potato noodles coated in a rich, buttery poppy seed mixture, often served with a dusting of powdered sugar. They offer a unique sweet and savory flavor profile, making them a comforting and satisfying meal or side.
50 min 549 kcalmain course
Leberknödelsuppe
This comforting German soup features savory liver dumplings simmered in a rich, clear beef broth. It's a hearty and traditional dish, perfect for a warming meal.
1 hr 15 min 208 kcalmain course
Shahi Paneer
Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of Shahi Paneer, a classic North Indian curry featuring tender cubes of paneer cheese enveloped in a luxurious, mildly spiced tomato and cashew-based gravy. This comforting dish offers a symphony of creamy textures and aromatic spices, perfect for a special weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party.
55 min 463 kcalmain course
Kitsune Udon
Savor the comforting embrace of Kitsune Udon, a classic Japanese noodle soup featuring chewy udon noodles swimming in a rich, umami-packed kombu-shiitake dashi. Topped with sweet, savory fried tofu pockets (aburaage), this vegan delight offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
50 minside dish
Mostarda di Frutta
Mostarda is a traditional Italian condiment made from candied fruit and a mustard-flavored syrup. It offers a unique balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, perfect for accompanying richer dishes. This vegan version uses a selection of dried fruits for convenience and concentrated sweetness.
3 hr 45 min 231 kcal