What Does Thai Tea Taste Like? A Detailed Answer

A recent dinner with your friend at the Thai restaurant familiarized you with Thai tea. You are a person who gets into the nook and crannies of something before you taste it. That got you thinking, “What does Thai tea taste like?” I have good news for you: your search for the taste of Thai tea ends here.

Thai tea is an amazing blend of various flavors. It tastes sweet with a mild spiciness and earthiness. This is perfectly balanced by the subtle earthy flavor that comes with it. That said, the dominant flavor of Thai tea is that of tea itself. Thai tea tastes sweeter than most brewed teas. 

Over the years, Thai tea has gained popularity due to its distinctive flavor and health benefits. Aren’t you curious to know the big deal about Thai tea and its taste? Let us get into the world of Thai flavors and see what the fuss is all about. 

What Is Thai Tea?

Thai tea is a refreshing drink made using brewed tea and spices. It is served hot or cold; the cold version is known as Thai iced tea. That said, other types of tea are referred to as Thai tea. Traditional Thai tea can mean the teas based on traditional Thai medicine.

Thai tea is made using black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and spices such as cardamom, star anise, turmeric, and cinnamon. Traditional Thai tea used Ceylon tea in place of black tea.

Apart from these commonly used ingredients, food coloring, ice, tapioca pearls, crystal jelly boba, and grass jelly are also used in the making of Thai tea.

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What Does Thai Tea Taste Like?

Coming to the answer which you must be looking for – what Thai tea tastes like. Thai tea has a unique flavor profile (which is why tea lovers are behind it!).

Thai tea has a mildly sweet, spicy, and floral flavor complemented by the amazing flavors of warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Its taste is similar to Southeast Asian dishes such as Pad Thai or Massaman curry.

Generally speaking, Thai tea has a sweeter flavor than most of the teas out there if sweetened or condensed milk is added to it. 

What Is Thai Tea Made Of?

Thai tea is a special beverage from Thailand famous for its flavor, color, and texture. The ingredients play a major part in determining the taste and texture of anything. Let us look into the ingredients and find out what Thai tea is made of.

Thai tea is made of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, evaporated milk, cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise. Additional ingredients include artificial coloring agents, tapioca balls, and grass jelly. 

Why Is Thai Tea So Orange And Bright In Color?

Thai tea is known for its peculiar flavor. Ever thought about why that tea is so orange and bright in color? Here is your answer.

Due to the addition of food coloring, Thai tea is orange and bright in color. Unless you use food coloring, adding evaporated milk to the brewed tea, which is dark red, also gives you bright orange color. 

Food coloring gives an appealing appearance to Thai tea and makes up for the fading of color. Also, this coloring helps us differentiate Thai iced coffee and Thai iced tea since both have a similar color. 

Why Does Thai Tea Taste Like Boba?

Thai tea tastes like boba because it has boba in it. Confused? Alright, alright. I will start with boba first.

Boba refers to nothing but small balls made of cassava starch or tapioca starch. These balls can be found in many flavors and colors, but the most commonly found are black-colored balls. That is why these are also known as black pearls. 

Thai tea doesn’t taste like boba when made traditionally with milk, sugar, and spices. It tastes like boba when served with tapioca pearls and evaporated milk. This is the basic step in preparing Thai bubble tea. It has a bright orange color and a flavor similar to vanilla. 

Why Is Thai Tea So Sweet?

Thai tea is well-known for its authentic and distinctive taste. Its dominant flavor is that of tea itself. However, Thai tea is supposed to be sweeter than most brewed teas. Care to know why?

Thai tea tastes sweet because it has added sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and star anise. Sugar as a sweetener gives the sweet flavor, while star anise provides the sweet licorice flavor to Thai tea.

Sweetened condensed milk also adds sweetness and a sweet, vanilla-like flavor. To put it simply, adding sweeteners, condensed milk, and sweet spices makes Thai tea so sweet in taste. 

Is Thai Tea Bitter?

Thai tea is a tea that tastes sweeter than any other brewed tea. That said, there are times when Thai tea can give you an unpleasant taste and bitter flavor. Let us see why.

Thai tea has a varied flavor profile with sweetness, spiciness, and earthiness mixed in it. However, Thai tea can taste better if your steeping method is wrong.

Steeping the tea at a high temperature or for a long time can cause the tea to taste bitter. Apart from this, a high amount of black tea and less condensed milk can also cause Thai tea to taste bitter. 

Why Does My Thai Tea Taste Sour?

If you are an ardent tea drinker, you can probably guess the answer to this question: why does Thai tea taste sour? Let us see if you guessed it right.

Thai tea can taste sour if it has gone bad. If left for many hours or unrefrigerated, Thai tea tastes bad and sour. This is primarily because the sugar from the sweetened condensed milk breaks down and causes an unpleasant taste. Additionally, incorrect steeping methods can give Thai tea a sour taste. 

Why Does Thai Iced Tea Taste So Good?

Thai iced tea is basically Thai tea that is served cold. Thai iced tea is also one of the most enjoyed teas due to its unique flavor. So what makes Thai iced tea taste so good? Let us find out.

Once the tea is brewed, condensed milk is added, and on top of it, crushed ice is also added. Thai iced tea tastes good because it is an amazing blend of sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and other flavorful spices. Thus, the goodness of Thai iced tea comes from this sweetness! 

What Does Thai Green Milk Tea Taste Like?

I told you in the beginning that many drinks are known under the moniker Thai tea. One among them is Thai green milk tea. Shall we find out what Thai green milk tea tastes like?

Thai green milk tea is made of green tea leaves, mint, jasmine, sweetened condensed milk, ice, and hot water. Thai green milk tea has a minty, fruity flavor than regular Thai tea. The taste of green leaves is beautifully complemented by the jasmine’s minty flavor and sweetness, contributing to its fruity, minty flavor. 

What Does Red Thai Tea Taste Like?

Let us now talk about red Thai tea. Don’t get your colorful hopes up thinking it is red. Red Thai tea is simply Thai tea that is red in color. This tea, when brewed, has an intense red color. There you go! That is your red Thai tea! 

Now, wait a minute. Isn’t it the same as regular Thai tea? With the addition of evaporated condensed milk, this is basically your Thai tea which is light red in color. That is why many call it red Thai tea. Red Thai tea has a sweet, spicy, and floral flavor with a milky, creamy texture.   

What Does Blue Thai Tea Taste Like?

Coming to my favorite color and a blue-colored beverage – blue Thai tea! (You’ve got to give it to Thai people – their drinks are as colorful as their tradition!) Let us know what the blue Thai tea holds in store for us.

Blue Thai tea is made of Thai tea sourced from butterfly pea flowers, boba, and cane sugar. Blue Thai tea has a woody, earthy flavor with a sweet and refreshing aroma. It tastes similar to green teas but with a fragrant aroma. To perk up the flavor of blue Thai tea, you can use lemon, chamomile, honey, and lemongrass.

What Does Thai Cream Tea Taste Like?

It all comes basically from regular Thai tea. Thai tea is made using sugar, milk, and warm spices.

Thai cream tea is just regular Thai tea with a creamy texture. Sweetened condensed milk is responsible for this creamy texture, which is why Thai tea is also known as Thai cream tea. Thai cream tea has a sweet, spicy flavor with the additional flavors of warm spices.

What Does Thai Tea Latte Taste Like?

Thai tea latte is almost similar to Thai iced tea except for the fact that it is not served cold. Thai tea latte is made of brewed Thai tea, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.

That tea latte has a sweet, creamy flavor and a rich texture. It is your version of Thai tea that you can enjoy during the cold weather, although a Thai tea latte is enjoyed all year round. 

Thai Milk Tea Vs. Milk Tea | What Is The Difference?

Now, you must be wondering how different Thai milk tea is from the usual milk tea you enjoy daily. Let me warn you. There are several types of milk tea out there: bubble tea, Hong Kong milk tea, tea latte, masala chai, and British milk tea, to name a few. 

Thai milk tea is a sweet, spicy, creamy beverage made of sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and warm spices. Milk tea, whichever version that is, is made of just tea, milk, and sugar. In fact, adding spices and sweetened condensed milk makes Thai milk tea different from milk tea in flavor and texture. 

Where Can You Buy Thai Tea?

If the ingredients of Thai tea impressed you, you sure would want to know where you can buy Thai tea. Thai tea packs are easily available on many online shopping sites, namely Amazon, Flipkart, and Adagio Teas.

How To Make Delicious Thai Tea?

You must be aware that Thai tea can be relished both hot and cold. So, there are two ways by which you can make delicious Thai tea. Don’t worry. I will tell you all about them here.

Cold Thai Tea/ Thai Iced Tea

• Boil some water, switch off the flame, and add Thai tea mix when it comes to a boil. Add half a cup of tea mix for every six cups of water.
• Add ⅓ cup of granulated sugar into the mixture and let it steep for 15 minutes. 
• Once the tea is cooled, put some ice in a glass and pour it over the tea.
• Now is the time to add some sweetened condensed milk. If you wish to avoid the sugar in condensed milk, go for coconut or cow’s milk. Thai iced tea is ready to be served.

Hot Thai Tea

• Steam Thai tea mixture and prepare a hot tea like the regular version.
• In a cup, add three tablespoons of condensed milk. 
• Pour the hot tea over the condensed milk and stir it. Your hot Thai tea is ready!

What Is The Best Way To Serve Thai Tea?

Thai tea is popularly enjoyed in Thailand, but it is even more popular in Thai restaurants around the globe. Thai tea can be served either hot or cold. It depends on your taste and preferences. Thai tea is usually served cold and relished as Thai iced tea. 

Health Benefits Of Thai Tea

Thai tea is well-known for its distinctive flavor and color. But it has some incredible health benefits too. Let us see what Thai tea promises us:

• Thai tea has a good amount of caffeine, which can boost our bodies and energize us.
• Thai tea is a rich source of antioxidants that can prevent the risk of various diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
• Thai tea can help us treat inflammation, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disorders.
• Consumption of Thai tea can help reduce weight and manage the level of cholesterol in your body.
• Regular consumption of Thai tea can reduce the risk of stroke.

Is Thai Milk Tea Healthy?

I just finished discussing the health benefits of Thai milk tea. You must be thinking I am mad to talk if it is healthy or not. Hey, a writer has his/her reasons!

Thai milk tea is healthy, considering its role in reducing the risk of many diseases, assisting weight gain, and boosting energy. But that is not all, I am afraid. You enjoy Thai milk tea so much due to its sweetness, right? It is not mildly sweet; rather, it is sweeter than most brewed teas. Smell some trouble here?

Thai tea has immense sugar in it from sweetened condensed milk and sugar. That load of sugar, if consumed daily, can cause potential side effects to your body.

Also, remember the part where I told you about food coloring? Well, that isn’t healthy either. Food dyes are produced using petroleum that can cause cancer and hypersensitivity. Thus, it can be said that Thai milk tea is healthy only if enjoyed in moderation. 

Nutritional Content Of Thai Tea

In a 240ml serving of Thai tea, the following nutritional values are observed:

Final Word

That was all about Thai tea and its taste. I am sure the article must have prompted you to try it in tasting Thai tea next time you see it. Thai tea has a sweet, spicy taste and a colorful appearance that appeals to you instantly.

Depending on your taste preferences, it can be enjoyed both hot and cold. So, what are you waiting for? Start brewing and let me know how well you liked the taste of Thai tea. See you soon with another article!

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