Thai Green Tea should not be confused with Green Tea from Japan. The beverage is a sweet, creamy version of the Japanese Green Tea, and it hardly resembles the regular cup of green tea. In the Thai language, the drink is known as ‘Cha Kieow Nom Yen”. The Thai Green Tea infuses some matcha into the drink, which gives it the green hue and flavour.
The Thai Green Tea is similar to Thai Iced Tea that is made with black tea, milk and sugar. The drink is simple to make and the ingredients needed to make it is very minimal. Matcha is an essential ingredient in the drink as it enhances the flavour of the tea, and is said to have some health benefits.
What is Thai Green Tea?
The Thai Green Tea is a popular Thai drink that is similar to their Thai tea, with an added matcha flavour. The drink is usually served hot, and can even be found at massage and yoga places in Thailand. These days, the Thai Green Tea is made into a powder form for easy and quick preparation when needed.
The beverage can be made by adding the Thai green tea mix into a filter. Proceed to pour boiling water through the filter and into a large jug. Repeat the process a few more times and then mix the green tea with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. Top off the drink with milk foam for a more bubbly experience. Boba lovers can enjoy the beverage by adding some brown sugar boba into the drink.
History of Thai Green Tea
The history of tea in Thailand first came about from King Rama IV and King Rama V during the early nineteenth century. At that time, the British were residing in Thailand, and they brought tea into the country. Tea became the go-to drink of the elites and tea-drinking became a popular trend.
After the drink was served to the masters, the domestic workers will reuse the tea leaves for a few more times before discarding it. They would add colouring into the drink when the tea would fade, to create a more appealing drink. Currently, the Thai Tea trend has spread throughout the country, and many versions of the much-loved tea drink have stemmed from it, such as the Thai Green Tea. Tea is also one of the most consumed beverages in the world, after plain water.
Variations of the Thai Green Tea
In Thailand, the Cha Dam Yen (“Dark Thai Iced Tea”) is a kind of cold Thai tea that is served without milk and only sugar to sweeten the drink. Another type of Thai tea is the Cha Manau (“Lime Thai Tea”), which includes lime as a flavouring and is sweetened with sugar. Occasionally, mint will be added to the Cha Manau to enhance its flavour.
Variations of the creamy tea can be seen throughout Southeast Asia and Asia. Teh Tarik is a hot milk tea drink, and it is a popular drink in Malaysia and Singapore. The beverage is made with black tea and condensed milk. Hong Kong has its version of milk tea (奶茶) that is widely consumed by locals during lunchtime.
Where to find Thai Green Tea in Malaysia
Looking for something to quench your thirst? Head on out to Thai House Authentic Milk Tea (Johor Bahru), Leisure Tea Vegetarian (Kuala Lumpur) or even Boat Noodle (Anywhere in the Klang Valley) for some tasty Thai Green Tea!
Find more Thai cuisine on foodpanda!