It’s been a hot summer so far, so we’re all looking for ways to cool off when we visit our favorite Nashua restaurants. At Giant of Siam, we have just the thing: Thai iced tea. Thai iced tea, also known as “Cha Yen” in Thai, is a refreshing beverage that has gained popularity worldwide for its unique flavor profile and vibrant appearance.
Thai iced tea’s story began centuries ago, with Chinese immigrants introducing tea to Thailand. Tea has a long and storied history in China, where people cultivated and consumed it for thousands of years. As Chinese traders and immigrants settled in Thailand, they brought with them their knowledge of tea cultivation and preparation, laying the foundation for Thailand’s own tea culture.
Over time, Thai iced tea evolved into its own unique form, influenced by Thailand’s cultural diversity and culinary creativity. Thai tea farmers began experimenting with different varieties of tea leaves, eventually developing a unique blend that would become the hallmark of Thai iced tea. This blend typically includes strong black tea leaves, which often originate in Thailand or neighboring countries.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Thai iced tea is its blend of ingredients. The key components usually include:
Thai Tea Leaves
The base of Thai Iced Tea is a unique blend of black tea leaves, often sourced from Thailand or neighboring countries. These tea leaves are known for their robust flavor and reddish color, which gives the drink its characteristic hue.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Unlike traditional Western iced teas that are often served with lemon or sugar, Thai Iced Tea gets its creamy sweetness from condensed milk. This rich and indulgent ingredient adds a luxurious texture to the drink, balancing out the boldness of the tea.
Sugar
Depending on personal preference, additional sugar can enhance the sweetness of the tea. However, the condensed milk already provides a significant amount of sweetness, so it’s common to leave the additional sugar out of Thai iced tea.
Ice
Pouring the brewed tea over plenty of ice transforms it tea into a refreshing beverage, creating a cool and refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Whether you’re looking for Thai tea or delicious food, you can find plenty of authentic dishes at Giant of Siam. And if you stop in on a particularly hot day, cool off with some Thai iced tea!