Authentic Thai Milk Tea 🧋🇹🇭 | Rich, Creamy & Refreshing

Authentic Thai Milk Tea, also known as Cha Yen, is one of Thailand’s most popular drinks. It is made with strongly brewed Thai tea, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and plenty of ice. The result is a rich, creamy, fragrant drink with the famous bright orange colour found in Thai cafés and street-food stalls.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Brewing Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 large glass

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Thai tea mix

• 200 ml hot water

• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 1–2 tablespoons sugar

• 30 ml evaporated milk

• 30 ml fresh milk, optional

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 1–2 tablespoons evaporated milk for topping

Instructions

1. Boil the water.
   Bring the water to a boil and pour it into a heatproof jug or saucepan.

2. Add the Thai tea.
   Add the Thai tea mix to the hot water and stir gently.

3. Brew the tea.
   Leave the tea to steep for approximately 5–7 minutes. Brew it slightly stronger than regular tea because the milk and ice will dilute the flavour.

4. Strain the tea.
   Pour the brewed tea through a fine mesh strainer or tea filter into a clean jug. Remove all the tea leaves.

5. Sweeten the tea.
   While the tea is still hot, add the sweetened condensed milk and sugar.

6. Mix well.
   Stir until the condensed milk and sugar have completely dissolved.

7. Add the milk.
   Pour in the evaporated milk and fresh milk, if using. Stir until the tea becomes smooth and creamy.

8. Prepare the glass.
   Fill a tall serving glass completely with ice cubes.

9. Pour the Thai milk tea.
   Slowly pour the prepared tea mixture over the ice.

10. Add the creamy topping.
    Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of evaporated milk over the top to create a beautiful café style layer.

11. Serve.
    Serve immediately with a straw. Stir well before drinking.

Hot Thai Milk Tea

For a warm version, prepare the tea using the same method but leave out the ice.

Pour the hot sweetened tea into a cup and add the evaporated milk. Serve immediately.

Kift’s Tips

• Use an authentic Thai tea mix for the traditional orange colour and aroma.

• Brew the tea strongly so its flavour remains rich after adding milk and ice.

• Do not steep the tea for too long, as it may become bitter.

• Adjust the sugar and condensed milk according to your preferred sweetness.

• Use chilled milk so the ice melts more slowly.

• Fill the serving glass completely with ice for the traditional Thai street style drink.

• Evaporated milk creates the classic creamy flavour, but fresh milk can be added for a lighter taste.

• For an extra rich drink, add an additional tablespoon of condensed milk.

• Pour the evaporated milk slowly over the top to create an attractive layered appearance.

• For a dairy free version, use coconut condensed milk and oat, soy, or coconut milk.

Storage Instructions

Thai Milk Tea is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.

The prepared tea mixture can be stored without ice in a sealed bottle or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Shake or stir well before serving because the milk may naturally separate.

Add fresh ice and the evaporated milk topping only when ready to serve.

Watch the Recipe Video

See how Kift makes this refreshing Authentic Thai Milk Tea step by step:

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BpPx_WTb-Ts

Cook With Kift — Bringing authentic Thai flavours to your kitchen.