While Thai cuisine is renowned for its spices and fresh ingredients, its beverages also stand out for their unique blends of tropical fruits and local herbs. In this country known for its hot climate, refreshing and flavorful drinks are a favorite among both locals and tourists. On the streets of Thailand, you can often find these drinks served in plastic bags filled with ice, pierced with a straw – a fun detail unique to Thai street culture. Here are some must-try drinks in Thailand and the cultural richness behind them.
1. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
Thailand’s most iconic drink, this tea has become an addiction for me. From the first time I tasted it, I fell in love with its flavor and haven’t forgotten it. I still look for it wherever I go. It’s undoubtedly Thailand’s best traditional tea. This aromatic drink is made with condensed milk and plenty of ice. With a slightly sweet, creamy, and refreshing profile, it’s a perfect option to accompany meals or cool off in street markets. A must-try.
Ingredients: Black Thai tea, condensed milk, sugar, ice.
Why Is It So Special?: Thai tea is blended with spices like star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon, giving it a unique aroma and flavor.
2. Nam Manao (Lemon Water)
Another popular drink to cool off under Thailand’s tropical sun is Nam Manao. Made with lemon, sugar, and ice, this drink is both simple and highly refreshing. Especially in Thailand’s hot climate, a cold glass of Nam Manao is like a sip of heaven.
Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, ice.
Tip: Sometimes a pinch of salt is added, which gives the drink an interesting depth.
3. Cha Dam Yen (Iced Black Tea)
Another popular version of tea in Thailand is Cha Dam Yen, or iced black tea. This simple drink is sweetened with sugar, made without milk, and offers a light and refreshing taste. It’s ideal for those who prefer drinks that aren’t too sugary.
Ingredients: Black tea, sugar, ice.
Taste Note: A light and refreshing option for those who don’t like strong flavors.
4. Oliang (Thai Iced Coffee)
For coffee lovers, Oliang is a must-try in Thailand. Thai coffee differs from others as it’s made by blending dark roasted coffee beans with sugar, condensed milk, and ice. Its creamy texture and strong aroma make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Ingredients: Dark roasted coffee, sugar, condensed milk, ice.
History: Coffee culture in Thailand was influenced by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century, and this drink is considered part of their cultural heritage.
5. Nam Bai Toey (Pandan Leaf Drink)
In Thailand, pandan leaves are often used in both desserts and beverages. Nam Bai Toey is a drink made with the distinctive aroma of pandan leaves. Light green in color, this drink is both refreshing and tropical in taste. Pandan leaves are also known in traditional Thai medicine for their calming properties.
Ingredients: Pandan leaves, water, sugar, ice.
Health Benefits: Pandan leaves are said to aid digestion and cool the body.
6. Coconut Water
In Thailand, you can find fresh coconut water not only at the beach but also on many streets. The water inside a freshly cut coconut is consumed as a natural, refreshing drink. Moreover, it’s rich in electrolytes, making it especially popular among athletes and tourists.
Ingredients: Natural coconut water.
Why Popular?: It’s known as a natural and healthy source of hydration on hot Thai days, rich in potassium and low in calories.
7. Loy Krathong Cocktails
Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s famous festivals, is known for its floating flower arrangements lit with candles. During this festival, fruit-based cocktails become popular. Especially those made with tropical fruits like coconut, mango, and pineapple, complement the festive atmosphere.
Featured Flavors: Mango, pineapple, and coconut combine with cocktails that match the festive spirit.
8. Sato (Thai Rice Wine)
One of Thailand’s traditional alcoholic beverages, Sato, is a type of rice wine made from fermented rice. It is especially popular in northern Thailand’s Isaan region. This drink is usually served at large local events and is considered part of ancient Thai culture.
Ingredients: Rice, yeast.
Historical Context: Sato has been part of celebrations in rural Thailand for centuries.
9. Nam Anchan (Butterfly Pea Tea)
Nam Anchan, known for its striking blue color, is a natural herbal tea made from the butterfly pea flower. Widely consumed in northern Thailand, this drink can be served hot or cold. Additionally, when lemon or lime juice is added, an acidic reaction turns the blue color to purple, making it visually entertaining as well.
Ingredients: Butterfly pea flower, water, lemon or honey (optional).
Health Benefits: Nam Anchan is rich in antioxidants, known for enhancing memory, reducing stress, and improving skin health.
10. Coco Yen (Iced Cocoa)
For chocolate lovers, Coco Yen is a must-try in Thailand. Made from iced cocoa, this sweet and refreshing drink is prepared with rich cocoa flavor and milk. It’s a popular cooling sweet treat, especially on hot days.
Ingredients: Cocoa powder, sugar, milk, ice.
Why Is It Loved?: Coco Yen is the refreshing, iced version of classic hot cocoa, offering a rich chocolate flavor and icy texture for a cooling dessert experience. It is usually served with whipped cream or extra chocolate sauce on top.
Sweet and Icy: In Thailand’s hot climate, Coco Yen is a go-to drink for chocolate lovers looking to cool off, offering a treat that’s both sweet and refreshing.
11. Cha Manao (Lime Iced Tea)
One of Thailand’s most beloved refreshing drinks, Cha Manao is a combination of lime (key lime) and black tea. Both acidic and slightly sweet, this drink is a great choice to quench your thirst on hot days. Especially in Thailand’s tropical climate, Cha Manao is often served with lots of ice and is a popular choice to accompany Thai meals.
Ingredients: Black tea, fresh lime juice, sugar, ice.
Why Is It Popular?: This drink balances the strong flavor of tea with the refreshing sourness of lime, providing a well-rounded acidity. It’s both refreshing and, thanks to the tea’s light stimulating effect, energizing.
A Different Experience: In some versions, honey is added to balance the lime’s sourness, giving the drink a sweet depth.
12. Nam Oy (Sugarcane Juice)
In Thailand’s streets, especially on hot days, you can often find Nam Oy, a refreshing drink made from freshly pressed sugarcane. The natural sweetness of the sugarcane makes this drink perfect for cooling down in Thailand’s tropical heat. Street vendors usually serve it freshly squeezed, and it’s known as a healthy and energy-boosting drink, thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains.
Ingredients: Fresh sugarcane juice, ice.
Why Is It Popular?: Nam Oy hydrates and energizes the body with its natural sweetness and high water content. It’s particularly popular among locals, and the taste is best when freshly pressed.
Health Benefits: Sugarcane juice cools the body, aids digestion, and provides a quick energy boost. It also contains beneficial minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.
13. Nam Matoom (Bael Juice)
Another traditional drink widely consumed in Thailand is Nam Matoom, made from the bael fruit (wood apple). The bael fruit is dried and steeped in hot water, creating a mildly sweet, earthy, and aromatic drink. In Thailand, this fruit holds an important place due to its health benefits.
Ingredients: Dried bael fruit, water, sugar (optional).
Health Benefits: Known for its digestive benefits, it is also rich in antioxidants and helps cool the body.
Why Should You Try It?: Both delicious and healthy, this drink is a popular choice in Thailand, especially for cooling off on hot days.
14. Pink Milk (Nom Yen)
Pink Milk, a favorite among children and those who love sweet drinks, is a vibrant pink-colored beverage. Made with sweetened milk, rose syrup, and ice, Nom Yen is widely sold by street vendors across Thailand, delighting with both its color and sweetness.
Ingredients: Sweetened milk, rose syrup, ice.
Why Is It Popular?: With its pink color and sweet taste, it’s especially beloved by young people. Nom Yen is a colorful and sweet option for those looking to cool off.
Sweet Refreshment: This drink, which you’ll frequently encounter in Thailand’s cafes and streets, is not only refreshing but also Instagram-worthy thanks to its visual appeal.
15. Green Tea Milk
The combination of green tea and milk is a very popular drink in Thailand. Green Tea Milk is often enjoyed on hot days in Thailand, with its sweet and creamy texture being a standout. It’s an ideal drink for green tea lovers.
Ingredients: Green tea, milk, sugar, ice.
Why Should You Try It?: The slight bitterness of green tea and the sweet creaminess of milk create the perfect balance. It’s both energizing and refreshing.
16. Nam Krajeab (Roselle Juice)
Nam Krajeab is a lightly sour and refreshing drink made from the hibiscus flower. In Thailand, it’s consumed both hot and cold and is seen as a healthy and delicious alternative. It’s often sweetened with syrup and served with lots of ice.
Ingredients: Hibiscus (roselle) flower, sugar, water, ice.
Health Benefits: Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting the immune system and cooling the body. It’s also known to help regulate blood pressure.
Why Is It Popular?: Both health-friendly and naturally cooling, Nam Krajeab is an ideal choice for refreshing yourself on hot days in Thailand. Its bright red color also makes it stand out.
17. Ovaltine Phu Khao Fai (Ovaltine Volcano)
A famous drink for sweet lovers in Thailand, Ovaltine Phu Khao Fai is made by piling a mountain of Ovaltine powder on top of an icy milk mixture. Sweetened with condensed milk and sugar, this drink offers a rich chocolate and malt flavor, providing both a refreshing and energizing treat. The heavy use of Ovaltine powder gives the drink a “volcano” appearance, making it a popular choice for its fun presentation.
Ingredients: Ovaltine powder, condensed milk, fresh milk, ice.
Why Is It Popular?: Ovaltine’s rich and sweet malt aroma is especially loved among the younger generation in Thailand. The fun presentation of the drink can be seen often at street stalls and cafes.
Sweet and Rich: This drink is a fun way to satisfy your sweet cravings and is part of Thailand’s creative street food culture.
18. Nam Manglak (Grass Jelly Drink)
Especially popular during the summer months, Nam Manglak is a refreshing drink made with basil seeds and grass jelly. Slightly sweet, this drink is commonly found at street stalls. The basil seeds add a slightly crunchy texture to the drink, while the grass jelly gives it a subtle minty and herbal flavor.
Ingredients: Basil seeds, grass jelly, sugar syrup, ice.
Why Is It Popular?: The basil seeds and grass jelly offer both a cooling and light drinking experience. The basil seeds also swell, adding an interesting texture to the drink.
Health Benefits: Known for aiding digestion, this drink is a healthy and natural way to cool down in Thailand.
19. Nam Daeng (Red Soda)
Frequently consumed in Thailand, Nam Daeng catches the eye with its bright red color. This sweet and refreshing drink is made from red syrup and soda water. Widely found at street stalls, Nam Daeng is a simple but refreshing choice. It is usually served with lots of ice and is often made with rose or sala (a popular Thai fruit) syrup.
Ingredients: Red syrup (typically rose or sala), soda or fizzy water, ice.
Why Is It Popular?: With its sweet and lightly fizzy nature, Nam Daeng is a refreshing drink, especially popular on hot Thai days among both locals and tourists. It’s a colorful and invigorating drink.
A Street Food Favorite: With its simple preparation and vibrant appearance, Nam Daeng is a staple of Thai street culture.
20. Nom Sod (Fresh Milk)
Nom Sod is a popular drink in Thailand for those who enjoy simple, fresh milk. Usually served hot or cold, fresh milk is sometimes enriched with sweeteners like sugar, honey, or condensed milk. You’ll come across Nom Sod in cafes and street stalls, and while it’s usually served plain, it can sometimes be flavored with pandan leaves or chocolate.
Ingredients: Fresh milk, sugar or honey (optional), ice (for the cold version).
Why Is It Loved?: Both children and adults love this drink, offering a simple yet refreshing milky taste. It’s sometimes flavored with different aromas, adding more excitement to the drink.
Hot or Cold: Nom Sod is the ideal drink for those who enjoy plain fresh milk, served hot on cold days and cold on hot days.
Conclusion
Just like its cuisine, Thai beverages offer a wide variety and richness. Blending tropical fruits, aromatic teas, and traditional drinks, this cultural heritage promises a journey into Thailand’s vibrant world with every sip. If you ever find yourself in Thailand, don’t forget to try the drinks on this list!